VISION 32—THE ART OF ILLUMINATED LEARNING
A series of slender envelopes contained within an
overall faceted shell creates a sequence of easy
flowing, connecting volumes and spatial rhythms.
The main east- west gallery features a soaring,
north-facing glass and steel gallery as dappled
light is trapped within. The internal windows assist
thermal stability and maintain a deep daylight wash.
The Deodor Cedar is a sentinel-like pivot between
the old and new and this organic connection flows
throughout with an ambience of warm-toned
timbers, filtered daylight and radiating space.
The building’s western edge responds to the
curvature of Mandeville Crescent and gives the
school a new public entry. The steel façade provides
solar protection, visual privacy and accentuates key
vistas through the angle of vertical fins. East and
west façades are animated by the vertical fins with
changes of direction, light and shade.
With a better than expected tender result the school
extended the commission for a new shelter and
meeting or congregation place for up to 1300.
The chequer-board pergola of steel and glass
provides a striking canopy of patterned, geometric
rigour with shadow and sunlight blanketing the
tiered seating plinths. More often, it’s a focus
for student social networking from Prep right
through to Year 12.
The idea of connection both
visual and physical is about
the use of materials, and glass
being a predominate one in
terms of how we translate
that link between outside
and inside.
JOHN SPRUNT, ARCHITECT
10