The Waterford Learning Centre transforms a constrained urban site at St Pius X College into a contemporary, flexible learning environment. The two-storey building provides nine adaptable learning spaces and a covered outdoor learning area, addressing an immediate shortage of teaching rooms, while establishing a clear framework for future campus renewal.

At the heart of the building is a sheltered outdoor learning space embedded within the building rather than treated as a separate structure. Positioned alongside classrooms, it functions daily for breakout learning, small group work, informal study and circulation. Open at both ends and sheltered by a ventilated skillion roof, the space supports natural airflow while providing shade and weather protection. Its central location allows clear staff oversight, supports daily school movement and contains activity within the site, minimising impacts on neighbouring properties.

Learning spaces support contemporary teaching methods with classrooms able to operate independently or combine for larger cohorts. Glazed sliding doors connect to covered external areas and enhance light, air and visual connection.

The building addresses Anderson Street through pitched gables, a residential two-storey scale and a red face brick palette that grounds the Centre in its local context. Landscape and environmental strategies enhance amenity and long-term performance for the campus and wider community.

Photography: Guy Wilkinson