As part of a broader school masterplan funded by in 2022, Banyan Fields Primary School embarked on a transformative refurbishment project to upgrade and repurpose an existing, disused gymnasium. The masterplan emerged out of consultation with the school leadership, students and community, and identified the gym as a prime option for redevelopment into a dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Staff Hub due it’s prominent location and existing area.
The refurbishment of this 690sqm space addresses critical gaps in the school’s facilities, responding directly to the community’s feedback. These consultations revealed a pressing need for specialised science and technology spaces, as well as larger, more flexible staff work and meeting areas. The project resulted in the creation of new, fully equipped science and technology classrooms, complemented by upgraded art and music rooms, forming a cohesive central STEAM hub within the school. Additionally, the refurbishment included a staff hub, a new gallery space for showcasing student work, and updated student amenities, creating a vibrant, multi-functional educational environment.
In order to maximize the impact of a modest construction budget, structural changes were kept to a minimum, with only two new walls added to reconfigure the existing open floor plan. Where possible, existing materials were reused or recycled, with minimal refinishing and painting to preserve the building’s character while integrating modern additions, achieving a balance of sustainability and innovation.
Energy efficiency was a major consideration throughout the project. A new roof, windows, and insulation were installed to reduce energy consumption and long-term operational costs, aligning the refurbishment with the VSBA and school’s sustainability goals.
The new layout is highly adaptable, with large doors and glazed partitions enabling flexible use of the spaces. This allows for a wide variety of teaching activities, including both small-group and large-scale staff meetings or workshops. The central gallery not only provides a space for exhibitions but also functions as a flexible zone for connecting classrooms, accommodating a range of formal and informal learning activities.
Through careful planning and responsive design, the refurbishment has transformed an aging building into a vibrant, energy-efficient hub that supports the dynamic needs of Banyan Fields Primary School’s students and staff, offering a space that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Adaptive Re-Use
To maximise the impact of a limited construction budget, the design strategy prioritised the retention and enhancement of the existing building features while introducing modern updates that would meet the functional needs of the school. By minimising structural changes, the project was able to make use of the original, open floor plan of the gymnasium, which provided a flexible and adaptable space. Only two new walls were introduced to create distinct teaching and collaborative areas, ensuring the expansive, open character of the gym was preserved. This approach allowed for maximum flexibility in how the space could be used, from specialised science classrooms to staff workspaces.
In terms of materials, the design focused on reusing and recycling as much of the existing building fabric as possible, aligning with both budgetary constraints and sustainability goals. The original slabs, roof structure, and brickwork were retained and minimally refinished, allowing these to remain. This also reduced the need for costly new materials, minimised demolition waste, and ensured that as much of the existing structure as possible was reused, promoting sustainability throughout the project.
Where new materials were required, the design ensured that these additions complemented and enhanced the building's existing features. For example, matching plywood was used in areas like the staff hub and gallery, bringing warmth and texture to the space respecting the original finishes. The building’s services infrastructure was also updated to improve energy efficiency, a critical consideration. A new roof, upgraded glazing, and insulation were installed to improve thermal performance, allowing the building to stay comfortable year-round while reducing long-term energy use. These upgrades were selected to minimise the environmental impact, reduce waste, and align with the project’s financial constraints.
Team:
Project: Banyan Fields Primary School – Steam and Staff Hub Architecture/Interiors/Landscape: Kart Projects Team: Martin Musiatowicz, Karen fermo, Erhau Lee, Hugh Matthews Consultant Team: OPS Engineers (Structure & Civil), BRT Engineering (Services), Waveform (Acoustic), EnergyLab Construction: South Rd Photography: Leo Showell
