Garran Primary School is one of the oldest primary schools in the ACT, originally established in the 1960s and deeply connected to the local Canberra community. As part of its ongoing growth and renewal, the ACT Government initiated a major expansion and modernisation program to create contemporary learning spaces that support collaboration, creativity and wellbeing.
Stage One of the redevelopment introduced a new building constructed across the road from the existing school campus, forming the first phase of a long-term transformation plan. Novon Lighting was proud to support this important project and looks forward to continuing involvement in future stages.
The architectural vision for the project focused on creating light-filled, engaging spaces that reflected the school’s identity while meeting modern educational standards.
Project partners included:
Novon worked closely with the electrical contractors to translate an ambitious design concept into a practical and safe lighting solution suitable for a primary school environment.
Novon was engaged to provide high quality luminaires that aligned with the project budget while delivering a distinctive architectural outcome.
Originally, the lighting scheme was based largely around troffers. During the design process, this evolved into a bold curved linear concept using Novon’s OrganiX range, creating long flowing lines of light throughout key areas of the building.
This shift required a partner who could:
Novon’s ability to combine technical expertise with responsive customer service was central to the success of the project.
The project presented several significant challenges across design, manufacturing and installation stages.
Design and Engineering Complexity
The curved linear concept was highly ambitious and technically demanding. The lighting needed to:
The longest single run measured approximately 78 metres, with a total of more than 360 metres of OrganiX installed, in addition to 160 metres of DynamiX linear lighting.
Safety in a School Environment
With students and sporting equipment in close proximity, safety was a critical consideration.
This required:
Timeframe
The entire lighting package needed to be delivered within an extremely tight eight-week window, from final design approval through to installation and handover.
Close collaboration was the key to success.
Novon worked hand-in-hand with the architect and contractors to find the balance between design ambition and manufacturing reality.
This included:
Novon also addressed concerns around colour temperature perception, ensuring that the final lighting outcome aligned with the learning environment and user expectations.
Throughout the project, Novon’s customer service team remained closely engaged, building trust with the contractor and providing ongoing technical support to keep the program on track.
While the project incorporated a mix of luminaires, Novon’s OrganiX system was custom designed and engineered to meet the unique requirements of Garran Primary School.
Key elements of customisation included:
This level of customisation allowed the architect’s vision to be realised without compromising performance or practicality.
The project demonstrated how thoughtful lighting design can support modern learning environments while respecting the heritage and identity of one of the ACT’s oldest schools.
Stage One represents only the beginning of Garran Primary School’s transformation. Novon is excited to continue supporting the project as future stages progress and to remain part of a redevelopment that will serve generations of students to come.
This project stands as a strong example of how collaboration, innovation and customisation can deliver meaningful outcomes in educational environments.
