The College buildings skirting the oval are largely correlated either in scale, detailing or texture; Aspinall House is the most detailed and the Lang Walker Business Centre the least. They all address the oval, are porous at oval level, and provide a pathway of travel in a north-south direction, except the Library building which interrupts travel — boys must walk up and use the footpath on Victoria Road.

In practical terms the exterior of the refurbished library needs to be softened and given some surface depth, breaking up the large flat vertical elevations and horizontal profile. We need to allow natural light inside, on all levels, and this calls for very large windows; a roofing profile is also needed that correlates with Aspinall House and the main school building with ridges, gables and hips, yet one which also allows for a roof terrace.

We need to employ an architectural style into which can be read both the heritage of the College and the purpose of this building. All of these challenges and conflicts above can be met and resolved with the adoption of the Scottish Baronial style of the 16th Century and as revived in the 19th Century. Many fine examples exist from Scotland to Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. It has stood the test of time.

To ensure the exterior concept remained true to its heritage, the College engaged Dr Alistair Disley, a globally recognised expert in Scottish architecture, to provide an extensive report and recommendations that were incorporated to ensure the design concept remained true in its representation of the style.

It is interesting to note that many of the original examples of this Scottish architectural style were built by the enterprise leaders and entrepreneurs of the era and this reflects the College’s focus on preparing boys for the challenges of the 21st Century.

While the exterior is an authentic representation of the style, the internal fitout will incorporate the latest research into optimal learning environments. The College engaged design firm Veldhoen, global leaders in Activity Based Working, to inform the design of our new and refurbished learning spaces. Veldhoen was also engaged by Macquarie Bank and other major Australian firms. The outstanding results can be seen in the STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) rooms and the Lang Walker Business Centre.

This Scottish design style highlights significant traits of the proposed student support programs within. The original concept of this style was as a fortified building, a defensible structure, a safe stronghold; in short, a sanctuary. In the Scots context, it embodies a safe place for boys. It is a building looking out for the boys, a lighthouse for them visible from all parts of the College.