Carnegie Primary School

Historic modernisation recognised in Victorian School Design Awards.

This modernisation and refurbishment project saw ClarkeHopkinsClarke work with a historic school established in 1888 to transform it into an inclusive, motivating, contemporary learning environment with strong community ties.

“We minimised changes to the façade and retained and replicated key architectural features. Inside we opened up internalised classrooms to create light, flexible spaces where learning happens in diverse settings, inside and outdoors.” - Wayne Stephens, Partner, Architect

The interior design is soft, nurturing and engaging, and uses vibrant colour to help young ones orient themselves. There’s orange upholstered seating in spaces for quiet reflection, persimmon shelving in creative and presentation spaces, red circular carpet features for storytelling or small group activities.

The interior design is soft, nurturing and engaging, and uses vibrant colour to help young ones orient themselves. There’s orange upholstered seating in spaces for quiet reflection, persimmon shelving in creative and presentation spaces, red circular carpet features for storytelling or small group activities.

There’s a playful design narrative of curved joinery and circular cut-outs between learning settings that provide ‘through the looking glass’ views.

“The project surpassed our expectations, modernising existing facilities, preserving the integrity of the heritage-listed Foundation Building, and introducing robust, engaging outdoor spaces for learning and play. The enhanced learning environments empower and motivate students and help teachers and support staff work in collaborative learning teams.” - Linda Jones, Principal

Photography by Rhiannon Slatter.