The conceptual framework and design intent for the $98 million secondary school expansion in Adelaide has been revealed by the South Australian Government.
The popular Adelaide Botanic High School is undergoing expansion to accommodate an additional 700 students on site, bringing capacity to 1,950 students in years 7 to 12 as part of its comprehensive plan.
The extension will feature a new vertical building, which is designed to integrate seamlessly with the current contemporary spaces. It was necessary for the extension to read as part of the original design, so when complete it will appear as one school.
The design embraces the history and philosophy of the existing high school as well as its site history to create an exciting sense of identity.
Stage 1 of Adelaide Botanic High School seamlessly integrated the 1960’s Reid building with new built form and central atrium to create a contemporary and innovative learning environment. Stage 2 builds on this sequence with a further addition of built form to be completed in 2024 providing an enhanced learning environment for the school community.
The conceptual framework of the school design embodies the notion of a living system. Being a vertical school without traditional corridors, the space instead is open for physical and visual connectivity, adding to the informal learning opportunities of the school.
Building services across ceilings remain exposed to reveal the operational engineering, adding another layer of informal education for students to see how a building is put together, how it works, and how it performs.
New contemporary learning areas will include food technology, music, e-hub (entrepreneurial hub), and second café which flows from indoor to outdoor eating areas. An essential second sports facility will be located on the level 8 rooftop, to include a fully enclosed basketball half court and multi-purpose half court with expansive views over the parklands and Torrens River.
Spaces are adaptable to the unique ways in which each students prefer to learn, whether in groups or individually, to optimise educational outcomes. Flexibility is key to functionality.
The school has significant public benefits. Its atrium, terrace, gym, recording studios, and kitchen spaces are utilised outside of school hours by the community, universities, local chefs, and government agencies. Events such as Illuminate Adelaide are held at the school, with the new rooms and rooftop sports area anticipated to attract similar public use.
Key features of the design include:
- An 8-storey build with rooftop sports and educational facilities
- Contemporary learning spaces, multi-level outdoor learning and social spaces
- New flexible rooftop multi-sports area
- Future focused and contemporary learning environments
Director of COX Architecture, Adam Hannon said the extension will inspire the next generation of young people and enable them to thrive both during and beyond school.
“We are proud to progress the next phase of Adelaide Botanic High School, increasing the opportunity for more students to benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities,” said Mr Hannon.
“We are delighted by the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Department for Education, South Australia and Lendlease on the extension of one of Adelaide’s most contemporary and innovative learning environments,” said Mr Hannon.
Director of COX Architecture, Zoe King said: “Designed to inspire, shape, and change how students learn. We aspire to deliver an environment where students can explore their interests deeply, collaborate with peers, and become informed future citizens.”
“We have sought to design bespoke and intimate learning spaces that offer a feeling of connectedness. Where the division between formal and informal learning dissolves, and students take centre stage in student-led learning,” said Ms King.
Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2023, ready for the school opening in Term 1, 2024.