Refurbishing education spaces - A fresh new look for St Paul's Grammar School's Junior Campus!
Project Overview
Higgins Coatings was engaged by St Paul’s Grammar School to revitalise the external facade of their Junior School. Years of exposure had left the campus tired and weathered, with faded roofs, stained brickwork, and deteriorating soffits. The school wanted a solution that would enhance energy efficiency, improve durability, and elevate the school’s visual identity to better reflect its values.
Services Delivered
To meet both the performance needs and the visual ambition of this project, our Sydney team implemented a comprehensive repaint and surface restoration strategy. Key elements included:
- Applied Haymes Acrylic CRC membrane to ageing, dirty Colourbond roofs in a lighter colour to reduce heat absorption, extend roof life, and support sustainability goals.
- Treated and sealed mouldy, bare brick walls using Haymes Armourguard low sheen for long-term waterproofing and protection.
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Roof, Gutters & Downpipes: Wallaby C35
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Brickwork: Midhirst C159/NZ9D5 and Wallaby
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Metalwork & Doors: Paler Pumpkin S13F9
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Demountables: Surfmist & Woodland Grey
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Repaired soffits to ensure structural integrity
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Used Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) for safe and efficient access to high surfaces
Challenges and Solutions
Refurbishing a school this big requires planning. Our Sydney team approached this project with a tailored strategy built on decades of experience in commercial painting and refurbishment.
Results and Impact
The works at the school were delivered on time, to a high standard, and with minimal disruption reflecting Higgins’ commitment to quality and client care.
- Thermal Efficiency & Sustainability: The reflective roof coating significantly reduced heat absorption, lowering energy use and improving comfort across classrooms.
- Improved Building Protection: Specialist coatings sealed vulnerable surfaces, safeguarding the building against moisture and future degradation.
- Modern Aesthetic: A vibrant colour scheme replaced the dated look, better reflecting its culture of excellence and care.
- Community Perception: The visual transformation impressed both returning students and prospective families, reinforcing pride in the campus and demonstrating ongoing investment in the school’s facilities
- Seamless Delivery: Despite challenging conditions, the project was completed within the school holiday break with zero disruption to the learning environment
What our client had to say
“We chose Higgins Coatings after a thorough comparison with other providers, impressed by their comprehensive whole-school measurement, competitive proposal, and strong reputation within the independent schools sector. From the outset, the Higgins team demonstrated professionalism, patience, and proactive communication, making the entire process seamless. Their prior investment in understanding our campus during the initial three-year contract meant their proposal for the Junior School External Painting project was prompt, well-informed, and delivered without fuss.
From confirmation to completion, communication was exceptional, workmanship consistently high, and any defects addressed immediately. Higgins Coatings went above and beyond, providing before-and-after photography and drone footage that vividly captured the transformation.
They guided us through one of the most critical decisions of selecting a colour palette that will define our campus for the next 10–15 years. With detailed visualisations and sample applications that gave us complete confidence. Faced with a challenging three-week holiday window, Higgins mobilised multiple coordinated teams to ensure on-time delivery without compromise.
The transformation has been nothing short of striking, receiving enthusiastic feedback from students, staff, and parents within weeks. By using high-quality products and delivering with meticulous attention to detail, Higgins has not only enhanced our school’s appearance but also reduced future maintenance needs. We have no hesitation in recommending Higgins Coatings as a trusted partner for significant, high-profile school projects.”
- Gavin Riley (Director of Business and Finance)





