Coolum Beach Christian College Science + Visual Arts Building

Coolum Beach Christian College’s new Science and Visual Arts space is an exciting addition to the campus. Nestled amongst the native bushland of the Sunshine Coast and positioned on the edge of an active pond, this project offers students a connection to their natural environment and a variety of learning opportunities.

A key aspect of the project is the large tiered deck linking the classrooms to the pond and allowing access to the water and surrounding vegetation. This space is shared between both the science and visual arts students, stimulating a variety of science experiments and investigations as well as an inspirational setting for sketching, painting, drawing and photography. Protected by high roofs, the undercover teaching and learning area is safe from the harshness of Queensland’s western sun and cold winter breezes and can be utilised in all conditions. The indoor teaching spaces also embrace the beauty of the College’s leafy location with light-filled rooms and views out to the bush and pond.

This indoor/outdoor learning resource is a result of a collaborative co-design process between the College and architectural team. It’s been achieved through careful orientation of the building on the site, with key consideration given to the steep topography and natural water course. Climate was also a significant design factor and the east facing position has made occupation possible (and enjoyable) throughout the entire school day. Materials were selected based on the characteristics of the existing buildings and whilst the facility hugs the edge of the site, it connects back to the rest of the school through a network of undercover ramps and linkages, maintaining a cohesive campus.

Coolum Beach Christian College pride themselves on transforming the lives of students through a unique and innovative curriculum in a close-knit environment. This project has positively impacted student engagement in science and art subjects, and become a unique learning pocket that is much-loved and used by the school community.