John Patrick Landscape Architects were engaged to work on a new health and wellness centre, Artemis Centre, located at Melbourne Girls Grammar.
The new building, designed to bring physical education into the 21st Century, consists of a learning common, 25m indoor pool, multi-use indoor courts, studios, gymnasium, café and administration hub, creating a holistic mind and body experience for the students.
Outside, a central walkway divides the new building from the historical Chapel. The paving designed by JPLA comprises bluestone cobbles laid in a traditional European fan pattern. Mirroring the curvature of the new architecture, the pattern provides a traditional material surface connecting the historical context of Chapel to new building in contemporary way.
To the rear, a dramatic external amphitheatre links the new multi-level building with the existing elevated tennis courts and oval behind. Shade trees, lawn and landscaping, soften the space, providing shade for students, while framing the new building and grounding it within a landscape setting.
Awards
World Architecture Festival – School Finalist
AIA VIC – Educational architecture Finalist
Australian Institute of Architects ACT – The Derek Wrigley Award for Sustainable Architecture