Marist College Bendigo
Montagne - Stage 1
Location: Dja Dja Wurrung Country | Bendigo, Victoria Sector: Education Completion: 2015
The Montagne Centre for middle years students is the first of a series of new school buildings planned for the green fields site of Marist College, Bendigo. The form of the building and its relationship to the surrounding landscape demonstrate careful consideration of the needs of a new school community, the Marist Hermitage origins and symbolism as well as the challenges and opportunities posed by the site. Comprising two pavilions linked by a central gallery space the building is long and low. It hugs the edge of permanent wetlands created in an area of the site prone to flooding. On the east side of the Centre two timber decks and a small pier stretch out over the water helping to anchor the building to its setting. This aspect of the school, which is visible from the road, is a concrete expression of the philosophy of boundary-less learning fostered at Marist College.
The key pedagogical driver for The Montagne Centre design was the removal of physical barriers to learning experience in order to promote learning activity anywhere and everywhere. This is reflected in the variety of spaces and settings designed to support various modes of learning and student interaction, including food preparation, art and science investigations, private study and small group discussion.
A high degree of transparency and visual connection plus a sense of physical freedom have been achieved within and between the interior spaces of the building via a system of glazed sliding doors and writable sliding wall panels. These can be opened, partially closed, or fully closed to expand or enclose specific spaces and settings as required for different activities.
Large folding glass doors open onto outdoor learning spaces around the building including an undercover assembly area with tiered seating, an outdoor kitchen and dining area, and two deck areas overlooking the wetlands.
The Montagne Centre’s permissive design also means the building will to respond to the evolution of Marist College’s distinct culture as continues to grow and develop.
Material selection has been designed to foster a sense of tradition in the school's culture. The use of rock, rammed earth and recycled timbers form a narrative that identifies both an intrinsic local heritage and the influences of L'hermitage, France (birthplace of Marist faith).
A natural theme of eucalyptus greys/greens and ochra reds/browns are accentuated with textured timbers to create warm and welcoming interiors that gracefully define various zones and spaces.
The large windows draw natural light into the heart of the facilities with smaller key openings framing views and vistas of the grounds and wetlands.
