KMB Features - International Grammar School

Winner:
2011 Veridian Vision
Award for Commercial
Energy Efficiency
WELCOME
TO THE KERRIE MURPHY BUILDING
NO. 1 MACARTHUR STREET ULTIMO SYDNEY NSW
Architects Allen Jack+Cottier delivered this naturally ventilated mixed-mode school building to International Grammar School (IGS) on
the same Building the Education Revolution* budget that delivered a single library to most schools. This is a remarkable building that
has excited the whole school community. It kindles a childlike response and is deeply embedded in its place.
Named after former principal Kerrie Murphy, the building houses the primary school library, a ground-floor Covered Outdoor
Learning Area, Languages Faculty offices and a multipurpose space. The roof can be converted to an outdoor play area shaded by
an array of photovoltaic cells.
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We are delighted to see this project realised – it’s been made possible by the passion and will of the whole school community and with the
funding support of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution. As an urban, inner city school, IGS has always been incredibly
creative with its use of learning and recreation spaces. That’s why this building is so important to us and to the community – the multipurpose
area will also be available for joint community projects. David Baker, Chairman, IGS School Board
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The building has given the languages staff a consolidated space for the first time in the School’s 27-year history. We can expect the building
and its myriad possibilities will enhance the school’s learning environment for decades to come. Michael Maniska, IGS Principal
It is a special honour to have this building named after me. The aesthetic design has ensured a beautiful building and this will daily nurture
the children’s hearts and souls as they wander through the various spaces and enjoy the shapes and textures. As well as being beautiful,
the spaces are light and joyful and will inspire play and learning. Kerrie Murphy
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Architectural and sustainable features
The iconic form of the building was inspired by the formidable
collection of large brick warehouse buildings which give
Ultimo its distinctive character. The ochre-coloured walls also
suggest the cultural connection to the Indigenous custodians
of the land – the Gadigal People.
The windows – or amoebic apertures as they are often
described – use the latest e-glass technology to maintain a
high level of insulation. Internal lighting is sensor-automated
and the air conditioning is a mixed-mode system. All water is
collected and re-used.
*The new structure was built to budget and on schedule by Baseline on land
owned and leased to IGS by the Biggs family, with $3 million in funding from
the Australian Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER)’s Primary
Schools for the 21st Century allocation.