SJC Science Block

Sims White worked on this project for St. Joseph’s College in association with Greg Kratzmann Architect. Sims White carried out principal consultancy documentation, tendering, and contract administration, whilst Greg retained overall design control. Tight timelines and planning requirements restricted the site to a very confined area with no flexibility for orientation or position. The building is located in a key position within the school campus – at the intersection of the new main entry axis as well as being on a new cross axis that will link the ‘relocated centre’ of the school with a new precinct of future development. It was therefore important to fulfil the needs of these external linking spaces as much as the functionality of the new building. It was imperative to create spaces that were functional but were also pleasant areas conducive to student interaction and recreation. It was considered important the new building used the common aesthetic palette of the campus but still portrayed itself as a science building with clean modern materials and functionality. The design integrated steel and sandwich panels to give efficiencies in energy, construction time and cost with the project being under budget and on time. More importantly however, it has provided a built environment that the students have positively responded to.