Australian Design Review

Dalyellup College is a new school in a picturesque, tree filled site just outside the coastal south west city of Bunbury. The design is a ribbon of contemporary architectural spaces – distinct learning communities integrated with specialist facilities – woven amongst retained trees that form a “signature” for the new school. A two storey building mass protects the south west corner of the site from strong prevailing winds, providing a strong street address and a focus to the main entry. The building form creates a generous, north facing community “heart” courtyard.
Throughout the design, there is a blurring of internal and external spaces, with large opening walls, deep verandah “rooms” and informal work spaces promoting allowing flexible learning opportunities. A materials palette of natural finishes including terracade, coloured concrete, metal and exposed aggregate polished floors complement splashes of vibrant colour dispersed according to function and location.