Breaking from the stereotype that multi-purpose halls should be rectalinear and “sport-centric” in Australia, the St Marks College Performance Hub has been designed for the performing arts with specialised learning environments for theatre, dance & music.

The  distinct  triangular form allows for optimal sightlines and acoustic design compared to a rectilinear form. A triangular form is also perfectly suited to the existing site context. The architectural expression of the building is brave, bold, flamboyant; a learning environment that has become a muse for aspiring students with a passion for the arts.

During the concept phase, Morson Group developed two schemes in collaboration with the school principal. One scheme was rectangular and the other was triangular. A panel of students and teachers made the final decision. Needless to say that the unique triangular hall design was selected.

The building features a series of operable walls that can be opened for large gala events/assemblies or closed up to create intimate learning environments. This makes the building design flexible and capable of adapting to future educational models.

The Main Hall features large glazed fold-up doors that open out to the covered amphitheatre seating. The adjacent drama room also doubles as a side stage in performance mode. High quality audio/visual and acoustic design combine to make the hall a quality venue for the school and the broader community to enjoy.

The building also features dual music rooms with  open or closed ‘practice pods’ to suit students’ learning requirements. A professional recording studio also exposes students to the world of multimedia, sound recording and production.

The unique building form also creates informal outdoor learning environments on the peripheries. Large roof overhangs to the amphitheatre, forecourt and ‘Pyramid’ provide sun and rain protection for breakout spaces and periods of recess.

A centrepiece of the school, the performance hub is crowed with large overhanging roofs proving sheltered breakout for the surrounding classrooms. Such a variety of outdoor learning environments has become a prized feature for any school in 2020.

PROJECT DETAILS //
New Multipurpose Hall within existing school / Specialised Drama, Dance, Music & Recording Studio Facilities / Hall Capacity for 1000 people with external covered amphitheatre for additional +400 people / 2000sqm GBA / Landscape + Forecourt Works /Construction $10m

STATUS //
Completed 2019

CLIENT //
Catholic Education Parramatta Diocese

ROLES //
Lead Consultant, Client Representative, Superintendency of Building Contract

PHASE INVOLVEMENT //
Strategic Definition to Post Occupation

PROJECT LEADERS //
Elliot Oxley / Luke Edinburgh / Peter Morson

PHOTOGRAPHY //
Vashner Muhi

AWARDS //
MBA Excellence in Construction Awards 2019 // WINNER
(Private Schools Project $10-15m / Reitsma Constructions)

Master Painters Awards for Excellence 2019 // WINNER
(Nawkaw)