Bungjalung country
Queensland
Gold Coast and Northern Rivers
The Helensvale State School Library refurbishment transforms a 1970s building into a “Place of Wonder” inspired by Year 3 students’ drawings, including bear caves, rainbows, and hot air balloons. Designed to spark exploration, engagement, and comfort, the project reconfigures the northern entry to connect with a future landscaped outdoor learning area. A large northern window floods the space with rainbow light, creating a welcoming transition space.
The open volume offers dynamic spaces to climb, explore, and gather. Features include hidden bookshelves, soft seating, sound tunnels, lego walls, and a mix of group and individual work areas. Fixed furniture subtly divides the space, maintaining visual connectivity.
Cost-efficient and sustainable, the design preserves the existing structure while focusing new works on creative fit-out elements. While the new space exhibits library functionality it is more than a simple resource centre, it’s a refuge for retreat, a place to explore, and dream.
The project we undertook to redesign this learning space has had a profound impact on staff, students and the community. By looking at spaces differently, it has opened up our eyes to innovation and modern design that meets the needs of Generation Alpha. The Place of Wonder is a beacon for empowered learning, a reinvestment in the joy of Reading and a place where all children can explore their imagination and creativity. The fact that the students had such a significant say in the design phase amplifies the value and legacy of this transformation. We love the POW.
Chris collier, Project Architect
Sam Rankin, Graduate of Architecture
Emily Marshal, Student of Architecture
Honeywill Consulting, Project Manager
Walker Bai, Electrical Consultant
Walker Bai, Mechanical 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.
