Paynter Dixon has designed and constructed a modular special education facility at Maitland Christian School to support growing demand in the Hunter area.

Representing stage one of the master plan, this facility provides a collaborative environment with personalised support for 40 special education students.

Maitland Christian School saw this as a great initiative to include a special education offering within the main school for the benefit of all students, thus ‘Arise’ was born.

Arise Christian College is nurturing students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and students with a lower level Autism diagnosis.

The building consists of four main classrooms, kitchen, bathroom, laundry and staff facilities. Warranting attention, the kitchen has been designed to allow students to observe kitchen activities, encouraging participation and the nurturing of life skills.

The walls are constructed from highly-insulated pre-fabricated panels which deliver superior thermal comfort. Horizontal weather board and natural timber elements in the building’s façade evoke a homely environment. Large openings in the framed undercover entrance to the building also provide a visual connection the main school.

Classrooms open to a rear veranda constructed from a synthetic timber product to reduce maintenance.