This project at Aspendale Gardens Primary School, consisted of the reconfiguration and refurbishment of sixteen previously cellular and isolated general-purpose classrooms to create a number of flexible teaching and learning spaces. To the rear of the site is located a large and beautiful vegetable garden that is the pride and joy of the school. K2LD conducted a number of workshops with staff, students and parents, which highlighted the important role that the ‘garden’ played not only within the existing school, but also with wider community.
This project at Aspendale Gardens Primary School, consisted of the reconfiguration and refurbishment of sixteen previously cellular and isolated general-purpose classrooms to create a number of flexible teaching and learning spaces. To the rear of the site is located a large and beautiful vegetable garden that is the pride and joy of the school. K2LD conducted a number of workshops with staff, students and parents, which highlighted the important role that the ‘garden’ played not only within the existing school, but also with wider community.
During the design phase of this project, it was important that the overall aesthetic, inclusive of the palette, was reflective of what could be found in the garden these being: contemplative, cosy and calm areas with elements of the ‘wild’.
Fresh interior spaces were created within the framework of the existing building and walls were demolished to create new connections. Further to this, previously unused corridors were integrated into classrooms and collaborative areas. These new spaces foster a range of functions including a highly visual yet semi enclosed ‘cosy’ space with built in seating and a raised stage for gatherings and also flexible general-purpose classrooms for 25-50 students with messy, wild, and wet areas.
These adaptable spaces have given staff the ability to teach with flexibility and as a team. New connections have also been made between external areas and the much-loved garden. Finally, the ‘gallery’ space was also refurbished to create a quiet and calming multipurpose environment for all who use it.
