Grieve Gillett Andersen designs additions to Adelaide school

Adelaide’s Wilderness School has lodged plans for a number of new structures as well as alterations and additions to existing buildings with designs by local firm Grieve Gillett Andersen.

The private girls’ school sits between Hawkers Road and Northcote Terrace in the suburb of Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north. Plans before South Australia’s State Commission Assessment Panel call for a new lower junior primary building, an early learning centre in an existing building, a pergola and an annex to the school gymnasium.

The lower junior primary building, dubbed The Coach House, would sit at the centre of the campus and incorporate multiple peaked roofs and articulated facades to mirror the form and character of surrounding buildings. Catering to up to 150 students, the building would provide a “stepping stone” for students as they transition from reception up to Year 2.

A c.1925 former residence at 16 Hawkers Road would be adapted as new home for the school’s relocated Early Learning Centre. The existing swimming pool and pond at the rear of the property would be removed, and additions to the rear of the building would introduce a corridor and ‘turret’ light well that would link to a playroom annex. A separate pergola to the rear of the building providing a covered outdoor play

At the school’s existing Gymnasium on Hawkers Road, a two-level annex would provide additional fitness and recreation spaces house the relocated staff amenities. A new 2.1 metre rendered masonry fence along the western boundary of the development site, would present a uniform frontage to Hawkers Road.

The proposal is supported by South Australia’s government architect Kirsteen Mackay, who noted that consolidation of education functions and removal of various structures would “significantly improve overall campus circulation and allow for a more rational and unified outcome for the site.”

The State Commission Assessment Panel will consider the proposal on 13 October.