Benalla P-12 College

The building and ground have been imagined as the new life of the school, revitalising the campus and introducing the early stages of the proposed school heart.

Benalla (benalta) - Daung Wurrung: big waterhole or crossing place

Design Principles:

• Centric, radiating planning
• Journey, flow, levels
• Floating roof, active ground
• Connection to nature

The design Narrative draws from the local context, presenting two overarching ideas: architecture which reflects regional forms, and an environment which acknowledges the local Indigenous community and the origins of the name ‘Benalla’.

The established form, function, and relationships consider water and nature as social connector or gathering place.

Inspired by the notion of ebbs and flows of water to create fluid circulation throughout the building, key functions radiate off a central space that has the ability to support many STEAM-related activities.

• Outdoor Learning: Extended eaves and shaded outdoor learning spaces providing valuable protection from the weather and quality social and learning spaces.
• Natural ventilation and light: High level operable windows provide natural ventilation and top light within the space.
• Acoustic ceilings: Absorptive materials create a comfortable acoustic environment and support multiple activities in an open environment.
• External platform: A raised platform provides a social connection space between the STEAM building and the existing Block C classroom building. Once the full master plan is complete the raised platform will address the school heart and act as a focus space for external school assemblies and performances
• Bio-swale: An embedded landscape feature to capture and filter water on-site. Provides a strong landscape identity and creates a learning tool for students.
• Indoor–outdoor connection: Benches extend indoor to outside to expand the external learning experience. Strong connections are provided through glazing and openings.
• Expressed structure: The structure is expressed internally, embedding the learning experience in the building itself. The environment tells a story and can be used as a teaching tool- creating engaging spaces and showcasing innovation.
• Collaboration circle: Tiered seating allows group presentations and discussion. When not programmed the space is an extension of the library and supports informal learning and reading.
• Green wall: Once Block C is partially demolished a new wall will cap the remaining building. It is envisioned that this wall will act as a framework for climbing vegetation providing a green background to the newly formed open space

1. Modern Library experience: A multifunctional learning space which caters to a variety of different teaching modes. The library is open and accessible, extending its use out of school hours and inviting students to explore and engage. Book stacks are mobile to allow library to be reconfigured to accommodate informal gatherings and events.
2. Collaboration space: The heart of STEAM learning – the collaboration zone will provide opportunities for students to work together as a class or in small groups. The space has been designed to maximise natural light and ventilation and provide a flexible, adaptable space to allow a broad range of activities.
3. Seamless movement: Internal collaboration spaces flown effortlessly between indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
4. Maker Space: A unique space emphasizing the function of STEAM learning with a variety of digital tools. The space integrates ideation, fabrication and presentation.

Library

The library has been envisioned as a multifunction learning space which caters to a variety of different teaching modes including collaborative learning, group and individual study. Bookstacks are on lockable castors that allow the central library area to be reconfigured for school and community events. An enclosed presentation space with tiered carpet seating allows groups to come together for storytelling and media displays. Integrated glass cabinets and pinboards maximise opportunity for display. Rammed earth feature columns provide the space with warmth and texture and reference the materiality of the Broken River bed.

Science Hub

The science hub provides three flexible labs supported by a prep room. Lab services have been located around the perimeter of the room in conjunction with reconfigurable tables that provide a flexible central teaching space. A covered outdoor learning area at one end of the science hub provides a direct external learning connection. Operable windows open up to the outdoors and a dual sided bench allows a seamless transition.

Arts and graphics hub

The art and graphics hub accommodate a graphics room, a wet art space with kiln for ceramics and a 2D art space with provision for textiles. Visibility in and out of the classrooms is promoted via glazed windows and walls. Sliding windows open up to an outdoor learning area with a dual sided bench extending the range of learning activities. The adjacent circulation space has been envisioned as a gallery space with ample provision for display.

Maker space

The glue that binds all the classrooms together, the maker space allows for the cross over of disciplines. Designed as a flexible area it has access to equipment, tools and art supplies in the adjacent equipment room. Furniture is flexible to cater to different group sizes, activities and projects. The maker space is located in the centre of the building with high visibility to put learning on display. The ICT and media space has computers located around the perimeter of the room allowing the central space to be flexible. It is intended that ICT can occur in this room as well as in the maker space with the use of mobile iPads.