About the project:
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The recently completed Sophia College brings much needed support to the burgeoning community of Plainland and the greater Lockyer Valley region.
The first stage of the new school includes: an administration building, multi-purpose covered area, canteen, uniform shop, general learning and specialist learning areas, amenities and extensive external works and landscaping.
Design Strategy
The school’s identity has been founded on the Franciscan principles of Laudato Si and shaped in the image of the surrounding landscape. The incorporation of terraces into the sloping site anchors the school in its landscape and helps distinguish precincts across the campus. The colour palette of the buildings creates an overarching theme that connects back to the well renowned sandstone of the Helidon region. Sharp angular forms of corrugated metal are used to articulate functionality and provide each school building with its own unique character in the rural context.
Sustainability
The school buildings have been designed to respond to the local climate and take full advantage of natural light and ventilation to minimise ongoing costs. Future provisions have also been made for a large solar array and a fully functioning eco-sciences agricultural precinct. Other passive environmental systems that have been integrated into the campus include the collection and re-use of all storm water through the use of a large aquaculture dam. The sustainability principles implemented flow back into the curriculum of the school as a key aspect of the school’s pedagogy.
