OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY SCHOOL, KENMORE

 Our design approach incorporated developing a ‘master plan’ that identified the complete needs of a growing school. We looked for a precinct that would form the ‘heart’ within the school, a central place where the whole school would gravitate towards. This new precinct would link the performing arts centre whilst improving accessibility and connectivity. 

By introducing a ‘heart’ would invigorate the school community for now and well into the future. The ‘master plan’ identified a space that would open onto an existing quadrangle. By creating an interconnection between the quadrangle and the new built achieved a combined gathering area that caters for over 3000 people. This space is used for school assemblies and performances. This space also functions as a community gathering area which involves a wider community.

To improve school accessibility, the new ‘master plan’ identified a potential new entry to the school, within the budget of the project. This incorporates a separate public entry to the performing arts centre which reduces congestion at peak school hours. A ‘play of scale and volume’ was introduced as a transition between the hall and the quadrangle, thus introducing a friendlier play area. The decision to cantilever the performing arts centre over the existing car park, not only retained the functionality of the car park but also increased the overall car park numbers.  

The brightly coloured canteen forms a signature element to the precinct. A music practice room was created by building into the under croft space of an existing building. To celebrate the rhythm of the eucalyptus trees that dots the school, we adopted a deep metal screen on the western face of the build. The screen played on the rhythm of light and shade. This allows a full height window opening and creates a well-lit interiors and abundance of cross ventilation.