Schools Infrastructure NSW is building a new Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education within Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, west of Sydney.
Designed by NBRS Architecture, the education facility will comprise a series of single-storey, linked pavilions set within the landscape. Providing agricultural and STEM education for up to 325 students, it will include five science laboratories, 10 general learning spaces, practical activity teaching areas, a botany room, and accommodation for up to 62 visiting students and teaching professionals from regional and rural NSW.
There will also be covered outdoor learning areas, a dining/recreation hall, a canteen and kitchen, agricultural plots, and significant landscaping spaces.
In planning documents, NBRS Architecture describes linear open building forms with open spaces and lightweight construction techniques. The site will enjoy views of the Blue Mountains to the west. The architects note the design expression takes inspiration from the cultural practices of the local Durag people.
Hawkesbury Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education by NBRS Architecture.
Image: Schools Infrastructure NSW
“The circulation and building forms have been inspired by the natural environment, the Hawkesbury River, the flood plains, the weaving pattens found in food bowls, and fish traps,” the design statement reads.
“The buildings have been designed and orientated to capture views of the landscape and to maximise the connection between internal and external agriculture teaching spaces.
Another focus of the design is to develop a a strong axial link back to the main Western Sydney University. with a pedestrian plaza and promenade linking the facilities. At the heart of the school will be a square or “village green,” designed to capture views over the agriculture plots and the blue mountains.
“At the end of the square are large sliding barn doors designed to allow the space to be closed down to create a sun trap in winter and shield the square from cold westerly winds or open the site up in summer,” the architects note.
The NSW government says the centre will be available to students from across NSW for intensive studies, regular visits or excursions from regional, metro and overseas students.
A state-significant development application is on exhibit until 14 September.
