Cox Architecture designed Bunbury Catholic College Mercy Campus, a secondary school located in Perth, Australia.

This new secondary school on a greenfield site south of Perth demonstrates that it’s possible to build educational spaces that achieve both the civic presence they deserve, and provide intimate, student-scaled experiences.

The building exteriors are formal and singular using masonry as the primary material giving permanence and a “civic heart” to the school. Through the collaging of texture, colour and materials such as brick, concrete and ply, a series of dynamic internal streets have been created with ample opportunity to pause and connect.

Throughout, we see moments of delight as brick walls graciously curve and whimsical patterns are created through a deliberately hit and miss pattern.

This project reveals the positive impact of joyful and considered school design on both the children and community that it serves.

Architect: Cox Architecture
Photographer: Peter Bennetts