Geelong Grammar Primary

A place of learning, through and with nature.

Project team:
Andrew Burns, Tiffany Liew, Nicholas Bucci, Jaymus Lim, Hannah Hill-Wade, Jordan Silver

Architecture AND have been engaged for a primary campus for Geelong Grammar, located at the Corio Campus, undertaken in collaboration with MALA landscape and Right Angle. The project comprises a double stream Prep-Year 6 campus, with an emphasis on adventure education.

Working closely with GGS community, executive and operational teams, the project has been developed explicitly in response to Geelong Grammar’s strategic pillars; adventure, creative and positive education. In particular, the project creates a setting for adventure education, providing a set of learning spaces intimately connected to the landscape.

The design has been informed by a thorough consultation process with executive, teaching staff, specialist staff and School Council, leading to a proposal that is well positioned to enhance the GGS community.

A breezeway extends through the building north / south, connecting the established campus with the expansive landscape beyond.

The building is arranged according to a clear and robust diagram; a simple gable form, bisected by a central breezeway and transverse corridor. This opens views to landscape in multiple directions, while supporting ease of movement and flexibility for uses to evolve over time.

Axonometric diagram - the central breezeway opens views to landscape.

The learning spaces are arranged in sequence, providing a set of spaces that can be linked and separated as desired. A palette of carpet floor, ply walls and wood wool ceilings provides a warm and visually rich setting.

An over-scaled verandah serves as an extension of the learning spaces, providing outdoor learning spaces of suitable scale for group gathering.