Park Lake School

dwp | design worldwide partnership as Architects

The Park Lake State School multi-purpose resource hall, funded by the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) program, was designed with a ‘green engineering’ philosophy in mind.


The structural steel used throughout the building was specified with the intention of using recycled steel to minimise the building’s carbon footprint while providing the school with a contemporary facility in line with the school’s aim to strive to provide students with the best possible learning environment.


Many environmentally sustainable design initiatives were incorporated within the design including the northeast orientation of the building to take advantage of the cool summer breezes. Large overhangs also provide sun and weather protection while translucent wall cladding and large openings allow natural light to penetrate the main hall and amenities block. The entire building is naturally ventilated and water tanks included in the design.


The client’s initial core outcome was to create a building that would represent the school, present to the street context and interact with the community. The final design focused on the key points of access, interaction and form to create an environment far beyond a standard designated BER template, providing a contemporary focal point for the school community.


The new hall seats over 450 people and serves as the main meeting space of the school. It includes a performance stage with audio visual system and an additional amenities block with kitchen and adjoining meeting room. The amenities block and performance hall are separated by an open gathering space which fans out to greet the guests, providing a stepped thoroughfare from the school entry to the sports field.


The amenities block was separated from the performance hall to provide access to the facilities during sports days. The servery, meeting room and amenities can be opened to the school without having to open the entire hall, improving the buildings security.


As the building is the first thing visitors see as they enter the school, the building design kept the idea of first impressions in mind. The strongly distinguished roof profile gives the structure individual identity from the other school buildings, presenting itself to the community as the centrepiece of the school.


The project team, led by Suters, followed and reinforced the conceptual framework. As the project was a BER procured building, the budget was absolute. All design outcomes were successfully completed within the budget framework, with funds carefully spent on the important design features to ensure maximum results.


Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More