GIRTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL – D’HELIN BUILDING

The D’helin building is located in the centre of the  Girton Grammar Junior Campus. The original 1950’s concrete framed brick building was transformed from a dark and cavernous environment to a series of flexible connecting classrooms and centrally located administration facilities. Bright colours are used throughout the interior to create a vibrant learning environment and the yellow external screens aesthetically link the architectural expression of the Senior and Junior campuses. These external screens filter light and allow views out to the Cathedral from within. The largest screen facing Vine Street also acts as a projection surface at night for imagery and coloured effects.

New roof lanterns and voids in the floor plates allow natural light deep into the building, adding to the open feel of the building. The latest teaching technology has been incorporated into the classroom architecture with large interactive TV screens that can be controlled by staff and students for shared learning experiences. This combined with the flexibility of the internal spaces makes for a sophisticated teaching facility and a great example of how old buildings can be adapted for re-use