st kevin’s college - j.a kearney science, technology & study wing
DESCRIPTION
Client: St Kevins College, Toorak VICTORIA AUSTRALIA The J. A. Kearney extension represents the 5th step in our master plan to accommodate the expanding curriculum of St Kevin’s College with the creation of a transitional environment towards tertiary studies. Situated on a peninsula between the Glen Waverly train line and the Yarra River, the extension to the J.A. Kearney Building is visible from the river and creates a direct link to Heyington Station. Employing a layered program to key directly into the existing building, this project accommodates design technology on the ground floor, science laboratories and a visiting scientists research facility on the 1st and 2nd level and an informal student centre on level 3 that provides a space that supports independent learning in preparation for tertiary studies. The building form steps and twists to manage the transition from 2 stories to the existing 5. It is cloaked in a ventilation screen that reduces heat load and minimises reflection and contrast into the river environs. This sculpted termination links back to the crafted nature of the activities undertaken within the design technology centre. The terraced building form also provides additional rooftop space which is utilized as outdoor learning spaces. All mechanical, hydraulic & electrical services are suspended below the acoustic ceilings and are labelled as a teaching tool to complement the technical curriculum. The interiors feature graphic treatments that provide educational content and a unique identity to each level.TRANSCRIPT
St Kevin’s College Kearney Extension
The J. A. Kearney extension represents the 5th step in our master plan to accommodate the expanding curriculum of St Kevin’s College with the creation of a transitional environment towards tertiary studies.
Situated on a peninsula between the Glen Waverly train line and the Yarra River, the extension to the J.A. Kearney Building is visible from the river and creates a direct link to Heyington Station.
Glen Waverly train line
Seabrook Hunt & Dale Architects 1965
In constant use since the 1950’s, the existing building is a 5 storey masonry structure provisioned with all the facilities of the era. It has remained largely unchanged as the school developed a unique university style campus around it.
The building form steps and twists to manage the transition from 2 stories to the existing 5 storey sheer wall.
Ground Floor
Employing a layered program to key directly into the existing building, the ground floor accommodates design technology to enable the safe handling of equipment and materials.
First Floor
Levels 1 and 2 contain science laboratories that feature a visiting scientists research facility that promotes the sharing of international ideas.
Second Floor
Third Floor
A student centre on level 3 supports the transition to future tertiary studies by providing an informal space in which time management and work routines are encouraged through independent learning.
For thermal management, the building employs a dual façade skin, fixed sun louvers and Low-E glazing in conjunction with a Building Management System to control lighting, air-conditioning & blinds.
A revegetation program for the river bank was established with Formium Landscape Architects to remove and replace non-indigenous plant species with approximately 2,300 new native shrubs and trees.
Graphic treatments to pin-walls, window film and carpet tiles were developed with Kinart Design to provide educational content and identity to each level.
The students can also refer to the achievements of past teachers contributions to the advancement of their scientific fields which threads history and meaning into their studies.
Working with Cardno Structures & NDY Services the building systems have been carefully coordinated to reveal the inner workings. All mechanical, hydraulic & electrical services are suspended below the acoustic ceilings and are labelled as a teaching tool to complement the technical curriculum.
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