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Building on the concepts explored in the Growth Area Schools Project, New Schools 2020 was commissioned by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). In a joint venture with Architectus & DesignInc, Eynesbury Primary School expresses a strong identity within this new estate of nearly 3000 residents. Our design for the building evolved from the simple rural farm shed, with the built expression of the school engaging through reflection and memory with the rural history that this design resembles. The idea of the ‘urban grain’ is an architectural device which we used to break down the scale of the building.
The original form creates opportunities for flexible interior and exterior learning and collaborative spaces. Pitched forms and dynamic shapes seen on the admin roof continues throughout the whole school. The building’s form is eroded, creating recesses and corners for children to play and giving the school a strong visual identity. Inside, wooden arbors mirror this shape, creating retreat spaces for children to gather.
Keeping with the changing pedagogical landscape, there has been a key focus on flexible and adaptable teaching and learning spaces. Small breakout areas and interspersed reading nooks can be found scattered around the classroom. This allows children to express their own spirit and creativity through the different ways they engage with their individual learning.
The central learning street provides a gathering and play area for students, encouraging learning both in and out of the formal classroom. This aims to add more diversity to the children’s growth and learning, providing the whole school community with more spaces for events and activities.
The front face resembles the canonical shape of a house – a child’s first idea of what “home” looks like.
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