Loreto Normanhurst Boarding School

CONTEXT, in collaboration with AJC Architects, has redesigned the landscape concept for the Loreto Normanhurst Boarding House project. Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic primary and secondary day and boarding school for girls located 25km north-west of Sydney.

Location:
Normanhurst, NSW
Client:
Loreto Normanhurst
Duration:
2022 – ongoing

The landscape vision for the boarding house scope of works was to retain and enhance the strong sense of character of the school campus. The design articulates a series of pedestrian movements to and from the proposed building while maintaining sightlines throughout the pathways and landscape terraces. A network of informal, flexible and inter-connected spaces creates an appealing, external learning environment where students can socialise, gather and learn.

The extensive landscaped campus resulted in a biophilic design response, creating a direct physical and visual connection to nature. Key design moves included retention and enhancement of canopy coverage and significant native bushland, protection of significant trees and vegetation on site and provision of a ‘home away from home’ garden environment to encourage curiosity, relaxation and recreation.