In a game of colour and contrast, James Cubitt Architects have married the virtues of brick with a creative use of rendered walls to create a vibrant and dynamic education facility in the Amberley State School in Yamanto, Queensland. The unifying ingredient in the master plan for the school, which had to be relocated and reconstructed at the Yamanto site, was to create a sense of space that fostered an environment of collaboration with staff, students, and the school community, while also complimenting the neighbouring surrounds.
All building design elements flowed from this intent, including the choice of PGH Bricks product, used as the canvas for the school's striking look that balances the powerful dark colours of the brick with a rainbow of colourful rendered stripes that act as 'way-finding' signals to identify different buildings on the campus. Selection for this project was Blue Metal Flash from the Metallic range. The almost chequered dark blue, matt canvas of Blue Steel Flash contrasts with the splashes of colour to give this build a contemporary, yet vibrant feel.
It reflects a movement in Queensland’s architectural approach. The trend in Queensland architecture moving towards darker bricks provide an artistic appeal for new buildings, striking a balance between a powerful, dramatic impression and a comfortable earthiness.
Materials used in the building design work collaboratively with the masterplan of the buildings on the site. These buildings wrap around the oval, and are each separated by play areas to allow people to comfortably circulate throughout the campus while cultivating an impression of grandeur and size.
Architect: James Cubitt Architects
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