St Dominics Priory Case Study

Shining light on the future

Located in the heart of North Adelaide, St Dominic’s Priory College has completed the first stage of a grand building masterplan where existing heritage architecture has been cleverly integrated with new, state of the art facilities. With Architect, Swanbury Penglase and builder, Mossop Construction, Forefront Building Concepts & Interiors constructed learning spaces that are environmentally friendly encompassing stunning architectural ceilings walls and partitions with materials supplied by ADX Depot. The space is designed to encourage a global citizenship culture by providing senior students a transition into independence, balancing classrooms with both individual and group study spaces that aim to start the transition from school to the workplace.

The raked ceilings were an intricate detail of the design. The angled ceilings work by letting natural light in and add height to the space. Bill Van Der Vleut of Forefront Building Concepts & Interiors explains, “the challenge with the raked ceiling was to ensure that the system also meets seismic requirements. We’re really happy with the finish of the ceiling and how it brings the rest of the room to life.”

Products supplied for this project:

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Access Panels & T-Bar Frames

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Variety of Plasterboards

St Dominic’s Priory Business Manager, Lina Martino, talks about how the design of the ceiling elevated the functionality of the building as a whole; “We wanted the natural light to come into the space to help students to focus and feel refreshed and make the most of their time at school.” The common area is broken up into independent study booths and group study areas allowing for flexible learning opportunities. This is surrounded by open-plan, spacious classrooms which also utilise the natural light and include large glass sliding doors that can be fully opened to merge with the communal area.

Not only does the building work to achieve functionality, but the finish adds an aesthetically pleasing architectural element that contrasts the adjoining heritage building. The building is surrounded by low-lying shelter spaces and the soffit is lined with James Hardie Versilux so that the modern style of the interior extends to the outside. James Hardie Versilux is a perfect product to use when cladding external areas of a building as it is made from fibre reinforced cement which maintains its integrity and therefor it’s look over the years in weathered conditions. It is simple to install and can easily be painted to suit any design.

“Students were at the heart of all our decision making, when designing this Centre”, Sr Jillian Havey explains. “The beauty, the light, and the environmentally friendly learning spaces help to promote a global citizenship culture that we are passionate about at the College. We particularly love the blend of existing heritage architecture, with new state of the art facilities.”

ADX Depot Account Manager, John Walther, speaks about the project, “it was a great project to watch transform through the different stages. Working with Bill and the team at Forefront and supporting them by supplying all the steel stud and track they needed as well as board for linings is rewarding because of how pleased the clients are with the finished results. It really is an enjoyable space to be in.”

If this is just the start of the St Dominic’s Priory College grand building masterplan, then we’re all in for a treat. The way educational spaces are being designed is changing as there is a need to ensure that environments are stimulating for those utilising the space as well as incorporating as many natural elements into the design as possible. In the critical and challenging years of senior education, having a space which is calming and influences a positive environment that students want to work in will only create more success for them.

For enquires on products or services, or for more information on this project, call our team on (08) 8292 5000.