Knox Grammar School Transformation
Outhouse Design was invited to create a modern and unique space for the Senior Secondary Academy of Knox Grammar School. In its original state, the upper balcony – spanning 1000 m2 – was underutilised, thanks to the hot, black tiles and lack of shade.
The staff and community desired an area in the prestigious school that could be used as an outdoor classroom, collaborative space and social area for the senior boys.
Outhouse Design was invited to create a modern and unique space for the Senior Secondary Academy of Knox Grammar School. In its original state, the upper balcony – spanning 1000 m2 – was underutilised, thanks to the hot, black tiles and lack of shade.
The staff and community desired an area in the prestigious school that could be used as an outdoor classroom, collaborative space and social area for the senior boys.
Staff and community sought a new vision for this significant space, a vision that would symbolise and emulate the transition that the young men will soon be making to tertiary campus style facilities and be multi-purpose.
According to Outhouse Design, the brief from the Headmaster of Knox Grammar School was broken into several key concepts:
- This balcony garden space will enable a tactile, empowered and relaxing environment and should include group and individual learning areas and private breakout study zones for external class learning.
- The area needs to cater for large gatherings and functions, providing barbeque facilities and areas that will encourage students to relax and gather.
- The materials used need to be clean, crisp and represent long-term value and minimal maintenance. They also need to take the rough and tumble that may take place in an active all boys school, whilst being robust enough so that the boys can’t move them, yet light enough not to impact the live loading.
- Protection from the elements is vital, not just from the extreme heat, but also from the rain. The client did not want a standard shade sail design that would clash with the fabric of the historical building, but a structure that would more enrich and complement the architecture.
The result was a contemporary space that connects well with the existing buildings of the school and provides ample opportunity for the students to learn, connect and relax.
In a testimonial to Outhouse Design, the Chief Operating Officer at Knox Grammar School Natalie Cook states: “Using the services of a Landscape Designer, we were able to convey our specific requirements for the space, which included areas that could be used as outdoor classrooms, collaboration spaces, informal relaxing spaces for recess and lunchtime breaks and a dedicated BBQ area that can be used for functions. The Lichen® tiles were specifically selected for their versatility and durability, and are also attractive.”
Outhouse Design has cleverly created a multi-functional space that would appeal to the students, yet met the safety and facility requirements of the established grammar school.
“Since the opening, the spaces have been enthusiastically embraced by the boys and staff, with many teachers booking the outdoor classroom spaces for their lessons as well as students frequenting these spaces during breaks and for study periods,” stated Ms Cook. “The space is versatile and can also be used for special events such as outdoor lunchtime concerts and drama performances.”
Working with a designer has enabled us to achieve an outstanding amenity that is multi-functional and fit for purpose.
More examples of commercial and residential work by of Outhouse Design is available on their website.
Information and images about the Lichen® split stone flooring used in the Knox Grammar School balcony space can be viewed on the Eco Outdoor website.
Photos by Peter Brennan and Outhouse Design.
