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St Thomas' Primary School
Administration

These spaces provide our staff with contemporary facilities that promote and support collaboration, professionalism and well-being… We are absolutely thrilled with the end result!

Michael Armstrong
Principal
St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School

The original brick building was designed by Brisbane Architect JP Donahue and constructed in 1936-37. The building was originally designed as a teaching space but used for administration, the main entry was central to the building which split the administration functions. The narrow nature of the building lent itself to offsetting the new internal spaces, creating an interesting cranked corridor. The existing art deco features including high ceilings, exposed beams and ornate cornice have all been preserved. The colour and lighting has been selected to pay respect to the original building.

Although the volume of existing staff room was generous, the mixed use of the area as well the level difference between the staff room and the administration functional areas proved difficult. The introduction of an internal ramp connects the two buildings and provide a large open multi-functional and flexible retreat for staff members to recharge, catch up, wind down, relax and enjoy. Collaborative working spaces, formal and casual meetings (both seated, and on the move) and small group chat spaces have all been considered in the design.

St Thomas' Primary School
Administration

These spaces provide our staff with contemporary facilities that promote and support collaboration, professionalism and well-being… We are absolutely thrilled with the end result!

Michael Armstrong
Principal
St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School

The original brick building was designed by Brisbane Architect JP Donahue and constructed in 1936-37. The building was originally designed as a teaching space but used for administration, the main entry was central to the building which split the administration functions. The narrow nature of the building lent itself to offsetting the new internal spaces, creating an interesting cranked corridor. The existing art deco features including high ceilings, exposed beams and ornate cornice have all been preserved. The colour and lighting has been selected to pay respect to the original building.

Although the volume of existing staff room was generous, the mixed use of the area as well the level difference between the staff room and the administration functional areas proved difficult. The introduction of an internal ramp connects the two buildings and provide a large open multi-functional and flexible retreat for staff members to recharge, catch up, wind down, relax and enjoy. Collaborative working spaces, formal and casual meetings (both seated, and on the move) and small group chat spaces have all been considered in the design.

DESIGN FEATURES

Asset 6

Connectivity and Socialisation
Public and private spaces for group activity or quiet retreat and relaxation

Asset 9

Flexibility of Space
Multi-purpose staff spaces for formal and casual meetings, and collaborative or individual working spaces

Asset 10

Sense of Place
Formal entry central to the school with connection to a new sacred space

Asset 11

Awareness of Environment
Connection to the outdoors, visible Environmentally Sustainable Design solutions.

The new formal entry makes sense of the way the site is traversed, it is more inviting and comfortable and provides direct connection to a covered waiting area and adjacent landscaped sacred space.

The new student entry is private and secure with direct access to administration staff and sick bay.

The internal staff retreat has a direct connection with the new landscaped staff terrace, views back to the original art deco building, across to the sacred space and high level glimpses of the historic fig tree.

PROJECT TEAM

Structural & Civil Engineers:  Milanovic Neale Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineer:  Umow Lai
Hydraulic Consultant:  MRP Hydraulic and Fire Services Consultants
Building Contractor:  inSite Construction
Project Photographer:  Scott Burrows Photographer

 

DESIGN FEATURES

Asset 6

Connectivity and Socialisation
Public and private spaces for group activity or quiet retreat and relaxation

Asset 9

Flexibility of Space
Multi-purpose staff spaces for formal and casual meetings, and collaborative or individual working spaces

Asset 10

Sense of Place
Formal entry central to the school with connection to a new sacred space

Asset 11

Awareness of Environment
Connection to the outdoors, visible Environmentally Sustainable Design solutions.

The new formal entry makes sense of the way the site is traversed, it is more inviting and comfortable and provides direct connection to a covered waiting area and adjacent landscaped sacred space.

The new student entry is private and secure with direct access to administration staff and sick bay.

The internal staff retreat has a direct connection with the new landscaped staff terrace, views back to the original art deco building, across to the sacred space and high level glimpses of the historic fig tree.

PROJECT TEAM

Structural & Civil Engineers:  Milanovic Neale Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineer:  Umow Lai
Hydraulic Consultant:  MRP Hydraulic and Fire Services Consultants
Building Contractor:  inSite Construction
Project Photographer:  Scott Burrows Photographer

 

VIEW MORE COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

St Thomas’ Primary School Administration

“These spaces provide our staff with contemporary facilities that promote and support collaboration, professionalism and

Ozcare Regional Office

“With over three decades of experience on Ozcare projects the Enrich Architecture team provide value

VIEW MORE COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

St Thomas’ Primary School Administration

“These spaces provide our staff with contemporary facilities that promote and support collaboration, professionalism and

Ozcare Regional Office

“With over three decades of experience on Ozcare projects the Enrich Architecture team provide value