ST THOMAS SCHOOL ECOLOGY AND STEAM CENTRE
A HISTORIC SHOPFRONT & WAREHOUSE REVILATISED AS A SCHOOL
St Thomas School wished to establish a new Ecology & STEAM Centre to deepen their environmentally focused philosophy. The school’s purchase of the adjacent character buildings – former signage workshops – allowed additional classrooms and a multipurpose centre for specialty subjects, while addressing Goodwood Road for the first time.
The industrial past informed the versatile workshop, accommodating hands-on curriculum including science, technology, art and cooking. The revived Dance Hall celebrates another chapter in the building’s history, providing a space for performing arts classes and intimate performances. Beyond the original walls lies the undercover ecology hub. The courtyard forms an outdoor learning area, featuring tiered seating and productive garden, while serving as a link to the main campus.
Original materials were retained and left untouched where possible, including the character shopfronts, exposed concrete, brickwork and trusses. Modest in scale and intervention, this unique revitalisation strengthens ties to the community – both present and past.
PROJECT DETAILS
Client: St Thomas School
Location: Adelaide, SA
Kaurna Country
Value: $1.2 million
Completion: 2020
TEAM
Dimitty Andersen
Allan Yeo
Ba Trung Nguyen
Charlotte Standish
"Grieve Gillett Architects rose to the challenge of addressing the complexities of adapting a semi-industrial site into an educational facility. These included the removal of mechanics’ oil pits and restoration of the heritage building. They also dealt with the challenges of a tight site surrounded by a mix of zoning requirements and heritage buildings. The design is sleek and modern while drawing out the character and purpose of the original building. It is an inspiring place to learn through the aesthetics of the building and spaces, through the functionality and how each space connects with the other.
We were delighted that the students were invited to be involved in the process, from initial consultation, to working with the signage designer to incorporate their artwork and photographs in the window graphics. Students of all year groups are excited to visit the Centre for their specialist subjects and the graduation to the Year 6 hub celebrates the senior students’ milestone year. With the opening of the facility coinciding with the beginning of Covid-19, we were unable to invite the school community in for an official opening at the time. With our doors now open to families, we have received an overwhelming positive response by parents to the new Centre and the increased educational opportunities it provides.
The Ecology and STEAM Centre has brought to life our school vision in ways we had only dreamt of. It is unlike anything I have seen in any other school."
- Dan Cowan, (Former) Principal