St Peter’s Girls’ Middle School

Our brief was to create light filled, transparent series of spaces that supported collaboration between staff and students and embodied the transitional journey students take in middle years.

Our design commenced by relocating the library to a central location to create a space that would become the new Middle School. T his new location capturing the expansive views to the playing fields bordered by Ferguson Park.

Circulation through the space was angled to direct outlook and carve out areas for informal and accidental interaction. Working with remaining fixed elements such as columns, the design team cultivated ‘structures’ to ground and define areas, providing choice to students for different setting configurations and sizes. Intended to be playful elements, their form mimics playground structures to be moved around as well as occupied.

This approach continued externally with a new structure extending over a two-storey retaining wall that physically connects the middle school to the playing fields. The deck includes seating elements that address both the middle school and playing fields.

A significant skylight provides abundant natural daylight into the heart of the space. This is supported by artificial lighting, providing flexibility throughout the day and night. Spaces are agile and can be joined allowing class areas to become gathering space for larger groups.

Close attention has been given to the acoustics with absorptive surfaces included in the construction of the circulation spaces. This means even at peak capacity, noise levels are managed and remain comfortable.

Close collaboration with both staff and the students, has resulted in a design that embodies and reflects the St Peter’s Girls’ community. Finishes and detailing are simple but sophisticated. The Middle School includes a colour scheme that slowly evolves as students move through the spaces, reflecting their growing maturity and the transitional journey that occurs.