MANCHESTER PRIMARY SCHOOL

MCA worked with the Victorian School Building Authority and Manchester Primary School to design and deliver a new learning facility alongside a new school reception and administration building. 

Our services comprised an Asset Management Plan (Phase 2) and Stage 1 design, documentation, and construction phase services.

The master plan aims to create a more central school ‘heart’ with buildings opening into this area, reorienting buildings for better solar access and creating a face for the school with a formalised entry. Stage 1 comprises a new classroom block with a shared STEM and art room and a new administration and school entry adjacent to the existing pick up and drop off zone and car park. The new entry frames the courtyard beyond and guides visitors into the heart of the school.

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The new learning space takes its design cues from the existing 1970s classroom block that it faces in terms of scale and materiality. But, the mirror image is distorted, and it's twisting form maximises the northern orientation with a new openness and engaging connection to the playground. It is both a modern reaction to and interpretation of the original building generating a level of familiarity for the school community but equally a fresh start for a school moving into a new era. 

Building conscientiously using passive design principles has been key to this project. Orienting the building north, managing solar gain from glazing on the east and west, introducing deep eaves, selective material choice and operable openings mean the building will have low operating costs and manage the internal temperature year round. New materials introduced into the project include carbon absorbing paint, natural marmoleum flooring and carpet made from recycled plastic bottles. Electrical capacity and roof design will ensure solar panels can be provided in future.

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Country: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung 

Client: Victorian School Building Authority

Builder: Cobolt Construction

Consultants: Sampson Wong Associates (Building Surveying), Urbis (landscape design), Edison Consultants (mechanical, electrical, fire safety, ESD), CRK (hydraulic), Muller Partnership (Quantity Surveying), Cardno Now Stantec (Structural and Civil), Renzo Tonin and Associates (Acoustic), Peter Rickard Associates, VAC Group, Environmental Assessment Services, Melbourne Arborist Reports (Existing Site Investigation)

Photography: MCA