To help attain the required acoustic standards, a performance window system was specified, comprising 6mm LowE Prime / 12mm argon/ 6.38mm AGGLam Clear Laminate – Total System Rw35 windows, with glass units manufactured by the Australian Glass Group, and aluminium window suites manufactured by Greenstar Windows.

Ivana says cross-flow ventilation was also optimised by layering spaces and shading to create pressure differentials to generate natural ventilation and strategic placement of operable external windows to allow cooling breezes to flow through learning spaces.

In addition, the landscape strategy integrated the planting of dense native trees and shrubs to screen adjoining residents and soften expanses of pavement, relocated and expanded a community garden and maximised outdoor play options.

The school’s design earned a 4 Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia in the Design & As Built v1.2 rating category.

To optimise the learning environment for students and integrate its buildings contextually, Ivana says they designed a folded origami-like envelope to wrap the building, packaging it in forms that inspire young students to unfold and unpack it in their imagination.

“Origami entails a rigid process of applied logic on a simple single ingredient: a single sheet of paper, yet the outcomes are limitless.

“With a modest budget, we have used the robust and readily available materials of masonry, precast concrete and metal sheeting in a non-conventional manner to create an engaging, tactile environment.”

Ivana says angular lines connect the rooftop to ground level to help break down the school’s scale and relate to the pitched roofs of homes in the surrounding context.

A mixture of bespoke patterns and varying overlapping materials respond to the school’s aspirations to build its identity and sense of community while providing a captivating experience for students.