A clear vision and desire to create contemporary, flexible and functional learning environments that would support and facilitate the evolution of the school’s pedagogical approach and collaborative learning underpinned the redevelopment and modernisation of Westbreen Primary School.

Working closely with the staff, students, and the community to expand upon the vision, it became clear that the traditional ‘square box’ classroom was to become a thing of the past in favour of hexagon-shaped learning spaces that would support Socratic teaching methods. 

To realise the vision, three of the campus’s old 1950s weatherboard structures were replaced with two modern, flexible, energy-efficient buildings delivered over two stages, which allowed the school to continue operating throughout construction. 

The first involved the construction of Building B, which houses the administration and office, library, and six flexible classrooms that surround a central collaborative learning space. Operable walls throughout the learning spaces make for truly flexible and adaptable spaces that support a variety of learning experiences, activities and uses. 

The classrooms are warm, welcoming, stimulating, and creative spaces that feature colours, textures, and materials that create optimal learning conditions. The geometry and orientation of each classroom work to improve engagement and learning experiences, providing three walls for instruction and panoramic lines of sight while large expanses of glazing maximise natural light and ventilation. 

The second stage saw the construction of the multipurpose learning centre, that provides space and amenities for creative, STEM and other learning experiences, activities and community events alongside the canteen. Outside, hard and soft landscaping that included decks for recreation and learning activities, a large, covered area connecting the two buildings, multipurpose synthetic sports field and a carpark completed the transformation of the campus.