We are thrilled to announce that Killester College Performing Arts and Music Learning Facility has been awarded a 2021 Commendation Award by the Association for Learning Environments – Australasia for New Construction/New Individual Facility under $8M. From the jury:

“Music Learning facility is the latest in a series of purpose-built facilities to cater for these. An iterative planning process refined through workshops, visits and assessment of context and site constraints identified the educational goal of providing a dynamic teaching, learning and performance environment. The priorities identified for the facility were that it would: complement the existing campus; support their progressive arts curriculum; provide a practical addition to accommodate a range of other activities; and enable flexibility for future needs or change in priorities.

The design is striking and entirely appropriate for music and dance. Visually stunning inside and out, the facility provides an exciting, vibrant environment through abstract patterns derived from musical notes incorporated in wall panels. There is ample evidence that the building design fulfils the goals and ambitions for the building, providing for specific learning, general amenities and adaptable and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. Design elements that extend the use of the learning spaces beyond the performing arts are commendable. The ability to open up the agora to external landscaped areas to support different viewing and staging options is valuable and provides the opportunity for use of this space for the broader school community.

This is a sustainable building that uses space economically and efficiently incorporating environmentally sustainable elements. Attention is paid to design for ultimate acoustic performance. The site location exploited and celebrates the experience of arrival with a light-well providing natural light deep into the building.

The College has clearly articulated how valuable the indoor and outdoor learning spaces are to the whole school community throughout the day.”

Congratulations to all involved!

Photography: Casamento Photography
Builder: Harris HMC