St Joseph’s College, Coomera

Located on a hilly, heavily-treed, 13-hectare site in northern Coomera, St Joseph’s College is sandwiched between intensive housing developments and a semi-rural bushland landscape. The project included the masterplan for a new P-12 college for 1800 students and the design of Stage 1 for 400 students.

The design works with, rather than against, the existing site conditions to develop a culture of building that is educationally, ecologically, socially and economically sustainable. Dry creek beds, an extensive bio-retention basin and a billabong collect and treat site water. 2.5 hectares of the site has been retained as a regenerated koala habitat and wilderness education area.

Passive design principles have been applied to all buildings which are naturally lit and ventilated and maximise access to outdoor space. Extensive use of glass and large sliding walls enhances and supports various teaching methodologies and learning modalities and allows communication, collaboration and connection.