School: West End State School
Project:  School Campus - Expansion
Architect: COX architecture
Photographer: Christopher Frederick Jones 

The West End State School Expansion (WESSEX) revitalises the century-old primary school, expanding it into two campuses connected by a new central heart. With 62% of students residing in high-rise apartments, the design emphasises activity, movement, and access to nature.

Departing from the typical vertical school model, the campus features a network of multi-storey building pavilions and integrated outdoor learning spaces connected through elevated walkways. The expansion accommodates both Prep and Grade 6 students, offering a diverse range of learning and play spaces tailored to different age groups. This design creates opportunities for interaction and friendship between junior and senior students. 

Creativity lies at the heart of WESS, reflected in the Performing Arts Centre, which occupies the prominent corner address. This civic landmark serves the school and also provides a space for public use, reinforcing the school's role as a community hub.

School: John Paul College
Project:  John Paul College Kindergarten
Architect:  Deicke Richards
Photographer: Mindi Cooke 

John Paul College Kindergarten’s extension embodies its commitment to Reggio Emilia within the Australian context. 

An early education approach that values children as capable, resilient and filled with wonder, Reggio Emilia encourages them to engage with all their senses and be guided rather than directed by educators. 

Deicke Richards designed the Kindergarten’s new environments as a ‘third teacher,’ with a floor plan and landscape supporting imaginative experiences with climate, form, light, smell, sound and taste. 

The building features two learning spaces complemented by external play areas that encircle a piazza or green heart. Students transition from indoor to verandah areas then the piazza and outdoor spaces rich with native plants and bush foods. 

The Jukambi covered courts provides new tennis and covered courts for John Paul College. The soaring roof touches the earth lightly with slender glue laminated timber rather than steel. The main covered courts and amenities building are designed using passive environmental design strategies.

John Paul College sits within an important traditional landscape. The college acknowledges the traditional owners, the Turrbal, Jagera, and Yugambeh people who have moved through the land the college now stands upon. Sustainable occupation of place is an important value of traditional owners. Ensuring the project achieves sustainable outcomes is essential to the ongoing stewardship of the John Paul College site.