project
Katherine Primary School - Wellbeing Hub
| Client | Katherine Town Council |
| Location | Katherine, NT |
| Completion Year | 2024 |
| Sector | Interior Design |
| Commercial | |
| Government |
| Project Manager |
Andrea Bleakley
Interior Desinger & Senior Technician
Bennett Architecture was engaged by Katherine Primary School to transform its library into a Wellbeing Hub supporting relaxation, reading, and play. The design creates a safe, inclusive retreat where students can unwind and recharge. Featuring soft, organic forms, a calming colour palette, and integrated reading nooks, the space encourages both quiet reflection and social interaction. Playful elements and flexible areas enhance usability, while natural materials and biophilic features promote comfort and wellbeing. The result is a distinctive environment that supports positive student experiences.
Key objectives
Transform the existing library into a dedicated Wellbeing Hub that supports relaxation, reading, and informal play
Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where students can unwind and recharge
Depart from traditional classroom design through the use of soft, organic forms and a calming colour palette
Incorporate flexible, multi-functional spaces that support both quiet reflection and social interaction
Integrate biophilic elements and natural materials to enhance comfort, sensory experience, and overall wellbeing
Project Story
Katherine Primary School engaged Bennett Architecture to develop a concept design for the transformation of its existing library into a dedicated Wellbeing Hub—a space that supports relaxation, reading, and informal play.
The design reimagines the traditional library environment as a calming and restorative retreat, offering students a place to pause, reset, and recharge away from the structure of the typical school day. Central to the design intent was the creation of a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that prioritises student wellbeing.
Departing from conventional classroom settings, the space is defined by soft, organic forms and a carefully curated, harmonious colour palette. Integrated joinery with sculpted niches provides intimate reading nooks, encouraging quiet reflection, while open areas support flexible use and social interaction.
Playful elements, such as tiered platforms and informal seating, foster engagement and adaptability, allowing the space to accommodate a variety of activities. The introduction of natural materials and biophilic design features—such as the central tree-like structure and acoustic ceiling elements—enhances the sensory experience, promoting calmness and comfort.
Overall, the Wellbeing Hub establishes a distinctive and welcoming environment that supports both emotional wellbeing and positive learning experiences for students.
