Curving forms, vibrant colours and arching roofs create a conversation with the rich Warranwood tradition of organic architecture. This lively community building at the school entrance establishes a rich arrival experience, consolidating and enhancing the public identity of the school. wide verandahs create shade and shelter from the rain for children and staff travelling between cars, buses and their classrooms.

From a design perspective, the meandering layout of the hall with its surrounding walls, paths and gardens was a sensitive response to its very small neighbours in the adjoining kindergarten, giving a new dignity to the special trees on the site, as well as the intended use of the hall as a movement and performance space. The forms, colours and arching roofs speak to the rich tradition of organic architecture created by Podolinsky and Burgess within the school.

A palette of natural and non-toxic materials and finishes invokes a peaceful and generous sense of timeless quality. north orientation, high-level windows and vents, rainwater collection and storage, efficient heating, natural cooling through thermal mass and ventilation, and a roof layout to foster future solar power and solar hot water supplementing was integral to the sustainability of the overall design.

project team: alvyn williams, peter sofarnos, barry o’brien, paul mcmahon, phillip wright

photographs ben wrigley