Revitalising a 1970s Building into a Modern Purpose-Built Learning Space
St Joseph’s College has reimagined a 1970s-era hostel into a contemporary, vertically integrated learning environment for Year 5 and 6 students. The newly renovated Margaret Rice Place brings together teaching, creative arts and student amenities into a single, self-contained facility designed to support modern educational needs.
While the original building shell was retained, the internal transformation is extensive. The space now accommodates general learning areas (GLAs), specialist teaching zones, breakout spaces, a resource centre and dedicated facilities including art, science and a tuckshop, ensuring students have everything they need within one cohesive environment.
A Complete Audio Visual Transformation
The project required a complete AV transformation to match the building’s ambitious redesign. Key challenges included:
- Retrofitting modern AV technology within an existing structure.
- Delivering consistent, easy-to-use systems across diverse learning spaces.
- Supporting specialised environments such as music, drama and collaborative learning areas.
- Meeting tight project timelines within a fast-moving construction program.
Following the successful delivery of a large-scale PA system at the College’s Tennyson playing fields, Videopro was engaged to deliver the AV solution for Margaret Rice Place.
A Comprehensive Integrated AV Solution
Videopro delivered a comprehensive, integrated AV solution tailored to each learning environment, while maintaining a consistent user experience across the building.
Flexible Learning Spaces (GLAs)
- Standardised CommBox interactive flat panels across all general learning areas.
- Systems installed both wall-mounted and on mobile trolleys for flexibility.
- Integrated Phonak hearing augmentation and voice uplift to improve accessibility.
- Custom-designed enclosures for assistive technology, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Specialist Music & Drama Facilities
The upper levels house a range of high-performance creative spaces, including:
- Individual rehearsal studios equipped with KRK studio monitor speakers and mixing desks.
- A large band rehearsal room featuring KV2 professional-grade audio systems and Allen & Heath mixing desks.
- A dedicated music lab with iMac computer workstations, keyboards and audio production tools. This room also has the capability for the teacher to route students' audio to the room’s speaker system, supporting collaborative and performance-based learning.
Collaboration & Meeting Spaces
- A fully equipped boardroom featuring a Crestron Flex Microsoft Teams Room system.
- BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) capability for flexible collaboration.
- Crestron ceiling speakers, Shure ceiling-mounted microphones and AVer PTZ camera for seamless hybrid meetings.
Outdoor Assembly Space
- Tiered seating outdoor assembly area designed for large gatherings.
- Pixon Technology LED display for presentations and events.
- QSC integrated audio system for clear, even coverage.
- Centralised Crestron control system enabling simple operation for staff.
Ease of Use by Design
A key priority was ensuring technology enhanced teaching, not complicated it. All the technology and systems that have been used in this project, from intuitive Crestron Control systems to the standardised CommBox interactive flat panels, allow the staff to:
- Plug in their device and begin instantly.
- Control displays and AV systems with a single touch.
- Operate complex environments without technical expertise.
This simplicity has resulted in strong user adoption and a seamless experience.
Videopro Proud
Despite a highly dynamic and fast-paced build, Videopro successfully delivered a fully operational AV solution on time for the start of term.
The result is a future-ready learning environment that:
- Supports diverse teaching and learning styles
- Enhances accessibility and inclusivity
- Enables high-quality creative and performing arts education
- Delivers reliable, easy-to-use technology across every space
“Videopro were fantastic. Everything was supplied, it was up and running on the day we needed it to, and it all worked.” Nick Jeffery, Property & Facilities Manager, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace.
Let's Chat
For more information or to speak to our expert team about an Audio Visual solution for your workplace or educational space, contact us on 07 3250 0000 or via the website.
