Wurundjeri
Victorian
Located in the suburb of Broadmeadows, the brief was to provide a new classroom building for Meadows Primary School, to accommodate 200 students. The school’s students come from diverse backgrounds, many with English as an Additional Language and a significant number have experienced trauma. As such, a primary focus was to provide rational, calm, and secure spaces, which responded to the specific needs of the students. The building looks to provide a welcoming space for the school and broader community and foster a sense of pride for the school.
The linear gable form of building reflects the domestic character of the surrounding neighbourhood. The material palette is intentionally neutral and robust. Brick walls are articulated by full height, recessive black window bays. Danpalon cladding provides diffuse light to entry areas. Internally, a geometric play of colour acts as a wayfinding device to identify classrooms along the main corridor.
From the beginning, Project 12 Architecture have taken the time to understand our school context and diverse needs of our students. They have developed their understanding of inclusive education environments and listened respectfully and without judgement to our current and future challenges.
The new build has provided calm, safe, practical, and purposeful learning spaces for our school community. The build has more than delivered on what we set out to achieve. In a short time, students are more engaged, are making better connections with their peers, and educators can better meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students.
Adam Smith, Graduate of Architecture
Aimee Goodwin, Design Architect
Belle Wang, Project Architect
Estelle Peter, Project Architect
APP Group, Project Manager
BRT Consulting Engineers, Services Consultant
OPS Engineers, Structural Engineer
Simon Ellis Landscape Architect, Landscape 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.
