May + Russell Architects

Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre

Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May

TUGGERANONG INTRODUCTORY ENGLISH CENTRE

May + Russell Architects

PHOTOS
Kiernan May (15)

AREA
3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Wanniassa, Australia

TYPE
Educational › Other

Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May

The Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre is a modest extension and refurbishment of the existing Wanniassa Hills Primary School, to create a specialist facility for primary school aged children to learn English prior to entering mainstream schooling.

Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May

As the facility often has children from difficult backgrounds, the facility focuses on fresh colours, natural timber finishes and plenty of natural light throughout the informal learning areas, to be welcoming, non-institutional and promote collaborative learning.

The facility’s motto of ‘being, becoming, belonging’ was the driving concept for the project and became an element of identity and address, autonomous from the existing school.

Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May

The motto is colourfully represented on the Identity Wall, which utilises colours drawn from the existing school colours, as well as native flora of the Canberra region.

A lot of the symbolism expressed through the facility draws on the centre’s transience and journey taken by all those who have come to be part of the centre, a focal point of which are the playful paper planes pendant lights in the entrance.

Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May

The expression of the identity throughout the interiors is one of pride so that all spaces are treated with utmost care and with a sense of ownership and community.


Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May
Tuggeranong Introductory English Centre
© Kiernan May

May + Russell Architects
T +61 2 62853077
May + Russell Architects
5/7 Napier Cl, Deakin ACT 2600, Australia