The pre-defined topography and the small unit structure of the complex create a compact and varied small school village which provides appropriate rooms and facilities for different uses. The site is crossed by a network of paths which are developed out of the landscape and integrate the access paths to the school premises, thus creating a modelled landscape with outdoor spaces that are offset to match the topography. The access rooms are treated as a sculptural part of the outdoor facilities and designed as covered outdoor spaces. The different areas of the school are then joined to these access rooms.
A central playground, which is reached directly from the vehicle entrance, forms the central distribution point and provides access to all other parts of the school complex. It leads to the main entrance with a small foyer. Close by are the administrative areas and general-purpose facilities such as the library and the recreation room.
Each part of the school – kindergarten, pre-school classes, secondary school, upper school – has its own wing of the building and an associated outdoor area. At the centre of the complex are the subject classrooms and the sports department.

Client German International School Sydney

For performance phases 2 – 9

Total costs €9.45m

Usable floor area 2.650 sqm

Contact architects Cracknell & Lanergan Architects, Sydney