Binjareb and Whadjuk, Nyoongar People
Western Australia
Mother Teresa Catholic College Stage 3 of a K to 12 coeducational private school.
The design focussed on creating inspirational spaces that tangibly support best practice in learning-teaching with a focus on inquiry based learning. The approach was predicated upon, and recognised the importance of, quality relationships between teachers, students and the wider community.
To achieve this connectivity was an important element of the design. The openness and transparency of building volumes and legibility of floor-plate configuration enables clear way-finding and direction. Being able to see in and see out means users feel safe and at ease.
Connection to the external spaces both physically and visually was also critical. In designing the learning environments the external spaces were treated with equal importance with the internal spaces.
Parry and Rosenthal recently completed the fourth stage of a ‘K-12’ campus for Mother Teresa Catholic College. Commencing with the first stage primary school project nearly fifteen years ago, the architects have undertaken all stages of the campus development, comparatively rare opportunity – and achievement.
The firm’s continuity at the school reflects their successes over many stages of development, and the quality of their endeavour. Working throughout with a primary palette and structural system of rammed earth walls over one and two levels, the architects have delivered an unusual level of material quality across the campus. It is a beautiful learning environment.
The award recognises the specific achievements of the latter stages of the campus development, which include a range of general and specialist teaching buildings, as well as a well-crafted gymnasium and school hall. The spatial and material qualities of the hall, together with the lofty upper floor spaces of the two-level teaching buildings, are highlights of a campus notable for its overall coherence and quality.
The buildings have been designed, documented and constructed with great discipline – for today’s school community and for generations to come. The jury is confident that the architecture of this campus will stand the test of time.
Our College goals: ‘Challenge – Connect – Contribute’ are facilitated by the Middle School learning spaces. The ‘inside-outside feel’ and the extraordinary visibility throughout are simply amazing. The spacious, airy, high-ceilinged, natural lightfilled staffroom is a place which entices community-building, relaxation and fun.
Our significant pedagogy is Inquiry Learning where a gradual shift occurs in the control over learning – from the teacher to the learner. Our new buildings have been designed to facilitate a secondary schooling that will equip our students to embrace life beyond school successfully as well-balanced, confident, creative, courageous and compassionate young people who will contribute to our world.
BPA Engineering, Structural Engineer
ETC Solutions, Electrical Consultant
Maclean and Lawrence, Hydraulic Consultant
DSA Pty Ltd, Mechanical Consultant
Gabriels Hearne Farrell, Acoustic Consultant
Plan E, Landscape Consultant
Wilde and Woollard, Quantity Surveyor
Ashbrook Pty Ltd, Machinery Consultant
IDS Consultants, Building Surveyor