Master Plan & Stage 1

Located on a hilly, heavily treed, 13-hectare site in northern Coomera, St Joseph’s College is sandwiched between intensive housing developments and a semi-rural bushland landscape. The project included the masterplan for a new P-12 college for 1800 students and the design of Stage 1 for 400 students. The design works with, rather than against, the existing site conditions to develop a culture of building that is educationally, ecologically, socially and economically sustainable. Dry creek beds, an extensive bio-retention basin and a billabong collect and treat site water. 2.5 hectares of the site has been retained as a regenerated koala habitat and wilderness education area. Passive design principals have been applied to all buildings which are naturally lit and ventilated and maximise access to outdoor space. Extensive use of glass and large sliding walls enhances and supports various teaching methodologies and learning modalities and allows communication, collaboration and connection.

This development works with, rather than against, the existing site conditions – to develop a culture of building that is educationally, ecologically, socially and economically sustainable. Permaculture ethics and design principals have been applied across the site – dry creek beds, an extensive bio-retention basin and a billabong area collect and treat site water and provide habitat and water resources for local species. Passive design principals have been applied to all buildings and their footprint has been reduced to increase access to permeable surfaces. 2.5 hectares of the site has been retained as a regenerated bushland and wilderness education area. Thousands of trees have been planted (and invasive species removed) to provide enhanced habitat for species threatened by surrounding development. All buildings are naturally lit and ventilated with maximised access to outdoor space and low maintenance and recycled building materials have been used wherever possible.

Awards

Gold Coast Northern Rivers – Award for Building of the Year – Regional Architecture Awards 2020

Gold Coast Northern rivers – Regional Commendation – Regional Architecture Awards 2020

The State Award for Education Architecture – QLD Architecture Awards 2020

Commendation for Sustainable Architecture – QLD Architecture Awards 2020