Auburn Hawkwood people of the Wakka Wakka nation
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
The Senior School Cooperative Building at St John’s Lutheran School, Kingaroy, is a state-of-the-art, double-storey facility supporting the school’s expansion into Year 11 and 12. Incorporating General Learning Areas, science labs, media rooms, and a central Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), the design fosters collaboration, flexibility, and future readiness.
Inspired by Kingaroy’s heritage, the façade echoes traditional dairy farm rooflines, while timber-look elements and red-coloured concrete reference the region’s identity. Sustainability is integral, with passive ventilation strategies, high-level louvres, and a pop-up roof reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Solar PV panels, water-sensitive site planning, and durable, low-maintenance materials ensure long-term efficiency. Existing mature vegetation was retained through careful site coordination.
A regional builder and local subcontractors—many from the school community—ensured strong community engagement and cost-effective delivery. Thoughtfully designed and deeply connected to place, the facility reflects the school’s values of community, cooperation, and innovation.
The new Senior Building creates a culture of learning. The flexible spaces allow for both independent learning online, and in workbook situations. The same spaces can be easily converted into collaborative space ranging from small groups to larger groups of 12-15. The open plan nature of the larger spaces allows for large-group interaction. This is also a space which caters for a multitude of uses, from those at school level, to outside community events. The glass frontage of most classrooms develops a culture of learning through transparent teaching practices and openness.
Matt Moran, Project Architect
Jonathan Chew, Design Architect
Aiden Jamieson, Graduate of Architecture
Jack Swain, Graduate of Architecture
Dylan Strathdee, Graduate of Architecture
ATC Engineering, Structural Engineer
ATC Engineering, Civil Consultant
Cushway Blackford and Associates, Electrical Consultant
Cushway Blackford and Associates, Hydraulic Consultant
Certis, Building Surveyor
Gaskell Planning, Town Planner
ONF Surveyors, Surveyor
Cushway Blackford and Associates, Mechanical Engineer
Johnson & Cumming, Quantity Surveyor
Douglas Partners, Geotechnical Engineer
Lucy RC Photography, Photographer