San Damiano College, Fulton Trotter Architects
Manufacturer: Bristile Roofing
TILE collection: Terracotta
Roof Tiles (La Escandella) Marseille Jaspee Roja, Marseille Roja, Marseille Granite & Marseille Burnt Ochre
Builder / contractor: Midson Construction
Photography credit: Scott Burrows

San Damiano College is located in the new residential suburb of Yarrabilba, Queensland. The stage one project establishes general and specialised learning spaces, significant landscape works and launches the vision of the site as a sanctuary within the wider community. Drawing on the college’s Franciscan Charism and Mission, the rich material palette features terracotta tiles as the dominant roofing material. These are arranged in two large tile blade roofs over the learning spaces, surrounded by lowpitched steel roofs that are largely hidden from view. The two blades consist of a mix of three terracotta tile finishes, creating a rich depth of colour, with each finish playfully reflecting the light in varying ways. The tiles will age gracefully as more of the central buildings to this campus are developed, and the sense of place will be enhanced as a community sanctuary. The selection of terracotta roof tiles creates a warm earthy aesthetic that contrasts to the otherwise monotone material setting of grey steel roofing in the surrounding residential suburb.

“A powerful gesture, with the roof being the absolute hero of this project, celebrated on a grand scale. The variation of coloured tiles creates texture through the surface, then, due to the roof’s vast scale, you get a beautiful gradation of light to dark. A powerful way to approach architecture.” Jury 2022