Project overview

The Toowoomba region is experiencing growth in the school aged population, and the Clifford Park Special School (CPSS) required a new learning centre to accommodate growth in catchment enrolment demand. The building program required 6 general learning spaces, associated practical learning and collaboration spaces, and staff support room.

The CPSS site features a pedestrian spine on a north-south axis, with a significant tree framing the view where the path terminates at the northern end of the campus. The new learning centre is sited at the northern end of the school campus, overlooking the adjacent playing fields. Covered linkages to the existing pedestrian network slide off axis, forming new nodes with intersecting paths, but respectfully retaining the feature tree.

The design of this building arranges the general learning spaces either side of a central corridor, with access to the classrooms provided via deep verandas. Skillion roofs provide the opportunity for clerestory windows to the naturally ventilated corridor and borrowed light into classrooms.

Particular attention has been given to enhancing the amenity offered by the space between the new learning centre and the adjacent classroom building. Small courtyards with stone block retaining walls provide seating areas outside the classrooms to extend learning spaces beyond the classroom.
Materials employed have been selected for their robustness and in colours that unify the campus identity.