Tasmania
The Hutchins School Pre-Kinder is a child centred learning space that allows children who need to move more than they need to sit still, to be dynamic and active participants in learning. The building opens to welcome the outside space as a third teacher, the changing weather, the nearby gums and wattle, the Derwent, Kunanyi engage in learning that connects children to the local environment and supports them to engage with and care for country.
Seasonal changes throughout the year such as the frequency of rain events are viewed through the lens of play. Students are involved in the capture and use of rain water to develop an understanding of finite natural resources and changing climatic conditions.
Award for Educational Architecture
At the entrance to the Hutchins School Pre-Kinder, a netted ceiling stretched overhead announces the primary intervention in the existing building envelope. This achieves a shift in scale, purpose and interaction, focused as it is on the students experiencing the first days of their education.
The intervention is the reconstruction of a poor-performing linear skylight into a raised roof lantern with enhanced solar shading and opportunity for natural ventilation. The shift in available volume is embraced and integrated into a series of child-friendly spaces that support exploration, social interaction and refuge.
The new roof lantern affords a double height configuration of functional and cavernous spaces below and an engaging play space above. Portal windows through to the adjacent gymnasium in the school provide a glimpse to the students’ future education.
The existing space is skilfully repurposed and reimagined with a warm, welcoming and robust material palette. The main education space is articulated by floor finishes and joinery that subtly address their role of arrival, play, water play, gathering and quiet time. The retained ceiling and sliding door system (with upgraded glazing) highlight the considered use of budget and sensitive integration of the new insertions.
A clear and engaging water story is revealed to the students with the visible collection of roof water, storage and pumping to the central water table. The playful use of natural light and colour further enhance the experience of the delightful Hutchins School Pre-Kinder.”
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.
