The school provides a suitable environment with a high level of therapeutic support and excellent teaching. Students safe guarding was a key design element, resulting in the need for single storey only accommodation, and a dedicated and managed secure student drop off and pick up at the front of the school. Education is personalised to each student, with an emphasis on supporting transitions to life beyond schooling and becoming integral members of their community. The layout revolves around a central courtyard heart, allowing daylight and air to penetrate the circulation spaces and allow passive supervision. The classrooms utilise pitched roofs that discourage anti-social behaviour and allow environmental benefits. Each classroom has access to a ‘calm room’ to allow children to retreat when required.
Given the nature of students attending the school, there was a need for finishes to be robust and secure. Brick forms the ground level external façade employing a horizontal band at window and door height to break up the mass. Glazed yellow bricks playfully highlights the entrances alongside colour matched window frames. There was an importance to construct a secure building, but also to create a nurturing environment for students. A visually strong saw tooth roof allows the school to stand out as a civic building, removed from the classic institutional look.
Photography by Simon Kennedy.
