Vertical schools the way of the future in tight real estate markets

Vertical schools could be the way of the future for real estate-strapped educators looking to expand, with a state school winning multiple commendations at this weekend’s architecture awards.

Brisbane South State Secondary College went up to boost learning space. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Brisbane South State Secondary School’s new vertical campus in Dutton Park, designed by BVN, was a standout at the Brisbane 2022 Australian Institute of Architects’ Regional Architecture Awards on Saturday night. It received commendations across four categories for education architecture, sustainable architecture, urban design and interior architecture for its innovative solution to the rocketing real estate market.

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Going up at Brisbane South State Secondary College. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

The school’s indoor sports zone. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Judges were effusive over the way the design addressed the challenge of lack of real estate.

”The College is a masterly work of architecture at all scales, elevating what is essentially a real estate problem of small inner-city sites with large student catchments into a heralding of the education and experiential potential of ‘vertical’ schools in humid subtropical climates.”

The new campus is spread across five storeys with wide walkways and extensive use of greenery. The project also incorporated the area’s indigenous heritage.

Greenery was a key feature of the design. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Vertical solutions are expected to be used more often in space-strapped schools with expanding population numbers in their catchments. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Private school St Joseph’s Nudgee College’s Treacy Precinct by m3architecture was also among winners announced, with a commendation for heritage architecture.

All of the Brisbane region’s awarded projects have been short-listed for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards, set for June.

A statement by the Australian Institute of Architects said the awards highlighted the true winners were students and others benefiting from celebrated designs.

The winner of the prestigious 2022 Lord Mayor's Buildings that Breathe Architecture Prize is Midtown Centre, designed by world-renowned practice Fender Katsalidis. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

FULL LIST OF WINNING BRISBANE PROJECTS:

2022 Lord Mayor’s Brisbane Buildings that Breathe Architecture Prize: Midtown Centre by Fender Katsalidis

Commendation — Educational Architecture: Brisbane South State Secondary College by BVN; Andrew N. Liveris Building by Lyon + m3architecture; The Marian Centre, Brigidine College by Blight Rayner.

Commendation — Residential Architecture (New): Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects; Earl Parade by Cavill Architects; Winship Shed by Reddog Architects; Minoko by Conrad Gargett; New Farm House by Tim Bennetton Architects.

Commendation — Residential Architecture (Multiple): Hawthorne Siblings by REFRESH*DESIGN; UQ Res Kev Carmody House by nettletontribe.

St Joseph’s Nudgee College's Treacy Precinct by m3architecture received a commendation for heritage architecture. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Commendation — Heritage Architecture: St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Treacy Precinct by m3architecture; Building 8, RNA Showgrounds by Conrad Gargett; Princess Theatre by JDA Co; Maritimo by Conrad Gargett.

Commendation — Residential Alterations and Additions: Green House by Steendijk; Cascade Hous by eJohn Ellway; Frangipani Pavilion by Arcke; Toowong House by Kin Architecture; Ashgrove Hillside House by Kieron Gait Architects; House for New Farm by Marc + Co.

KIRK architects’ Timber Tower office building was recognised for a world-leading construction timeline made possible by state-of-the-art prefabrication processes. Timber Tower was constructed in less than one month. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Commendation — Commercial: Timber Tower by KIRK; The Eaves, West Village by bureau^proberts; Nettletontribe Brisbane Studio by nettletontribe; Hyperdome North Mall by Cavill Architects in association with Sullivan Skinner & Buchan.

Commendation — Public: New Farm Neighbourhood Centre by Vokes and Peters with Zuzana and Nicholas.

Commendation — Urban Design: Andrew Liveris Building by Lyons + m3architecture; Brisbane South State College by BVN.

Brisbane South State Secondary College was one of those commended for its interior architecture. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Commendation — Interior Architecture: BVN Brisbane Studio by BVN; Hyperdome North Mall by Cavill Architects in association with Sullivan Skinner and Buchan; Thiess Workplace by COX Architecture; Brisbane South State Secondary College by BVN; Andrew N Liveris Building by Lyons Architects + M3 Architects.

Commendation — Sustainable Architecture: Timber Tower by KIRK; Brisbane South State Secondary College by BVN; Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects.

Commendation — Small Architecture: Riverside Green South Bank Parklands by Hassell.

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