Tasmania
The Friends’ School Major Redevelopment Project included, a gymnasium, adaption of the WN Oats Centre, site accessibility/safety improvements, a major substation, North Block repairs and new outdoor courts.
Approaches driving the project included the establishment of precincts within the campus, small strategic interventions to improve site accessibility and safety, utilisation/adaption of existing buildings, and Quaker values, simplicity, community and environmental stewardship.
Key projects are the WN Oats Centre refurbishment and the Revell Sports Centre.
The WN Oats Centre was adapted to accommodate x7 GLAs, specialist spaces, breakouts, offices, student/staff amenities in a light, robust, flexible and engaging environment.
The Revell Centre includes a gymnasium, offices, community/student amenities and x2 GLAs. Moderated by domestic scaled additions and street level detailing, its scale and siting draws from Carr Street precedents. Setbacks and landscaping tie the building into the campus, and materials strike the balance between utility and context.
The EmAGN Project Award is given to The Friends’ School Redevelopment Project, as testament to the collective efforts of EmAGN members in leadership, collaboration, and architectural expertise.
The initial partnership with H2o Architects provided Bence Mulcahy with the opportunity to contribute to the practice’s first, large-scale education project. Further to this, project procurement following the Development Approval stage, provided the young practice with an opportunity to independently take the project through to completion.
Their collaborative approach led to a design outcome which seamlessly integrated this larger-scale urban development within its historic surroundings. This was evident in the Revell Centre heritage streetscape studies, which demonstrated the team’s dedication to thoughtful intervention given the sensitive context. The use of subtle design gestures exemplifies their commitment to architectural excellence.
The project was led and staffed by a team of emerging architects, including the Practice Director, whose guidance inspired a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring the delivery of architectural excellence. The team’s proficiency in collaboration and client engagement were pivotal in shaping the project’s trajectory, and navigated the intricate demands of the heritage site. Meticulous documentation, attention to public realm features, and adept handling of contractual issues further enriched the project’s quality.
The project’s success is a testament to the team’s ingenuity and collaborative spirit, setting a standard for emerging architects in the industry.
The School campuses are not easy sites on which to work. The Friends’ School has many heritage listed buildings with restricted access. Additionally, the School remained in session with roughly 600 students and nearly 100 staff on the campus, so noise awareness, safety of current users (students, staff, and parents), security and continued learning were major considerations which resulted in some constraints throughout the entire construction process of approximately two years. Bence Mulcahy proved to be flexible, organised, and available to accommodate adjustments of the project brief. The School is very pleased with the outcome of the project.
Shamus Mulcahy, Design Architect, Documentation Architect
Sophie Bence, Design Architect
Hannah Webber, Design Architect
Bek Verrier, Design Architect
Johnny McKenzie, Graduate
Mike Renshaw, Architectural Technician
Dylan Rowbottom, Graduate
Tim Hurburgh, Project Director (to Development Application stage)
COVA, Electrical Consultant
Gandy and Roberts, Hydraulic Consultant
Gandy and Roberts, Structural Engineer
Lee Tyers Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor
Neil Shephard and Associates, Town Planner
Playstreet, Landscape Consultant
RED Sustainability, ESD Consultant
Tim Hurburgh, Project Director up until DA stage
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.
