High School Leckhampton

A prominent feature of Leckhampton Hill, on a cherished section of greenfield land, the school is strongly connected to and intertwined with the community. Throughout the design development, community consultation was essential to recognise and address their needs and aspirations.

With two wings of teaching accommodation surrounding an external courtyard, a large 450-seat main hall with bleacher seating and extensive sporting facilities. These include a four court sports hall, all weather pitch, grass football and rugby pitches, running pitch, cricket wicket and a multi use games area.

The school sits at a low elevation within its surroundings, seamlessly blending with residential neighbours and the rural landscape beyond. When approached from the north, the building complements its surroundings, while from the south, it remains hidden from view.

Fostering a harmonious relationship between urban and rural land, our site plan creates a tranquil environment. Vehicles and external activity sit on the busier northern side of the site, away from the protected heart of the school and playing fields.

Our use of bronzed metal cladding, on the northern side, creates larger volume spaces with a sense of fun and freedom. More masonry with a strong window pattern rhythm is used in the teaching spaces of the courtyard to reflect the school's pedagogy, ideals and aspirations for its students.

Timber panelling was chosen to complement the brick features and bring out significant points of the building. This includes the main entrance, community entrance, main hall, staff room and learning resource centre.