Kaurna Country
South Australia
The final stage of Ngutu College’s secondary school refurbishment focused on interconnectivity with music and education through thoroughly curated music spaces. By retaining the original structure as far as possible, Matthews Architects retained its ceiling heights and large openings which flood the spaces with natural light. The main music classroom acts as a nexus at the center of a series of specialised practice rooms, studio and storage spaces, and outdoor music courtyard. These spaces even act as an interconnected recording space – providing a suite for students and staff to engage with music production from start to finish.Â
The colour palettes are inspired by the blending of indoor and outdoor, taking cues from nature and Country. This idea has been architecturally translated into the center piece of the music room, an acoustic panel decorated ceiling, with Aboriginal Art.Â
Working with the design team felt collaborative, thoughtful and deeply attuned to our educational values. From the outset, they listened carefully to how music, storytelling and movement would be taught, translating this into spaces that genuinely support learning. The reuse of the existing building was handled with sensitivity, turning constraints into opportunities our students love. Details, from acoustics to light, showed care for every learner. The result is a flexible, inspiring environment that feels both purposeful and generous, empowering staff and students to inhabit, adapt and bring the spaces to life with pride, creativity and confidence across the whole school.
Robert Rattray, Project Architect
Gama Consulting, Structural Engineer
WSP, Acoustic Consultant
TF Certifiers, Building Surveyor
Cite Services, Electrical Consultant
ResourceCo, Environmental Engineering