Warrnambool College – Science and Language Centre
Inside and out, the Warrnambool College SLC is a proud statement of the dynamic teaching and learning opportunities it provides. Passive and active sustainable design, adaptable layouts and malleable spaces that respond instantly to pedagogical needs set this project apart.
Project Details
Architects
NOW Architecture
Award
Commendation Category 4 – Renovation / Modernisation / Under $2M
Address
Grafton Street Warrnambool, Victoria 3280 Australia
Submitter
Judith North
Cost
$1,982,500
Photographer
Phinc Photography
Project Overview
Warrnambool College has always been a strong investor in education programs and internal facilities. The new Science and Language Centre (SLC) supports these progressive programs and is a critical outward and visible sign of the excellence being fostered throughout the College.
The two-storey SLC adds value beyond the pedagogical brief with every visitor to the School now entering through this modern, sustainable building which enhances the image of the entire College.
The steep site levels provided the opportunity for ground level access to both levels of the building. This provides universal access, and is connected internally via a bright and open ‘DNA double helix’ stair.
Learning Areas are configured for maximum adaptability. Sliding partitions allow spaces to connect or separate to support various learning exercises and teaching modes. At its most open, 150 students can gather for a single seminar. Closed, the spaces provide comfortable nooks for small group work.
Science laboratories on the upper level push conventions by also adopting a open and flexible approach. The stainless steel benches rotate to allow the labs to be rapidly reconfigured to support different activities – towards the teacher for instruction, in the round for a demonstration, clustered for group work. Strategically placed glazing allows supervision between the labs while also defining learning areas.
Natural light and ventilation permeates both levels. An integrated passive heating and cooling system is driven by the thermal chimney that defines the main north facade. In winter the thermal chimney captures heat like a greenhouse, supported by an efficient in-slab radiant heating system. In summer, the top thermal chimney vents open to evacuate the rising heat. Replacement air is cooled by the stormwater retention pond (filled from a rock waterfall) on the sheltered south side.
14No. PV panels on the north facade express the school’s commitment to sustainability, science and technology. Together, the passive and active elements have a significant impact on ongoing operation costs and will release budget each year for educational programs.
Juries Comments
“In this category a commendation was awarded to the Warnambool College Science and Language Centre in Victoria
This Building the Education Revolution (BER) project was set in the context of a Master Plan developed after the principal had visited a range of schools within and outside Australia and undertaken extensive consultation with students, teachers and the community.
The steep site available led to the development of a two storey building with language and seminar spaces on the lower floor and science laboratories on the upper floor. Both floors have ground level acces and are internally connected via an open ‘DNA double helix’ stair.
In keeping with the school’s goal to become known as “the green school” the building exhibits a number of sustainable design features including a thermal chimney on the front of the building with solar panels integrated into it to supplement the power supply.
Congratulations to NOW Architects and Warnambool College. “
