Bellevue Hill
2006

“…what a rare opportunity for a school which is literally in a park and the potential for learning that kind of environment generates...”

Cranbrook School invited Lippmann Partnership to propose a design for a new Junior School in a unique landscaped precinct in Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour remote from the Middle and High School precinct. The client was looking for an architect with a comprehensive knowledge of Reggio Emilio early learning principles as well as experience with educational buildings generally.

The new facility accommodates classrooms, library, a multi-function hall and recreational activities. The new precinct sits within a dense residential neighbourhood where issues of traffic required careful planning.

The design approach was to completely isolate cars from people and provide a north facing teaching environment. Small scaled landscaped courtyards are provided for children to use in conjunction with the internal classrooms. Flexible sliding walls allow these spaces to be reconfigured so that, over time, the new school can be easily adapt to changing needs and requirements.