ST BEDE’S COLLEGE SCHOOL CAMP
Some schools are fortunate to have permanent camp facilities. These range from land and huts to purpose built facilities. In the case of St Bede’s College a fantastic parcel of land was purchased and with the land came an existing building. The site is on the headland of Smiths Beach, Phillip Island, with uninterrupted views of Bass Strait and walking paths to Smiths Beach.
Client
St Bede’s College
Completed
2011
Traditional Owners
Bunurong people
Project Type
Places of Residence
Location & program
School Camps can inform curriculum, often taking advantage of the camp’s location and features. In St Bede’s case, with the location at Smiths Beach overlooking Bass Strait, the ocean naturally plays a large part in the physical activities programme. To supplement this, music is also a focal point. The spaces, including outdoors decks, cater for individual and group activities. There are no televisions or radios- just students enjoying each other’s company, the ocean and engaging with musical instruments.
Constraints
Whilst the site is spectacular, the existing building was a hybrid of shacks with additions built over time. A constraint for this project was that the planning regulations stipulated the footprint could not be added to. This, together with the school’s desire to keep the building in uninterrupted occupation, meant building works have been carried out in stages and generally as an internal fit out rather than a rebuild or full renovation.
Acknowledgements
KDA Team
Arthur Chan, Eldo Di Muccio
Photographer
Silvi Glattauer