Ultimo-Pyrmont Public School
A new educational model is proposed in redeveloping this inner-Sydney primary school. The design strategy dissolves the classroom/playground divide with flexible learning spaces that expand into playgrounds, verandahs and walkways.
In this urban setting, landscape is key, with gardens and water features to enhance sensory experiences and promote activity. Building mass and terracing will use the steep site to control noise and access from a busy street abutment. Terraces carved into the site from its days as a quarry will be used to create three distinct playground levels for: kindergarten, years 1 and 2, and years 3 to 6, with visual surveillance between the three.
Winning an international design competition in December 2016, the scheme expands student capacity from 285 to 800, and adds community childcare and library facilities.
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CLIENT
NSW Department of Education
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LOCATION
Ultimo, NSW
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SCALE
12,300 m² + 6,000 m² external learning areas
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VALUE
$30 million
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PROJECT LEADERSHIP
Sandeep Amin Miriam Enoch -
COLLABORATORS
DesignInc in association with Lacoste + Stevenson and BMC2 (France)
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Images by Doug & Wolf
Sandeep Amin , Managing DirectorOur vision is that the school seamlessly blends imagination and nature to enrich the early learning journey.
Environmentally sustainable features include reused photovoltaic cells and a displacement ventilation system, where outside air is supplied below the library floor level and is relieved at high level for chimney-effect ventilation through the three-storey library and general learning spaces.
Nurture with nature
- Sensory landscaping: rainforest, harvest and market garden
- Assembly hall for 800 students overlooks Wentworth Park
- Learning areas with natural light and cross-ventilation
- Community access to select spaces and facilities
- Three-storey library sited to buffer neighbourhood noise
Design excellence competition juryA fresh, creative and playful architectural expression. This scheme raises amenity standards for early learning centres in Australia.
The University of Melbourne Engineering Workshop and Old Engineering Building Refurbishment
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