WORK INSTRUCTIONHERITAGE HEART (A BLOCK) FEEDBACK

Thank you for the opportunity to review the Heritage Heart Project façade and provide feedback. The new renders retain the old character and key elements of its current appearance, which will make it easily identifiable as the A Block Old Girls have always known. While It is not as aesthetically pleasing or contemporary as the previous iteration, it will please Old Girls who felt connected to the previous façade and its heritage significance. The above comments are made as an Old Girl, but not made on behalf of the OGA. I have encouraged each member to individually provide their thoughts, given that they varied so widely across the Committee.

Will there be ramp access to Level 5 of A Block for Students/Staff/Visitors who have difficulties with stairs?

I would make the following comments on the classroom designs proposed: • Floor coverings? Carpet is preferred as it is sound deadening, in fact there seems to be mainly reflective surfaces throughout so hopefully the acoustics of an active classroom are understood and accounted for. (is the partition wall sound insulated?) • Window Coverings, In case of a lockdown are windows able to be covered or is it just an open gallery which would be very unsafe? Maybe these spaces could also have whiteboards which could be pulled across, giving even more room so that a whole class could use whiteboards as well. • Classroom seating, will it still be easily configured for traditional rows for those occasional classes/students which have major behavioural issues. • Display Screens. Will they be such that they can be written on (electronic pen) so that they can be saved, directly into OneNote for example.

I have just reviewed the updated drawings for A Block and I am delighted with the outcome. The building looks largely the same as it does now with many historical references and the added benefit of a light and bright contemporary work/educational environment. The timber floors bring the warmth back. Thank you very much for not only listening but your responsiveness to both my and my OGA Committee peers’ concerns. As a suggestion, perhaps the brick seating sections facing the quadrangle lawn could be an ideal place for the naming bricks for our oldest Old Girls, who are the closest to the age of this building. Imagine how wonderful for them to see the bricks for the 1920s, 1930, 1940a and potentially 1950s Old Girls in this historical precinct?

I think the updated drawings are a very good design and functional outcome, as they respect and maintain the historical exterior (design and original material) and deliver to a contemporary need of appropriately sized classrooms and a modern learning environment. These drawings ensure A Block is easily recognisable to all eras of Old Girls and it now forms a meaningful alignment with the Heritage Heart concept. I really like the historical references within the interior (banding, cornices, skirting, post and lintel etc) and colour banding on the external and new brick seating areas. The seating facing towards the quadrangle lawn and city is an ideal place for reflection and to view the skyline. Suggestions (brick seating area) 1. Add a second banding to the brick seating areas to more closely reflect Cumbooquepa OR 2. Use this area to display the buy a brick campaign. Consider displaying the paid bricks for the oldest Old Girls here (e.g. 1899 – 1940) OR display all the names of every student in the first 5 – 10 years of the School. I like that the heritage of A Block will be maintained. My only issue is the seating in classrooms. It is vital that there are enough ergonomic seats for each student in the room. The cubes provide no back support for students.

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I was a student at Somerville House from 1957 to 1963. On my last visit to the school (our 50th reunion in 2013), I was disappointed that this building, the clock tower and Principal’s office were no longer a feature of the school. I’m very pleased that this situation is to be remedied. I had a quick look at the ‘masterplan’ and have only one request. As a student I always felt the power of history when I walked up the main staircase and saw the worn treads; it reminded me that this building had a history, especially during World War II. I know the treads would probably need to be replaced (if they haven’t been already), but I think it would be wonderful to incorporate one or more into the new design as part of a historical display. I don’t know if this is possible, but I’d love to see it.

Since I have lost most of my eyesight this is very difficult but U feel the plan is not out of my much loved A Block. Glad to see main stairs are being restored tho it is a pity the old treads worn down by thousands of schoolgirl feet but I did teach Ancient History and Archaeology!!!

Thank you for inviting feedback from old girls regarding the Heritage Heart project. Sadly, as I now live in Perth, my own daughter will not get to experience the history and comradery of being a Somerville Girl, but it is lovely that you are seeking response from those who’ve spent time in this building. One of my enduring memories of walking along these corridors is coming out of sometimes slightly over air-conditioned classrooms, and feeling the sun on my face and a chance to look out over the school. I am so pleased that the new design keeps the casement windows and sunny upper storey . Providing much needed shelter over the pavement at the lower level is an excellent idea. No site plan was included with the package of information, but provided the veranda does not encroach into the grassed area, then it should be supported.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this design. When looking at the clock from the quadrangle, there should be steps on the left side of the building, leading out onto the grassed area. This would be for emergencies. Hundreds of girls can not use the main entrance (only) if there was fire. As a former teacher, I am very aware how many children/students can suddenly block a walkway/thorough fare. i.e. There should be another access onto the grassed area, other than the stairs under the clock.

I think there are good elements – I like the wooden floored verandah / the parquetry / the clock / the upper level ext weatherboard on exterior / the brick paving on the ground. It is a shock however to see a lot of brick for the exterior. I had always thought of this building as a weatherboard building, + having so much brick on the exterior right up to first floor height makes it lose the sense of the original that we have in our memories. It would be nice to be able to still recognize the original in the refurbishment. Otherwise the emotional connection is very much lost , which is an important issue for many old girls , particularly for one of the pivotal heritage buildings of the school. This was an important building in my era as it housed the offices of the principal , vice principal , head of maths and the staff room . So a sense of seriousness, authority and office bearing. I would really like to see the exterior all weather board for the ground level too or the brick to only go to below window level at most , like the side building attached to Cumbooquepa where the brick extends only a short height then weather board on top of that I like the plans for the central grand staircase – I have clear memories of the worn wooden treads and the feel and sound they made as you stepped on them . Trying to recapture / preserve that feeling of history and generations is very important. Yes it should be a grand grand entrance and glad you are doing wooden floors not that terrible carpet . Hopefully the loo under the stairs will be upgraded too! The internal class rooms while beautifully light filled are very stark and could exist in any very modern nameless building – there is no sense of history or appeal there which is very sad and homogenous. This is not a new build and should not feel like the classrooms in some of the new blocks. Otherwise you could have just knocked it all down and put up something completely new, which is not the purpose. Please don’t just leave some historical elements on the outside but gut it on the inside. I think more could be done to soften these internal areas and have more heritage elements to fit in with the history and exterior heritage elements – like more

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wall panelling like vijay panelling or referencing the external weatherboard in some way, or adding some thicker mouldings / trim around the windows – adding something like that to break the monotonous conformity of the walls/ rooms – to add elements of interest and warmth that make it more welcoming and appealing and connect it with a sense of its legacy and history. The classroom wall colour banks are horrible colours / the carpets are horrible ; ugly and stark – like the carpet on the floors of child care centres . You need wooden flooring or nicer carpet. If you are going to use modern / stark mobile furniture elements like that, you need to add other elements of interest to walls and flooring to soften the look and make it more welcoming , as well as break up the starkness and monotony. The old world feeling of the building has been completely lost in the internal classroom areas. Please don’t destroy this building – even though it has become shabby and run down over time , it had a certain dignified presence and character in its day .

The learning spaces look very versatile but not very functional. Some points I would like to mention: • The stools shown in the image would not be ergonomic. The students who would be sitting on them for a length of time (even for one session) would get sore backs. • For optimum learning in a Maths class, there would need to be a projector that projects onto a whiteboard in an area where all of the students can see. This is not obvious in the images. Although I do like that there would be many whiteboards around the room for the students to collaboratively learn. • The furniture shown in these images would make it very difficult to use when the students are sitting a test, does this mean there will be assigned areas in other parts of the school when a class is to sit a class test? Another general question I have is, I feel it would be beneficial to have windows that open in the classroom to let in fresh air when the air- conditioning is not necessary. This would be cost-efficient also. (It was not obvious in the images that this would be the case).

My only feedback to the Heritage Façade is in regards to the external “awning”/roof. It looks a bit like a cheap colour bond roof from a patio house extension. If there is a requirement for shade, could you extend the above building so that it finishes at the same edge as the awning, therefore allowing for more useful floor space above and at the same time providing the appropriate shade for below? If an awning is a requirement of the heritage regulations, is there another nicer look/design that could be considered? From the rendered drawing, it also appears that the patio roof/awning ends near the middle height of the verandah of Cumbooquepa – directly in the line of sight for someone standing on the verandah. Also, if this is where the awning finishes, how does a person remain undercover whilst turning right towards the library? Does the patio roofline extend to the right somehow?

What an inspiring change to the original sketches of the plans for A block……..To me it is connecting well with the other buildings with the colours and brickwork. Also the shaping of the walkway cover is not detracting from the original design of the building which has been in use as Senior School classrooms, halls and staff rooms since 1922. Having listened to Mrs. Kiepe about the use of the internal rooms, the plans shown for those are obviously suited to the current school requirements for teaching. The staircase and walls will be spectacular if retained to fit the character of the building…….certainly using the walls to show student activities. With the grass lawn maintained, I am sure that there can be tables and chairs provided if necessary to match the building. I look forward to any updates being supplied in the next weeks.

I work in chaplaincy below A block and in the chapel precinct and . Our area is very busy, with year levels of students meeting here for assemblies, chapels and formal events. It’s a very busy space. There are a number of things I think need to be addressed. The A401 classroom. This room is not only the Senior Chaplain’s home room, but it works as the ‘overflow’ for the chapel. When students are preparing to play strings or any kind of

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performance – A401 is the go to area. Here students get ready for performances. A401 not only needs a dramatic update (its screen, carpet, walls and windows are very ragged and tired) but it also needs to ‘work in’ effectively with the chapel entrance area (foyer) for large meetings and performances. The Chapel courtyard. This area is not only very beautiful – but popular as a meeting area for weddings, assemblies and groups of students heading down to the buses via Gate 9. Unfortunately in wet weather – it floods, and for students going to chapel or A401 or staff going to chaplaincy – it’s very wet. Perhaps the garden on the A block wall side should be removed and an ‘undercover’ option be in place so staff, students and guests can navigate the area without getting wet? I know the large tree is very beautiful – so I think the best option is to look at roofing that follows the wall of A block around – to provide much needed shelter. The Chaplains’ Office. Two chaplains work here – and it is another very tired space that needs upgrading. We communicate a lot with each other from our workstations– so it’s helpful to have two work spaces that enable us to ‘chat’ but to also keep our screens and work stations fairly private. When private conversations with parents, staff or students happen – we use our small meeting room with couches and chairs. Counselling/Small Meeting room and store room. The chaplain’s office has a Counselling/Small meeting room. The walls, couches and chairs are looking very tired. This room is used every day for small group meetings, counselling, prayer meetings and staff meetings. Both rooms need to be upgraded and ‘shelving’ improved in the storage area. Heavy rain. When it rains heavily, water does come through the walls into the rear of the office creating a damp smell. In recent years this has improved. Thanks! I am happy to discuss this further with anyone if necessary.

Just like to say the amended design for the A Block façade and building is 100% better. Happy to vote for that proposal.

I would just like to say that I am so pleased to see that we are keeping the façade of the original A Block! After all, we are a traditional School with traditional values, I feel that removing the old ‘A block’ would have been disappointing to many. The design does look really lovely and I think maximises the space in this building that has been build and re-built so many times over the years – such a ‘miss match’. It provides some lovely practical and interesting learning spaces for the students – they will be so lucky to enjoy! The timber deck verandah is really lovely and has a warm feel. I think contributes to the heritage look of the building – while also providing lovely cool breezeways and covered outside space for the girls to use – giving a much nicer area than their other many concrete surrounds! I think the entrance into A Block near the current Curriculum office space will look amazing when finished, I can’t wait to see it! Particularly the idea of restoring the old timber staircase getting rid of that horrible blue vinyl floor thus restoring and protecting another of our lovely heritage fixtures. I think that refurbishing A Block and not discarding our older buildings just fantastic! These days, we are too quick to tear down the old!

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the architect’s renders for A-Block. I was absolutely delighted when I saw this façade design. I recall a few years ago during a staff meeting, that the plan was to demolish A block and replace it with an ultra modern building. I found that news heartbreaking and I am so relieved that you have saved this building. I think the design cleverly considers the memories of all who have walked the stairs, corridors and surrounding paths. It is sympathetic to all generations … those who remember the brick walls and those who remember the timber. If the low white timber fence around the grass it is being removed, I wonder if a section of it can be repositioned where the grass meets the garden bed. It’s a lovely old fence that has stood for many years. Also, if there is an opportunity to return this area to the colloquial name of “The Quadrangle” as it was known in days gone by, I think that would be lovely too.

• The data projector shakes when teaching in level 5 of A Bloc, when there is a class above. • There is video noise from adjacent classrooms.

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• Glass classrooms cause distraction for students • There is noise from adjacent classrooms should they be doing group work • More whiteboards are needed • The position of the data projector is important (for teaching and for glare) • Lights need to be turned off so students can see data projector; however they then can't see to write • Is there glare coming from outside the classroom that may impact on data projector • Will there be storage for teachers (pens, paper etc) • Powerpoints for charging laptops • Air conditioner placement

The facade seems appropriate and matches well with Cumbooquepa. Well done!! My concern lays with teaching spaces. There is no internal plan to se how big (dimensions) each of the spaces are and what storage is included: • some cupboard space/storage is necessary. Many roos are storage spaces for ongoing projects and resources - where would these go? • limited information on where data projection screens are directed • tables/furniture on display looks more focussed to group work - limited flexibility to use these rooms for tests! which are still conducted in traditional layout ie. rows of single desks. • number and access to power points - student laptops lose lots of charge during day and where can they access charging points (current rooms have only 2 points!) • glare on whiteboards from adjacent windows - are there screens, do the louvres cover the whole window/ How easily operated? do these obstruct flow of air? • how sound proof are the seamless operable walls? - current classrooms are greatly affected by adjacent classroom noise (from students AND audio visual equipment) • current rooms eg. A610, A611 very small and can barely fit 25 desks into space, which doesn't allow for much movement by teacher or students - again, this is related to layout which hasn't been provided.

Not sure about the upper level cladding? Seems too similar as to what we already have. The windows need to be new - with 'easy' opening and closing. Love the view, lower levels exposed brick. I really am concerned re: the furniture within the classrooms. Individual desks should be included - more options then.

Need more balcony walking space than we currently have - it is too crowded/congestion in those class entrance areas. Like the separation of Cumb… & A Block - helps feature Cumb … and separate. You have maintained it's heritage look - the things that tradition will hold onto. Good job.

Here is some feedback regarding the Heritage Heart project: • The glazed cabinet is proposed to be located in an area of very high traffic. This could be detrimental to the display as the whole cabinet would shake as traffic passes by, which could be a problem if fragile items are on display. • There doesn’t seem to be a lot of consideration of placement of power sockets. Students may need to rely on these as batteries do not necessarily survive the entire day, so they need outlets to plug in their devices. The classroom plan on page 7 doesn’t seem to allow for any power sockets at all (except for the most essential items like the monitor or projector). • The teacher’s mobile desk needs to be able to access power and, potentially, other peripherals in the classroom (either wired or wirelessly), e.g. projection screens. As it stands in the model right now, it’s just a moving platform / cabinet and nothing more. • What materials are being considered for walls and floors between GLAs? What kind of acoustics will this provide? (For example, at the moment, it is very easy to hear noise both

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between classrooms as well as between the floors between levels 5 and 6) Will any classrooms be soundproofed? What about the sound of foot traffic on the veranda as heard in GLAs on both floors? • GLAs should have multiple whiteboard walls available (i.e. on more than one wall of the room). • What state of the art technology has been considered that will complement the proposed design? (This part seems vague) • Has storage in the GLAs been considered? If so, where? A lot of consideration has been given to this design and the proposals for the external spaces and facades is commendable. Most of my comments are around the utility of the space by teachers and students to allow effective and efficient learning for various subject areas.

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