OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL – BVN
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School is a new K-6 school for 420 students in North Strathfield. The design is a realisation of the school’s vision of creating spaces that invite imagination, innovation and support independent learning and student wellbeing.
The project reuses a rundown 1970s threestorey former Telstra training centre that was a typical institutional example of Brutalist concrete architecture of its time.
The design needed to address a number of challenges presented by the site during a twostage process. Previously dark and cellular spaces within the building were opened up in stage one (Ground floor - 2015) through demolishing most of the walls and replacing the facade. Rounding out the second stage of works an additional level on top of the existing building, as well as a four-storey atrium as main entry connecting all learning areas, a new hall, arts space, balconies and rooftop playgrounds have been added as a prefabricated mass-timber construction.
Flexible, open and inviting learning spaces support the school’s vision. Classes are situated on either side of a central circulation spine, which forms an extension to the learning spaces. The diverse range of learning options is supported by joinery with built in nooks and withdrawal spaces and a differentiation in ceiling heights. Furniture is movable, as are large sliding panels to allow easy reconfiguration of spaces by students to suit learning needs.