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Glenwood High School

PTW were engaged to provide Phases 2-8 (Concept Design to Completion) architectural consultancy services for the design of new education spaces at the existing campuses of Glenwood HS. It is owned and operated under a public private partnership (PPP).

The Glenwood High School (GHS) provides facilities for 1820 students and 126 staff. The redevelopment of the existing school replaced the existing 20 demountables with permanent learning spaces. In total 47 new learning spaces have been added to the campus.

The educational model of GHS is based upon the principles of accessible and differentiated learning to ensure students benefit from different teaching and learning activities. The design of the area around the Performance Centre gives areas for performance and sharing of cultural traditions which is an important part of school life for the students.

Connecting with Country

Consultation at the school was undertaken to develop thoughtful, considered and appropriate design responses that inform the design of the school buildings and landscaped areas. These provide a sense of historic and cultural continuity to these schools with strong indigenous links through the natural environment. Woodland areas have been opened for school and community use and enjoyment; indigenous edible plants have been incorporated in the kitchen garden and a garden for plants used for weaving added into the composition for GHS.

Colours and motifs that are meaningful for the school community are incorporated in the perforated metal screens that clad the external stairs and balustrades. Artwork was created through workshops organised by NADA and Glenwood High School.

SINSW Design Standardisation

At Glenwood HS the built form utilises the SINSW planning grid for both the general and specialist learning spaces. The “knuckle” of the two main wings contains the lift, stair and accessible toilet with breezeway connections. Another breezeway with services rooms, including the comms room, and student amenities separates the two parts of the north-south wing. The access balconies, which are part of the SINSW planning grid, face the central stand of trees. At the ground level, there are external learning areas at this interface. 5 Star Green Star - GHS is designed under the 5 Star Green Star Building tool.

Glenwood High School exterior
Glenwood High School exterior
Glenwood High School exterior
Glenwood High School exterior

Location

Darug Country, Glenwood, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Client

NSW Department of Education