Burwood Girls High School Performance Space and STEM Classroom | Carter Williamson

Burwood Girls High School Performance Space and STEM Classroom | Carter Williamson | Photographer: Brett Boardman

2023 National Architecture Awards Program

Burwood Girls High School Performance Space and STEM Classroom | Carter Williamson

Traditional Land Owners
Wangal People of the Dharug Nation
Year
2023
Chapter

New South Wales

Category
Educational Architecture
EmAGN Project Award
Builder
NPM Indigenous
Photographer
Brett Boardman
Project summary

The performance space and STEM classroom on Wangal country at Burwood Girls High School makes a bold, colourful statement through a detailed yet simple form. Designed to inspire students in their performances and scientific pursuits, while providing a high-quality teaching and learning space – a landmark creative hub.

Easily legible yet dramatic, the project rises to a sharp peak. The weatherboard-clad first-floor form is perforated by two expansive glazed sections, allowing natural light to beam in while providing ample views and ventilation.

Shading is provided by thirteen striking timber shutters, painted on both sides in a bright rainbow palette. The chosen colours reflect the diverse backgrounds of the students and their positive and inclusive attitudes to life.

While the external form remained simple, the section is playful. A substantial void adds natural light and ventilation to the ground floor, acting as a thermal chimney for STEM projects.

New South Wales Jury Presentation

Burwood Girls High School promotes opportunities for students to excel in STEM initiatives and Performing Arts. The school was built in 1929 and hence has limited facilities for students to initiate and innovate in STEM and Performing Arts. The idea of renovating an old toilet block and building an extension to provide an additional facility is important to the school community and was discussed at P&C meeting in 2017. The concept of the building reflects the nature of the school – innovative, inspirational, and ideal to meet the learning needs of students from 2022 onwards. Our dream has become a reality!

Connect with Carter Williamson
Burwood Girls High School Performance Space and STEM Classroom | Carter Williamson | Photographer: Brett Boardman

This form is now closed.