Aspect Treetop School Administration + GLA

Aspect Treetop School caters for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ranging from 5 to 17 years of age. With an ongoing demand for special education services in SA, DesignInc collaborated with Aspect and Sarah Constructions on the expansion of the campus. DesignInc adopted a stakeholder co-design process as a key driver for the design, ensuring the final outcome would be a ‘fit-for-purpose’ facility.

Utilising specialist design principles

Design principles, based on the ASPECTSS™ Design Index, were embedded into the design. Drawing on research and discussions with stakeholders on-site, the new Administration and GLA building is a carefully considered learning environment for students that employs simple curves, muted colours and natural materials with consideration given to product sustainability and longevity.

Location: Kaurna Country
Ashford, South Australia
Client: Sarah Constructions, Aspect Australia
Value: $2.8M
Scale: 680m²
Year: 2021
Project Contact: Richard Stafford
Photography: Tom Roschi Photography
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Simplified, repetitive, regular design with sensory zoning

The structural form is simplified and repetitive, responding to the design criteria of spatial sequencing and the affinity of individuals diagnosed with ASD to routine and regularity. Sensory zoning facilitates the transition between high and low stimulus areas. Acoustic treatments minimise noise and reverberation to assist user focus, while escape pods provide respite from sensory overload.

If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say ‘calm’. We are seeing a huge difference in the way the students engage with us and each other.
Dee Bria
Treetop School Coordinator, Aspect Australia

Adaptable, functional design

Overall the building is functionally adaptable to the level of stimulus required for the different styles of pedagogy at the school. Classrooms open up to flow into breakout spaces or close off for maximum sound separation from ambient noise. A dedicated kitchen provides a suitable teaching space for students to learn life skills to transition to typical environments. An indoor climbing gym and exercise room extend to the external play space for outdoor activities.

During instructional lessons, the new classroom features reduce sensory overload and allow for focused concentration. But importantly, the sensory play area has become an area for social connection that is meaningful to them.
Dee Bria
Treetop School Coordinator, Aspect Australia