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Saints Grammar Primary School
2009
Sydney
Architecture
Candalepas Associates, Sydney
Structural Engineer
OPUS International Consultants
Landscape architect
Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects
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| Saints Grammar Primary School |
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 The active playground, with the concrete fins and timber detailing of the western facade beyond.
Photos: Brett Boardman Winner of the Sulman Award for Public Architecture in the recent NSW Architecture Awards, the All Saints School by Candalepas Associates presents a "vibrant new neighbour to its institutional patron, the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church". Spanning the entire length of the block, the school is scaled in respect to the neighbouring houses forming a low-rise linear element. A long, two-tiered open yard reaches the length of the building and creates a setback from the road. The classrooms are located on the upper floors, with the ground floor dedicated to staff and administrative offices, the library and canteen. The circulation system at All Saints is of particular note - "conceived as a series of robust, interconnected and semi-open walkways, at times extending to larger room-like bays". This amplified threshold space to the West provides mediation between the classrooms and the court below and are designed to suit a variety of functions - verandah, teaching room, stage or playground or simply as a way of circulation through the building. Here the architecture is the spatial support for "diverse and varied relations" - a vital counterpoint to the prescribed classroom setting.
A series of vertical timber batten screens between concrete blades shade the Western façade and give material warmth to the building. Here, the formal influence of Glen Murcutt's work is evident. The scheme also makes reference to postwar modernism, "recalling their shared aspiration to reinvigorate architecture's social commitment".  Elevational view of All Saints from Isabel Street. The scale is sensitive to the surrounding houses, while the fine sheet metal roof adds a dramatic gesture to this facade. Classroom. The light-filled corridor space on the top level.
 The larger, stepped, paved courtyard which acts as both sober forecourt and lively school ground.For full project review by Maryam Gusheh see Architecture Australia vol 98 no 4, July/August 2009.
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