Bowen Road Primary School | MANA Architects

The project delivered new flexible learning spaces and toilets for years 5 and 6 students at Bowen Road Primary School to replace the original classrooms destroyed by an arson fire in 2022. A revised location and orientation of the new classrooms since the fire unlocks a thoughtful masterplan solution that, with just one modest building, achieves activation of three new external zones. The material palette references the original 1929 brick schoolhouse, with a contemporary interpretation. Curved red brick landscaped seating nooks provide a new pedestrian entrance and playful street presence. Three contemporary classrooms with excellent acoustics and warm finishes were delivered 25% under budget; the remaining funds were diverted into extra landscaping and external play areas. This helped integrate the building into its environment and broader social context. MANA has created a calm, legible, and engaging environment that supports learning and connection, with intentional design encouraging curiosity and inquisitive thinking.