Tamborine Mountain College Science Block

Drawing inspiration from the lush tropical forest of the Tamborine plateau, Fulton Trotter Architects (FTA) has created a masterplan for Tamborine Mountain College and facilitated the completion of state-of-the-art educational facilities that marry sensitively and seamlessly with their unique environment.

The project has included the design of new science and library buildings (completed 2009 and 2012 respectively), specialist technology spaces, a purpose-built art and music building, new administration office and a sports hall.

Lightweight connecting walkways, natural materials such as timber and stone, and the palette of colours used in the buildings are reflective of the deep level of care the architects have invested in creating a sensory experience akin to a walk through the rainforest. The edges of the buildings are designed to seemingly ‘break open’, referencing the thunder eggs that reveal colour and wonder in the surrounding ancient volcanic landscape.

By collaborating extensively with teachers, students and their parents throughout the design process, FTA has embodied the ‘family feel’ of the school community in buildings that are low-scale and intimate. By tucking the structures along the hillside, added protection is granted against the hot afternoon sun and high-altitude westerly winds.

FTA’s sensitive and thoughtful design marks a thrilling evolution for the Mount Tamborine College community; from a cluster of demountable buildings to fully integrated, purpose-designed structures that do true justice to the future growth of the school and its rich environment.

For more information, please visit the Tamborine Mountain College website.