Newman Catholic College Showcases sets the benchmark in the sustainable design of Tropical Architecture.
TPG Architects, renowned local Cairns practice, proudly took home the coveted Best Regional Project award at the recent Far North Queensland Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards and Education Commendation in the State awards in June. Now moving through to the National Awards at the end October. The recognition celebrates the exceptional design and delivery of Newman Catholic College, the first Catholic College to be built on a university campus in Australia.
The awards jury said:
“Architectural masterpiece that sets a benchmark for tropical architecture in the education sector.”
The award citation noted that the building is ”Positioned harmoniously between a major regional highway, lush bushland, and the sprawling university playing fields, Newman Catholic College beautifully responds to its diverse surroundings while harnessing natural ventilation throughout all seasons. The project showcases TPG Architects' ingenuity in integrating sustainable design principles into educational spaces.”
From the vantage point of the highway, the school's commanding presence exudes strength and grandeur. The carefully crafted fenestrations not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also serve to mitigate prevailing weather conditions, conceal services, and provide an acoustic buffer, ensuring an ideal learning environment.
Creating a seamless connection between the school and the surrounding university grounds, the ground level of Newman Catholic College opens up to embrace the borrowed space. Above, the building establishes its distinctive identity, offering tantalizing glimpses of the dynamic activities taking place inside, perfectly balancing both intimacy and grandiosity.
Click image above for more photos and information about the project.
The jury went on to say:
“As one ventures into the building, a breathtaking interplay unfolds between the open-air ‘theatre’ of circulation spaces and the tranquil bushland backdrop. The juxtaposition of scale creates a captivating contrast, captivating the public persona with every step. Thoughtfully placed stairs and landings become focal points, encouraging social interaction, and providing students with unique opportunities to gather, mingle, and form lasting connections. The amphitheatre, doubling as informal lunchtime seating, further enriches the social fabric of the school community.
Every element within Newman Catholic College exhibits a remarkable dual functionality, epitomizing the meticulous attention to detail inherent in TPG Architects’ design philosophy. The school stands as a testament to their commitment to creating sustainable, inspiring educational spaces that transcend mere functionality.”