Cairns Special School

Client : QLD Department of Education
Year : 2015
Location : Cairns, QLD
Built Area : 820 m2

The brief required the location of a new Early childhood to 18yr Special School to service the needs of families in Far North Queensland. Situated adjacent to the existing Woree State High School, the school is to accommodate a peak population of 120 students.

The project presented numerous complex challenges to successfully deliver a regional specialist education hub with the capacity to provide dedicated programs and services for students with high educational needs.

Each precinct features general learning areas, outdoor learning areas and distinctive recreational outdoor spaces. Collectively focused inwards in a courtyard arrangement around central core facilities, the school’s buildings enhance a sense of community.

The Master Plan successfully addresses the wide range of concerns of a broad group of stakeholders encompassing the school, end users and the adjoining Woree State High School. The design was favourably received and proceeded according to program with the tender awarded and contract signed off all within the constraints of the budget.