Playford International College

The redevelopment of Playford International College was the final piece of a 3-year transformation plan that focused on improving academic outcomes at the school. The physical improvements, comprising additions and upgrades, supported changes to the way the school will deliver education by providing flexible and stimulating spaces that encouraged different modes of learning.

Through a comprehensive briefing process with school and Department, Swanbury Penglase developed a detailed Scoping Study identifying development priorities which were costed to inform a final budgeted scope of works. The final scope of works comprised a new Performing Arts Centre, Physical Performance Training Centre, Hospitality Training Centre, Visual Arts Centre, Supported Learning Centre, the redevelopment of the school reception, new access and entry statement, upgrade of staff support spaces and amenities and general building refurbishment.

Following the completion of the redevelopment project, Swanbury Penglase was engaged to undertake a Planning Study for the STEM Works Upgrade at the school. Through extensive consultation with the school leadership team, Science and Maths (iSam) faculty and the Department, the proposal for a new building extension was agreed. The STEM Centre provided a flexible learning environment with interconnected ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ labs, project rooms, associated support spaces, teacher preparation spaces, informal student breakout spaces and dedicated outdoor learning areas. Moreover, the STEM Centre transformed the configuration of the traditional school buildings by connecting the opposite wings and establishing linkages with the adjacent science laboratories, new Visual Arts Centre (STEaM model), Global Studies (Humanity) programs, maths classrooms and IT facilities. The provision of new stair access resolved existing egress violations from the first floor whilst establishing the interconnection of ground and first floor learning spaces. It also served to create a double height space over the informal student breakout area with high level glazing to maximise natural light. Aligning with the building function, the design exposes the building structure and services as an added learning experience for students. In the same way, the existing building materials are exposed and featured as a way celebrating the building’s history.