South Australia
Frank Schirripa Food Technology + Horticulture Centre at Woodville High School reflects the school’s core values of community, inclusivity, and cultural diversity. The flexible learning space supports a unique horticultural program, food technology and Vocational Education Training to enable students to develop community and career pathways.
The built form nestles amongst gum trees.
Skillion roofs wrap the footprint of the building to draw natural lighting into each learning space. Lower-level arbours and a series of tiered walkways overlook and descend into the horticultural garden comprising garden beds, fruit trees, a pond, and greenhouses. A whole-of-life cycle approach to the design provides connectivity and accessibility of learning spaces with the garden and landscaping. Integrated biophilic principles – access to light and ventilation – enhance learning outcomes and improve wellbeing.
The Frank Schirripa Food Technology + Horticulture Centre successfully integrated with and expanded the existing school spaces. The new buildings embrace a modern innovative teaching philosophy that is student centred. The seed-to-plate entrepreneurial opportunities within the curriculum were considered in the design process. The VET kitchen provides pathways into the hospitality and horticulture industries through partnerships and ecosystems.
The landscaping and gardens around these buildings allow students and staff to access expanded indoor/outdoor learning spaces as part of their educational experience. The environmental and biophilic design principles support a more productive and healthier environment for student wellbeing.
Alexis Bromilow, Interior Design
Kane Fechner, Graduate of Architecture
Marcus Warnecke, Architect
Michael Willis, Senior Architect
Aspect Studios, Landscape Consultant
BCA Engineers, Services Consultant
Lucid Consulting Engineers, Services Consultant
MLEI Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
Sonus, Acoustic Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
