Description

The Margaret Tierney Senior Centre at St Bernard’s College, Essendon, is nestled into a landscaped hill at the school's entrance. Its three-storey form responds to site planning overlays, terrain, and a significant oak tree while enhancing campus movement and passive design.

A crisp white volume rests on a brick-clad base, anchoring the building into the landscape. Angled windows define the classroom arrangements, maximising daylight and visual connection. A central amphitheatre, expressed as an architectural pop-out, features clerestory windows that flood the space with natural light. Classrooms are arranged around this light-filled amphitheatre, where suspended perforated timber baffles, resembling inverted pyramids or "stalactites," enhance acoustics. A warm, tactile material palette supports a robust and engaging learning environment, while extensive glazing fosters transparency and connection.

What's On

Come for an immersive experience that will showcase a state-of-the-art educational facility. The self-guided tour will provide insight into the innovative design and learning environments.

Representatives from St Bernard’s College and Baldasso Cortese will be available to discuss the vision behind the project. Watch a presentation on the design's formation and gain a deeper understanding of the planning, architecture, and educational benefits. The experience will highlight how the built environment enhances learning to foster collaboration, transparency, and passive supervision in a contemporary setting.

This site is mobility-friendly and neurodiverse considerate. Find out more on our new Access Map.