Casterton Secondary College, Casterton
Birthplace of the
Kelpie sheep dog, Casterton is a small rural town in far western Victoria. As the
only secondary school in town, Casterton SC has an industry-focused curriculum
including viticulture, aquaculture, automotive and horticulture subjects. The
existing school buildings are typical of post-war modular designs, with a
series of linear classroom blocks linked by covered ways. Despite shrinking student
numbers, facilities have been maintained with pride and each block has been painted
a primary colour, in playful contrast to the rigid geometry of the buildings.
Working within the tight constraints prescribed
by the Victorian School Building Authority, the new building sits comfortably
alongside the existing classroom blocks, using a similar skillion roof form and
continuing the colourful primary palette. By twisting the plan off-axis, the
new building breaks the rectilinear geometry of the campus, opening up new access
routes and spaces between buildings. The traditional school verandah is re-imagined
to create a deeper, semi-enclosed outdoor learning space that overlooks a north-facing
garden. The materials are robust but inviting and as the cleaner attested on a
recent visit, “the kids really look after it”.
Project Team:
Architects: Bianca Scaife, Daniel Cooper & Cait Conley.
Structural Engineer: Lowe Consulting Engineers.
Quantity Surveyor: Plan Cost Australia.
Builder: Locks Constructions.
