Gympie Flexible Learning Centre
Gympie Queensland
The Gympie Flexible Learning Centre project is a new school facility which was built to accommodate the growing requirements of the Edmund Rice Outreach facility in Gympie. Although a greenfield site, the grounds dedicated for the new facility was subject to certain constraints, such as its triangular shape and steep south-west slope. This project required a design that maximised the site usage for the students whilst having a non-institutional feel. The design responded boldly to the site and design brief challenges.
Large pre-cast concrete tilt-up panels create hinge-points at the three corners of the site. These panels are suspended above the ground plane and act as a protective shield for the functions and students within. Internally the resultant triangular corners accommodate the non-GLA type spaces including Arts, Music/Recording and Administration spaces.
The other strong visual element is the striped block work, which anchors the concrete panels to the site and wraps around the Amenities functions, including the Toilets and Kitchen. Where possible the striped block work is also exposed internally. The striped bulk of the Amenities areas is divided by a large Covered Verandah space, which is used for both outdoor learning and dining. The feature striped block has also been continued into the front fence, which screens the internal courtyards from the road.
The remaining light-weight structure envelopes the General Learning Areas which are designed to fulfil the centre’s flexible approach to learning. All teaching facilities are accommodated on the upper entry level, whilst a car park and storage areas below fit neatly within the site gradient. The lansdcaped spaces include a fruit and vegetable garden terrace that were designed to engage the students in gardening.
Due to the site constraints, pre-fabricated / pre-cast materials were specified. These materials also had to be low maintenance. The raw concrete and block work industrial aesthetic was balanced by the inclusion of bright primary colours which were selected by the students themselves during the consultative process. The bold colours and non-traditional materials reflect the desire for an inspiring and unconventional learning environment.
For more information, please visit the Edmund Rice Education Australia website.