Kaurna
South Australia
Immanuel’s Discovery Centre and precinct bring its ground-breaking Year 10 program, The Year of Discovery, to life, supporting the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and critical thinkers. Designed as a dedicated year 10 home base, the facility enables active, research-driven, student-centred learning through a rich mix of diverse flexible spaces for individuals, groups and whole-cohort activities.
Seamlessly linked to the Margaret Ames Centre via a shared forecourt and an upper-level pedestrian connection, the two-level facility creates a bold new senior hub. Biophilic and environmentally responsive design is interwoven throughout, with planting threaded through interiors, complex façades, and canopies to lift wellbeing and deepen connection with its surrounding extensive landscape.
At its heart, an internal sculptural, skylit atrium energises daily life, while the Beyond Centre aids students to refine and explore their ideas alongside mentors. Natural materials and student co-design make the precinct welcoming, dynamic and provides a sense of connection.
The design of the Discovery Centre enhances the way students learn, collaborate, and engage by providing purpose‑built spaces that directly support their daily behaviours and learning needs. Students gravitate towards the variety of diverse spaces that successfully cater to focused, independent and collaborative tasks.
The building’s abundant natural light and connection to the gardens provides a sense of openness that creates a calming, uplifting atmosphere. The outdoor spaces further enrich how students learn, play, socialise, and regenerate between lessons.Â
Students recognise how their own influence was incorporated into the design, resulting in a strong sense of ownership, pride, and connection.
Kon Michael, Project Director & Design Architect
Zoe Avon, Senior Interior Designer
Peter Morris, Project Architect
Cameron Burfield, Graduate of Architecture
Dora Watson, Graduate of Architecture
Taylor Angel, Documentation Architect
Vlad Kaleynik, Interior Designer
Cecilia Tang, Supporting Landscape Architect
BCA Engineers, Services Engineers
CPR Engineers, Structural Engineer
CPR Engineers, Civil Engineer
BuildServ, Building Certifier
Sonus, Acoustic Engineer
RLB, Cost Consultant
Oxigen, Landscape Architect