Fostering connection to land and place

Sydney’s south-west growth centre is planned to accommodate around 110,000 new homes in the next 30 or so years. In view of the increasing demand for education facilities in the Oran Park area, NBRS was engaged by NSW Department of Education to design a new primary school with special needs facilities.

Located amidst gently undulating topography dotted with existing homesteads on hill tops and ridges, Oran Park Public School finds itself in a transitional zone full of opportunity to influence the trajectory of the expanding community. Its elevated position on the ridge line allows for not only clear arrival and navigation sequencing through the campus, but also views around the landscape and connections to Sir Jack Brabham reserve, Julia creek, local cycle ways, pedestrian paths and Town Centre.

Between future green reserves to the north, low-density residential housing to the west, and the Town Centre, the new school acts as a new focal point and captures a sense of belonging. This is further amplified once within the school piazza, a central area which creates an atmosphere of security and belonging.

Close collaboration between the Landscape & Architecture studios ensured that the softscape and hardscape created a dialogue with the building forms.

The creation of outdoor learning spaces has provided an extension of the classroom, expanding the opportunity for educational opportunities. This has been achieved through special use gardens including herb and vegetables, bush tucker and sensory gardens, which incorporate raised beds in order to make them readily accessible for wheel chair users.