Templeton Primary School by Kosloff Architecture

Nestled at the base of the Dandenong Ranges in the verdant outer-Melbourne suburb of Wantirna, lies Templeton Primary School. Designed by Kosloff Architecture, the project transcends the notion of school as mere infrastructure - reimagining it instead as a civic landmark and site of community engagement. The considered design of the project cultivates not only learning, but also identity, educational aspiration, and a deep sense of belonging for both students and the broader community.

From the outset, the project asserts a commanding presence within the suburban streetscape. Through its sculptural composition, it distinguishes itself as not merely a place for students; it is an architectural gesture for the broader community - a landmark for the public to behold.

The building’s street-facing façade is defined by a meticulously articulated composition of folded, textured brickwork. These subtle shifts in form and surface conceal openings to ensure the privacy and security of students, while simultaneously offering glimpses into the student school life.

To the north, the project opens expansively to the existing campus. The building generously invites an abundance of natural light to flood the interior, enriching the learning environment with a sense of openness, calm, and connection to the exterior world.

“The use of masonry serves as a deliberate bridge between tradition and modernity, grounding the new structure in its architectural lineage.”

Taking note from the Victorian-era masonry buildings that define much of the school’s campus and surrounding suburbs, Kosloff architecture sought to craft a building that seamlessly integrated into its architectural context whilst asserting a distinctly contemporary character. The use of masonry serves as a deliberate bridge between tradition and modernity, grounding the new structure in its architectural lineage.

The sleek façade and linear appearance of GB Masonry’s Vertico Split Face block delivers a refined, tactile element to the curved building face - keeping architectural interest at the forefront of the building’s immediate impression. The light material palette of Limestone and Porcelain blocks strengthen the project’s contemporary sensibility, offering a striking contrast to the deep reds and browns of the surrounding brickwork, ensuring the building both complements and redefines its setting.

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Deeply attuned to both the social fabric of the community and its geographic context, Kosloff Architecture’s design for Templeton Primary School reimagines the educational environment as one that is at once both aspirational and inviting. The project challenges traditional notions of school architecture, curating a space that is built to accommodate generations of future learners.