Not that the process was that straightforward. Debbas and team first presented their design back in 2007. They were then asked to retrace their steps and outline how, at each stage, their processes related to international best practice. It would be a further two years before construction could begin.
"It was definitely an exhaustive process all round, yet from the start, the project aspired to provide nothing less than a world-leading educational environment," says Debbas.
Conceptually, the design establishes a dynamic, fluid vernacular, in response to both the educational goals and climatic conditions.
"Winters here tend to be dry and cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero, so we sculpted the front facade so that it deflects winter winds around the school. Classroom pods are located to the southeast to take advantage of passive solar gain on colder days," says Debbas.
To maximise solar gain, the classrooms feature double-height glazing on the southeastern facade, with split-level interiors designed to admit natural light deep into the rooms.
Each pod comprises two classrooms arranged one on top of the other. The pod design is reminiscent of flowering seed pods, says Debbas.
"Figuratively, the classroom pods cocoon their fragile charges before releasing them to be dispersed by the winds to take root, blossom and ultimately renew the cycle of life."
The commitment to sustainability goes further than maximising solar gain. The whole building has been constructed from form-worked concrete and the pods have been clad in pre-finished resin fibreboard panels, instead of wood, to minimise ongoing maintenance.
"Overall, our concept was to create a fluid and spiritual environment, far distant from the more mechanistic, rigid and prosaic late-modern designs that have come before it.
"Without resorting to theatrical design or applied nostalgic detailing, we want the architecture to invigorate a child's sense of wonder."
Credit list
Architect
Charles Debbas AIA, Debbas Architecture
Debbas Architecture; Yida Group
Interior designer
Debbas Architecture; Yida Group
Civil, mechanical and electrical engineer
Yida Group
Fundermax resin fiberboard
Facade construction
Formed concrete
12 Jul, 2011