Our Lady of the Rosary, Kenmore

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Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore

Multi-purpose Performing Arts Complex

Description:
The school invited BA Architects to enter a design competition. The brief was an indoor performing arts centre that would accommodate the large range of school and community activities. Our design approach incorporated developing a ‘master plan’ that identified the complete needs of a growing school. We searched for a precinct that would form the ‘heart’ within the school, a central place where the whole school would gravitate towards. This new precinct would link the performing arts centre whilst improving accessibility and connectivity. By introducing a ‘heart’ would invigorate the school community for now and well into the future. The ‘master plan’ identified a space that would open onto an existing quadrangle. By creating an interconnection between the quadrangle and the new built achieved a combined gathering area that catered for over 3000 people. Catering for school assemblies and performances plus functions that involved the wider community is now achievable. To improve school accessibility, the new ‘master plan’ identified a potential new entry to the school, which was achievable within the budget of the project. The new entry incorporated a separate public entry to the performing arts centre and reduced congestion at peak school hours. A ‘play of scale and volume’ was introduced as a transition between the hall and the quadrangle, thus introducing a friendlier play area. The decision to cantilever the performing arts centre over the existing car park, not only retained the functionality of the car park but also increased the overall car park numbers. The brightly coloured canteen forms a signature element to the precinct. Sustainability was introduced by utilizing some of the disused school areas. A music practice room was created by building into the under croft space of an existing building. To celebrate the rhythm of the eucalypt trees that dots the school, we adopted a deep metal screen on the western face of the build. The screen played on the rhythm of light and shade, allowed full height window openings and created a wonderful light filled interior to the hall with plenty of abundant cross ventilation.
Design Team:
Bruno Alahakone Dax Yem Simon Bencteux Stirling Blacket
Builder:
Carmichael Builders

I was very satisfied with the overall outcome of the project, especially the design aspects that were suggested by BA Architects that were not originally in the brief. BA Architects came up with many great design ideas that we hadn’t thought of and were incorporated into the final design of the home. I appreciated the level of detail and consideration BA Architects went to, especially the recommendations for specific sustainable materials and products, which created our Brisbane home.

Everyone who I dealt with was really on the ball. Bruno and Greg understood our needs in organising council approvals and certification on my behalf. That was great as it took everything off my hands. We would definitely consider completing another residential project with BA Architects.

Tom Wheeler
TW Builders Project: Builder for Harts Road Home, Indooroopilly and Carnarvon Street renovation, Indooroopilly