Located at Ethelton in Adelaide’s Western Suburbs, the Portside Christian College is an independent school, which caters for children from pre-school years up to Year 12.

In 2025, in the first stage of a broader campus masterplan, the College welcomed a new three-storey building for its senior students.

DesignInc, a large organisation with studios across Australia, was responsible for the project. Responding to the physical constraints of the site, which sits within the New Port Quays redevelopment, the architects delivered a future-focused, three-storey vertical learning environment with a focus on flexibility and student-centred learning.

By layering the various learning spaces, and introducing open circulation spaces, glazed stairwells, and central learning commons, they were able to make the most of the compact footprint.

At the same time, these elements (the circulation spaces, stairwells, and so on) introduce natural light and promote transparency, interaction, and movement between year levels while supporting a sense of independence for senior students.

Another point worth noting is that the facility includes a diverse mix of learning environments. Its specialist spaces, collaborative hubs, and quiet study zones match seamlessly with the stated ambitions of flexibility, adaptability, and student-focussed learning.

Moving outside, the progressive educational themes continue. Outdoor learning areas, landscaped gathering spaces, and an amphitheatre extend learning beyond the building, supporting both school and community use.

The project integrates deeply with its context, celebrating cultural connections to Kaurna Country, while contributing positively to the evolving character of the precinct. Carefully oriented to frame views towards the surrounding Port River, Hart’s Mill, and the broader coastal landscape, it reinforces a sense of locality and identity.

Now complete and fully operational, the Portside Christian College Senior School presents as a contemporary senior school that balances density with openness, and education with place-based identity.

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