The new hospitality and technology building is the first project delivered as part of the master plan for St John Fisher College and will provide modern, state of the art facilities for students and educators conducive to the Australian National Curriculum.

The new building forms a precinct around food technology, food and fibre production, and sustainability for the College. Nestled between existing buildings, the landscape of mature trees and gardens has been maximised in the design to integrate the outdoors with the indoors. The civic presence of the building highlights the identity of the College to parents and visitors and establishes the start of the future active spine within the master plan. This creates an ease of flow and navigation throughout the campus and was carefully considered as part of the design process to create a welcoming space for the College as a second entrance for the community.

Internally, the large volumes create a presence and significance to the spaces, with an abundance of natural light and ventilation. The commercial grade hospitality kitchen, two food technology kitchens and general learning areas connect seamlessly to the outdoors to provide a generous open learning environment. It was important to incorporate a food production garden and bush tucker garden to sit adjacent to the building, ensuring the circular economy approach to food education could become a tangible element of their offering; enhancing knowledge and practical application of the subject.

The building incorporates the student run Maggie’s Café alongside space for outdoor dining in the covered area. Not only does this provide students with real world experience, but also the flexibility to host events and overflow from the nearby sports hall.

Through large workshops with the College to form their vision, we see the new buildings as representative of their warmth, generosity, and openness, placing hospitality at the forefront of their outlook. The design plants the seed for the future master plan to develop from, sitting central to the campus and forming the future identity to the community.