Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School was an exciting collaboration between Rossi Architects, Bennett Design and Walter Brooke & Associations which saw the creation of a whole new school for the new suburb of Zuccoli.
Inspired by Reggio Emilio principles, the learning areas seamlessly connect to both indoor and outdoor common spaces. This results in learning environments that are adaptable and that make the most of the ideal dry season conditions of the Top End.
Utilising a palette of neutral tones and natural materials the design also incorporates large screens along its facades to soften the appearance of the large building. These screens also act to reduce glare and heat load on the building while allowing the louvres to catch the higher natural breezes.
Internally, large sliding doors allow for dynamic control of the degree of connection between learning areas which include specialist common areas and advanced digital technologies.
The success of the school was recognised with reception of the 2019 Australian Institute of Architects NT Chapter Education Award.