John XXIII College

The 2024 Think Brick Awards recognises the thoughtful and inventive application of bricks, blocks, pavers, and roof tiles in all areas of the built environment – commercial, residential and landscape. The 2024 awards attracted over 200 entries across six categories, with six projects receiving awards, and eleven earning high commendations.

John XXIII College by TRCB was named the recipient of the Robin Dods Roof Tile Excellence Award. This award category rewards innovation and craftsmanship in terracotta roof tiles and recognises the contribution of architects, builders, roof tilers and manufacturers to this process.

Named after renowned architect, Robin Dods, the award also acknowledges his commitment to sustainable design, particularly in roofing. His distinctive style of gabled roofs were prevalent throughout Queensland, combining passive solar design with ventilation and insulation.

TRCB completed Stage 1 of the John XXIII College campus master plan in 2023, marking a significant development in its infrastructure. The architects made a number of enhancements to the space including a reimagined entrance, strategic relocation of buildings, and the introduction of a state-of-the-art administrative facilities, designed to foster staff development and well-being. The John XXIII College library was also redesigned to feature versatile spaces and modern amenities, serving as a dynamic hub for student engagement.

TRCB reimagined these existing features and provided a new fine-grain to the college’s infrastructure through the use of materials. “John XXIII College demonstrates the diversity of the one product in the many different ways it can be used. It also looks at the way in which tiles can become precise elements where the material can become not only a roof but also a wall,” explains the 2024 Think Brick Awards jury.

Utilising Bristile Roofing Planum in Roja as both a roof tile and walling material afforded the build with a valued uniformity. The Roja shade exudes simplicity and elegance to perfectly complement the sleek, refined shape of the tile. Its innovative design and size allowed them to be easily and efficiently installed, whilst its highly weatherproof design meant it could be applied to roof pitches as low as fifteen degrees.