Inspiring nature-filled learning space at Santa Sabina College
Rohrig recently completed an inspiring new outdoor learning precinct at Santa Sabina College’s Junior School in Sydney’s inner west, creating a dynamic space that supports learning and play for College’s the youngest students.
The covered outdoor learning area itself combines learning and play with innovative features like a louvre system, angled to provide maximum sunlight in winter and shade in summer and an array of soft mounds to encourage active and imaginative outdoor play.
We delivered this exciting development in collaboration with project managers Pier Property Corp and architects M3architecture, transforming the College’s outdoor space. The result is a state-of-the-art learning precinct that thoughtfully connects students with the natural environment, their faith, and their creativity.
The project began with the removal of the existing play area, making way for a completely new playground featuring equipment all the way from Denmark. The design seamlessly integrates learning with nature through unique elements, including functional riverbeds that serve as both a creative play area and a natural drainage path, while sandstone boulders surrounding the playground spark curiosity with circular resin-filled cutouts displaying floating insects.
A standout feature is the intricate footpath that threads through the space, shaped like rosary beads with prayers and donor plaques placed along the walkway, instilling a sense of faith throughout the re-envisioned precinct.
Inside, Margaret Rice Place is designed to inspire and educate, boasting 14 new classrooms, specialty learning spaces, a contemporary library, reception, and a canteen. The design features a premium finish, from stylish timber window and door frames to a unique curved bulkhead ceiling that creates a sense of flow throughout each level. To assist students in navigating the expansive building, each of the six levels is finished in a distinct colour theme adding a vibrant and practical design element.
The project also involved external renewal works, including a new roof and windows, and a six-level internal stair and circulation structure, complete with additional lifts to manage student movement efficiently. Works were completed with the construction of a new link bridge, connecting Margaret Rice Place with the existing Waterford Place building, integrating the junior school facility within the broader campus.
“This project was one of the largest fit-outs we’ve undertaken, with complex elements like the external stairs, low roof height and limited site access, but our team’s ingenuity and expert craftsmanship allowed for an outstanding end result,” said Rohrig Construction Manager, Steve Hastie.
“Transforming a building designed for living into one suited for learning requires a carefully considered execution, bringing the future-focused project to life.”
Managing the logistics and construction on a tight-access site, surrounded by three other schools, demanded careful programming, but our team was committed to delivering this exceptional facility with minimal impact on the community. Our team ensured noise levels were managed, safety maintained at all times and limited vehicle movements, allowing the schools to operate as usual.
The completion of Margaret Rice Place provides St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace with an incredible, purpose-built facility that promises to offer a first-class educational experience for the next generation of leaders.