The core mission for the refurbishment of the Churchie Boarding Houses was to create a happy home for its boarders, a place where students could live comfortably, socialise with peers and study both independently and collaboratively. The design aimed to support the daily rhythms of boarding life while fostering a strong sense of belonging, wellbeing and community among boys aged 12–18. 

These objectives have been successfully realised. In addition, the project has delivered a number of positive outcomes that were not explicitly identified in the original brief but were clearly anticipated through the architect’s thoughtful design approach. These include improved opportunities for informal interaction, stronger connections between living and study spaces, and environments that encourage both independence and peer support. 

Boarding house leadership staff were closely consulted throughout the design process. Their operational knowledge and understanding of student life informed key decisions as the design team worked to maximise the potential of the large existing buildings.

This collaborative process ensured that the refurbishment responded carefully to the diverse needs of younger and older boarders alike, creating a balanced environment that supports supervision, personal growth and a vibrant residential community.