Victoria
Carlton Gardens Primary School is a substantial 2165 sq m expansion of the existing heritage school in Carlton.
The 4-storey, 23-classroom design is informed by school consultation with the prep classes who requested the building be made of pink Lego, have a garden on the roof and an aquarium with fish.
The design is a rational double-loaded plan with a regular grid which maximises usable teaching spaces and the use of the very limited development space available at the school. Bridges connect all buildings and enable disabled access to the whole school. ESD principles were applied extensively, featuring mechanically heated and cooled classrooms with openable windows, ceiling fans, excellent acoustics and insulation.
Design Innovation was created with Wurundjeri consultation and includes a stainless steel slide from first level to ground, open plan teaching for upper grades and covered nature play spaces for hot and wet weather use.
Embracing student requests for pink Lego and a giant slide, this project packs a lot into a tight site, delivering high efficiency with playful moments. Order is prioritised to deliver value, enabling an open ground plane and a series of inviting light-filled perimeter classrooms.
Persuasive versatility is demonstrated by the successful loose-fit top floor. Breeze blocks and perforated screens add a lyrical overlay, mediating edges and framing external views. This project is commendably bright and robust with compelling adaptability.
Angela Reid, Documentation draftperson
Catherine Quinn, Design Architect
Dan Demant, Project Architect
Eloise Coyle, Project Architect
James Oberin, Design Architect
Kim Atkinson, Graduate of Architecture
Peter Malatt, Design Architect
Simon O’Brien, Design Architect
Thomas Chiew, Graduate of Architecture
BEAC, ESD Consultant
George Apted and Associates, Civil Consultant
George Apted and Associates, Structural Engineer
Michael Taylor Architecture & Heritage, Hydraulic Consultant
Philip Chun and Associates, Building Surveyor
SBLA, Landscape Consultant
SPA Consulting, Services Consultant
Warrington, fire engineer
Watson Moss Growcott, Acoustic Consultant
Wilde and Woollard, Cost Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
