Location
Macedon, Victoria
Client name
Victorian School Building Authority
Value
$350,000
Timeframe
8 weeks for construction
Contractor
Q Construction
Consultant Team
Structural & Civil Engineer – Adams Consulting Engineers
Services Engineer – NJM Design
Access Consultant – Equal Access
Building Surveyor – GE Building Surveyors
Photgrapher
Education is often said to be a driver of opportunity. This sentiment drove our approach to Macedon Primary School’s multi-purpose hall refurbishment, a project that demonstrates our commitment to delivering value beyond the brief. Our objective was to create a ‘heart’ for this school that would delight students and staff alike.
Making the most of a limited budget, we used inventive means to incorporate the school’s pedagogical model, comprising core learning profiles including auditory, tactile, visual, and reading and writing.
![Macedon Primary School vibrant colored stairs](https://architecturematters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/69A9483-1-10.jpg)
![](https://architecturematters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/69A9318-1-10.jpg)
![Macedon Primary School learning area wide angle shot](https://architecturematters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/69A9470-1-13.jpg)
We carefully selected materials, colours and textures that echoed and complemented the natural landscape and uniquely lush qualities of Mt. Macedon.
![](https://architecturematters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/69A9574-1-13.jpg)
Curved, tiered seating creates an indoor amphitheatre suitable for formal teaching as well as informal group activities. A series of three learning pods with pitched roofs provide spaces for quiet withdrawal. Colourful built-in joinery ensures there is ample storage space for a broad range of teaching and learning materials. This prioritisation of fixed furnishings over loose furniture grounds the space and ensures it is always well-organised.
Our fitout modernises and enlivens the space, creating a more open, flexible and inclusive learning environment; a lively ‘beating heart’ for the school. The space is a pleasant surprise to all who enter the old weatherboard-clad hall for the first time, especially those who were familiar with the space prior to the refurbishment.
By striking the right balance between functionality and distinctive design, we played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s sense of place and identity, providing a functional and enjoyable space that heightens the learning experience for all.
![Macedon Primary School learning area carpeted in black](https://architecturematters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/69A9660-1-11.jpg)
![Macedon Primary School's learning area a view of the glass windows](https://architecturematters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/69A9645-1-13.jpg)