Traditional Land Owners: Eora Nation

Ultimo Public School presents a new educational model for an inner-Sydney primary school. The design dissolves the classroom/playground divide with flexible learning spaces that expand into playgrounds, verandas and walkways. The school seamlessly blends imagination, learning and nature to enrich the students’ learning journey. 

In this urban setting, landscape is key, with gardens enhancing sensory experiences. Building mass and terracing use the steep site to control noise from a busy street abutment. Terraces, carved into the site and on rooftops, create playground spaces across multiple levels, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Environmentally sustainable features include photovoltaic cells and a displacement ventilation system to supply fresh air through the 3-storey library and learning spaces.

The local community is provided with access to several spaces on the site outside of school hours which has led to the school becoming a vibrant and inclusive community facility.