Meadows Primary School by Project 12 Architecture | 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards
Educational Architecture
Wurundjeri

"The brief was for a new classroom building for Meadows Primary School which could accommodate 200 students. The site is in Broadmeadows, 15km north of the CBD. The majority of students come from migrant backgrounds, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and a significant number have experienced trauma. The school’s existing learning centres comprised of large open-plan areas, which could not be acoustically or visually separated, meaning students were easily distracted, overwhelmed, and sometimes distressed. Our aim was to provide a rational, calm, and secure space, responding to the specific needs of the students.

The new building has instilled a sense of pride and connectedness within the community, linking people from differing social and economic backgrounds. The design has allowed for the connection of wellbeing services to the community, providing support for families. One of the most heartening aspects is to hear the principal talk about the improvement of student behaviour and wellbeing, and that educators can better meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of the students.

The new classroom building is sited on the southwest corner of the campus, squeezing in-between the existing buildings and sports field. The gable roof form reflects the domestic character of the surrounding neighbourhood, deep eaves providing shade to the west. The building directly engages with the Cooper St frontage, providing a new entry to the South, which was not previously used. To the North, a covered area and metal screen creates a shaded external seating area for students and mediates the space between existing and new buildings. The East entry is articulated with a clerestory window, spilling light into a flexible teaching area, and demarcating the entry for students.

Internally, classrooms and other functions are arranged off a generous central corridor. Skylights are located over classroom entries, washing light into the centre of the plan. A simple geometric play of colour acts as a wayfinding device for students and parents.

The material palette is intentionally neutral and robust. Brick walls are articulated by full height, recessive black window bays. Danpalon cladding provides diffuse light to entry areas. The expanse of light-grey Colourbond roof reflects the sun and references the surrounding buildings and roof forms.

The consultant team included Structural, Civil, Services and Acoustic engineers, Landscape Architect, ESD and Access Consultants to help design and deliver the best outcome for the school. We worked closely with the Project Manager and Contractor to ensure the building was constructed in 6 months.

The project provided significant cost/value outcome. It included the construction of the new building, refurbishment of one of the school’s existing learning centres, and replacing of multiple existing roofs which were leaking. The total construction cost was $4.3M.

Sustainability was considered from first principles, in terms of thermal performance, daylight, and natural ventilation. No gas has been used in the project. A 50.4kw solar panel array powers the efficient heat pump AC system which heats and cools the building. Efficient fixtures and fittings and low VOC materials were specified throughout."

-

The Australian Institute of Architects Presentation to Juries offered entrants in the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards an opportunity to address judges with their nominated projects.

Featuring some of Australia’s most prominent architects, Presentation to Juries is a rare opportunity for the public to learn about the influences behind some of Victoria’s most innovative buildings and follow the architectural process from concept to construction.

2023 Entrants Gallery
[ Ссылка ]

свернуть