Nestled in the lush and green surrounds of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the College tasked us with designing an open, contemporary hub of learning and activity for their thriving Secondary school.
The proposed buildings, interconnected with the Novum-designed Multipurpose Hall, find their place on an underutilised corner of the site, a terrain both steep and bushy.
Our approach was driven by the Coolum Beach community’s desire to craft a design that harmonises with the natural contours of the land and maximises outlook to natural vegetation, the school’s stunning sporting field, and the rest of the school campus.
The interconnected learning areas are designed to be flexible, allowing for seamless transitions between different types of activities. Moveable furniture and partitions enable educators to customise the space according to their pedagogical needs. A new Learning Commons at the heart of the precinct has been designed to facilitate impromptu discussions, group activities, and presentations. It features comfortable seating, writable walls, and charging stations, accommodating both formal and informal learning.
The new amphitheatre will serve as a dynamic venue for presentations, small performances, and interactive lectures. Its tiered seating arrangement ensures clear visibility for all students, promoting engagement during gatherings large and small.
The project has posed the best kind of challenge: a growing student body in need of expanded space and extra-curricular facilities on a topographically difficult site. We embraced this challenge, envisioning a future-forward space that blends nature and education.
Stage 1 of this exciting project is due to commence construction in 2024 in readiness for the 2025 school year!
CLIENT: Coolum Beach Christian College
CLIENT TEAM: Terry Hornby (Former Principal), Greg Dillon (Business Manager) & Ken McAllister (Principal)
LOCATION: Sunshine Coast, Queensland / Kabi Kabi & Jinibara Country
ARCHITECT: Novum
Project Director: Joel Ridings
Project Leader: Isaac Vincent
Project Delivery Leader: Ben Leighton
Project Team: Peter Edwards, Liam Clarke & Jeffrey Smith
