The new Suncoast Primary Precinct is a carefully considered response to the school’s pedagogy, distinctive site and expanded program, developed through deep engagement with the client. The resulting project carefully supports the College’s co-teaching approach with each stage supported over two levels, enhancing connectivity and social cohesion between different year levels. Spaces are provided for groups of different sizes from individuals and small groups, to entire year cohorts and whole stage gatherings. The architects have demonstrated an innovative approach to pedagogy and space – within its rational structural grid and rectangular form, a range of connected spaces supports the diverse demands of the co-teaching model, including a clever sectional arrangement that provides a central common for each stage. The result is an adroit architectural response that supports diverse needs of its many stakeholders in a design that is at once playful and enduring.

One of the extraordinary achievements of our new Primary facilities has been the way our philosophy and approaches to teaching and learning are expressed in the design. This facility is the culmination of many years of research, thinking, growth, change and improvement towards a rich and innovative approach to primary education in spaces that are conducive to learning, flexible to enable a wide range of learning modes, and provide agency to learners. The clever and purposeful design of this precinct, including its beauty and aesthetics, is a credit to the team at m3architecture and their responsive partnership with the College.