Yanchep Secondary College: Custom Brickwork Celebrates Coastal Identity and Creative Learning

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Yanchep Secondary College is a purpose-built campus designed to meet the educational needs of a growing northern corridor. Designed by With_Architecture Studio, the two-storey development responds to a windswept, undulating coastal site, using natural materials and thoughtful design to reflect its setting without imitating the surrounding limestone vernacular.

The nearby marine landscape inspired a series of integrated artworks developed by local artist Rick Vermey, who explored the theme of motion and translated it into architectural elements across louvre screens, glazing and patterned brick walls.

Two of the most striking features on campus are the patterned brick panels, created using more than 4,000 custom-profiled saddleback bricks. These bricks were manufactured by Brikmakers (now part of Midland Brick) and laid in a dune ripple formation, capturing the coastal environment’s shifting sands. Using parametric scripting, Vermey generated a detailed digital artwork that was translated into precise layout plans for the bricklayers to follow.

A key part of the design was the revival of a once-retired Brikmakers colour. An archived sample known as Dark Cream was reimagined and custom produced for the project under the name Yanchep Cream, providing a warm, golden tone that complements the surrounding natural palette.

The result is a series of architectural brick artworks that form welcoming and visually distinctive entry points to the school. These installations are more than decorative. They make a strong contribution to the school’s identity, reflecting a deep sense of place tied to the local coastal environment.

Titled ‘Rhythm & Flow’, the artwork also aligns with the school’s focus on marine science, coding and environmental studies, creating spaces for reflection, creativity and learning.

Project Snapshot

  • Project: Yanchep Secondary College
  • Architect: With_Architecture Studio
  • Artist: Rick Vermey
  • Custom Bricks: Over 4,000 saddleback-profile bricks
  • Special Colour: Yanchep Cream (revived from archived ‘Dark Cream’)
  • Artwork Theme: Rhythm & Flow

 

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