Abandoning traditional classrooms in favour of an ‘activity based team teaching’ model, this project contains two open plan ‘learning neighbourhoods’ across two levels.
This project is the final stage in the implementation of a three stage master plan done by Workshop Architecture in 2004, replacing an existing cluster of seven relocatable classrooms with a single, purpose built two storey teaching facility.
Design Response
A new site entry is created from Errol Street to the north-west, reconnecting the school, named Errol Street Primary to its namesake. The alignment of the new building along its northern edge reinforces views to the original heritage school building and allows the existing courtyard to open onto a new play area which forms a forecourt to the new building. From the entry its roofline is stepped to the north, reducing its scale against the playground edge and the heritage building alike, whilst allowing for controlled entry of sunlight deep into the floor plan.
This project required innovation from the ground up to achieve exemplary outcomes on a shoestring budget.
The traditional classroom teaching model has been abandoned in favour of the ‘activity based team teaching’ model. This creates spaces somewhat like an internal playground for learning with dedicated activity areas for reading, listening, making, performing and computing within two open plan ‘learning neighbourhoods’ of 100 students downstairs and 75 students upstairs, the detailed design of which was carried out in consultation with Mary Featherston.
An innovative mixed mode air conditioning and ventilation system was also developed to control temperature, air quality and CO2 levels. In mild weather the windows are opened whilst during hot or cold weather, the windows are closed and heat exchange ventilation units are activated to provide high O2 content fresh air with minimal loss of heating and cooling energy.
North Melbourne Primary Design Specifications
Core deliverables
Dedicated activity areas for reading, listening, making, performing and computing
Two open plan ‘learning neighbourhoods’ of 100 students downstairs and 75 students upstairs
Services Provided
Full Services
Architect
Workshop Architecture
People
Project Director: James Staughton Project Team: James Staughton, Tony Styant-Browne, Simone Koch, Wassim Sidhom, Adam Dettrick Photographer: John Gollings
North Melbourne Primary School Stage 3, Open House Melbourne, July 27-28, 2013
Related projects
Newcomb Park Primary School
Built - imaginarily - from a variety of industrial components, reassembled to deliver flexible and intimate spaces that celebrate the once industrial area.
Drawing out Burrinja Cultural Centre’s diverse and socially connected qualities, visual arts activities are bound together and brought to the foreground of a visitor’s experience.
A small project of significant impact, existing library, service and outdoor spaces were transformed into a dynamic learning facility for STEM and Art.
Reinventing the existing primary school in response to contemporary needs in a growing area with great ethnic diversity and significant social disadvantage.
