Ngutu College
Ngutu College in South Australia is an independent school that opened in 2021 with a bold and progressive vision for education. The College integrates Aboriginal knowledge systems with formal curriculum in a “non-institutional” environment designed to support holistic learning. Designed by Matthews Architects and delivered by Chappell Builders, the campus breaks away from traditional educational design. There are no corridors or conventional classrooms. Instead, the school embraces communal, “living room” style environments that encourage connection, collaboration and cultural belonging for students from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
The Senior Building is a dynamic and highly functional learning hub that brings together innovation, creativity and wellbeing. It incorporates three core classrooms, a state-of-the-art science laboratory, and a connected specialist arts space designed for light experimentation. Supporting spaces include a dedicated staff preparation area, literacy and anxiety support rooms, and an advanced technology studio where students can design, laser etch, 3D scan, 3D print and vinyl cut their projects. The building also features a gallery and breakout areas, all-gender amenities, a percussion studio, and a fully equipped technology workshop with handheld tools, powered machinery and laser cutters. At its heart, a welcoming community lounge and kitchen open directly onto a pavilion and courtyard, reinforcing the school’s commitment to openness, community and shared learning experiences.
The music room is not only a place for students to create and express themselves, but also a space deeply enriched by culture and storytelling. It is surrounded by First Nations artwork created by esteemed artist Rachael Sarra. Rachael was one of four First Nations artists who collaborated with Decor Systems, through Blaklash, to develop the Contours of Country range. Her artworks are translated onto DecorZen acoustic panels, providing a compliant and high-performing acoustic solution suitable for a wide range of projects. Importantly, 15% of each sale is returned directly to the artists, creating a sustainable and meaningful partnership that supports First Nations creatives.
Rachael’s piece “Turtle Season tells a powerful story of returning home. Paired with Tasmanian Oak Natural Timber Veneer, the installation brings warmth, texture and a strong biophilic connection to the space. In Rachael’s words:
“Both Turtle Season and Country Currents speak to the idea of returning home. Turtles navigate vast oceans, guided by instinct and knowledge passed down through generations, always finding their way back to the place where life begins. This became a metaphor for cultural safety – how culture holds knowledge, direction and reassurance, even through displacement or change. The flowing lines and layered forms represent ocean currents, pathways and movement, reminding us that while journeys may be long, connection to Country and culture is enduring and always there to return to.”
Beyond its cultural significance and aesthetic beauty, the installation delivers strong acoustic performance, achieving an NRC of 0.80 to ensure a compliant and acoustically controlled learning environment. The natural timber veneer enhances warmth and colour while contributing to a calming, sensory-rich atmosphere.
The Contours of Country range is supported by leading sustainability certifications, including GECA, FSC and Declare Label, reinforcing a commitment to responsible material sourcing and environmentally conscious design within the built environment.
Ngutu College stands as a powerful example of how architecture, culture and performance can come together to create spaces that truly support learning and belonging. Through thoughtful design, innovative educational environments and the integration of First Nations storytelling, the project reflects a deep respect for Country, community and future generations. The inclusion of the Contours of Country acoustic panels not only enhances the building’s technical performance but also embeds meaningful cultural narratives into the fabric of the space. The result is a learning environment that is warm, inclusive and acoustically refined, a place where students are supported not only academically, but socially, emotionally and culturally, reinforcing that connection to Country and culture is always present, guiding and grounding the journey of learning.
Similar Projects
Our recent collaboration on the Stage 3 development of Hymba Yumba Independent School is a powerful example of how architecture, art, and acoustics can come together to create something truly meaningful. Working alongside Deicke Richards, we were honoured to contribute to a project that places Indigenous culture and student wellbeing at its heart. As leaders in acoustic solutions for sports halls, our role was to ensure this high-impact environment was not only visually inspiring but also acoustically sound, supporting both movement and learning in equal measure. Central to the project was the integration of Seeds, an artwork by proud Larrakia, Wardaman, and Karajarri woman, Jenna Lee. This piece forms part of our Contours of Country range—an initiative created in collaboration with Blaklash, a leading First Nations creative consultancy, to embed Indigenous storytelling into architectural surfaces.
Preston South Primary School's new building is a testament to the school's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Designed by Kerstin Thompson and built by APM Group, the approach to this project’s sustainability goals aligns seamlessly with the school's mission to educate students about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating real-world sustainability applications into the learning experience.
At Decor Systems, we know that great design isn’t just about appearance; it’s about how a space sounds, feels, and performs every day. That philosophy came to life in the delivery of the new STEM building at Mt Carmel Catholic College, where we proudly partnered on a project that brings together innovation in both education and design. As part of a broader masterplan, the new STEM building unifies a range of practical and theory-based teaching areas previously dispersed across campus. With spaces now collocated, including TAS workshops, science labs, and multi-use learning hubs, the goal was to create a contemporary environment that supports hands-on learning, collaboration, and student wellbeing. To meet these goals, acoustic performance, fire safety, and sustainable credentials were all essential, and Decor Systems was brought in to deliver precisely that.