Duncraig Senior High School – Yr 7 Block

The design of the new Year 7 teaching block was conceptualised around a ‘learning courtyard’ which facilitates learning beyond the classroom. To create a sustainable and long-standing school building the spaces needed to be flexible and open-ended, to respond to the changing needs of the learning environment.

To achieve this, the teaching block was designed to include a variety of different learning spaces. Most classrooms are accessed through incidental learning areas which provide breakout space for group work and collaboration and allow transition between the classroom and courtyard. Classrooms are also separated by operable walls which allow for flexibility and large-scale activities and inter-class collaboration.

The central courtyard is activated by creative and engaging landscape design; the changing ground levels create opportunities for retained walls for students to gather around and use as seats, tables, learning spaces and play areas. The orientation and arrangement of the building protects the courtyard from prevailing weather and a covered amphitheatre provides a sheltered play, assembly and outdoor teaching space.