The new works to the Benalla and Cobram Courts provide required DDA upgrades enabling equitable access solutions and accessible WC facilities. The Cobram site required a considered and sensitive approach to meet the requirements of the heritage overlay for the site. The designs for both sites needed to consider staging the works to allow the construction work to be undertaken while the courts remained in operation.

The intent of the project is to upgrade and modernise the existing school and a key component of the design has been to work with the existing fabric by way of a targeted additions that enhance, reinforce and celebrate the 1870’s heritage listed school buildings, provided shortfalls in accommodation and link the buildings to the green spaces which are a fundamental element of the schools philosophy of “Play is the way we Learn”.

The approach is supported by the school as it retained and modernised the existing 1870’s building, which is fundamental to the school’s identity, and thru targeted infill and additions provided the additional spaces to support the school’s educational directions.

The design links the Block A learning spaces via a raised terrace allowing students to move between learning spaces and outdoor play spaces. The terraces also create gathering spaces for outdoor learning, small group spaces and quiet reflection and play.

The terrace connects the roofed outdoor performance space and the new multipurpose Hub by bleacher seating. The landscape design concentrates play and enquiry spaces in this area to define a gathering communal space for the school and broader community.
The library has been detached and separated allowing it to be accessed from the new courtyard at grade and providing opportunity to maximise internal/external learning opportunities.

The new works seek to reinforce the importance of the heritage listed 1870’s main building thru the restoration works restoring it to a place of prominence.
The new buildings are purposely modern and are set back creating negative space around the older building fabric, reinforcing its prominence. Folded screens provide body and help define the outdoor spaces while maintaining views and transparency and providing the opportunity for integration with the landscape.
Existing mature trees are retained, and the school’s green heart has been respected.

James Seymour Architecture were engaged to provide architectural design services for a new amenity building to support the Maude Street Bus Interchange in Shepparton.  The agreed masterplan defined a facility providing male, female, accessible and a Changing Places All Abilities facilities.

A mother’s room with breastfeeding and change facilities was also provided.

The project demonstrates our ability to deliver a range of compliant facilities in a challenging publicly accessible environment.

Innovation: The design of the new extension provides an All Abilities facility designed and accredited in accordance with the Changing Places Facilities Guidelines.  The facility includes a full room coverage hoist, adjustable adult change table and associated fixtures and fittings to provide a equitable change facilities for people with a range of mobilities.

Commenced: 2017

Status: Complete – Jan 2020

James Seymour Architecture were engaged in 2014 to undertake master planning for the upgrade of the Murchison Pool Complex.

In 2019, James Seymour Architecture were engaged to complete the detailed design and contract documents for stage 1 work including new amenities, kiosk, toddlers pool and new slide.

The Murchison pool is an integral part of a small rural community and the design reinforces its place in the community fabric.  A key design focus is providing a strong community facility that can provide and support future and existing community events for the Murchison community.

The project demonstrates our ability to work within the constraints of existing building fabric and provide successful solutions to renew and revitalize an existing facility. The project reimagines the public face of the community asset, provides a new identity and solves access and function problems.

Commenced: 2019

Status: Documentation completed Dec 2019 – awaiting funding approval