Project Narrative

The Carwatha College Flexible Learning Centre was designed to accommodate 150 students with traditional class groups occupying specific zones within the total complex but having the potential to unite into multiple groups as required. The Centre was to incorporate a central staff workspace and other supplementary resources including break-out space, work facilities and extensive IT access.

After exploring many options for siting the complex on the overall School Masterplan, the College chose to place the Centre at the front entrance to the College in the area of some existing classrooms and art areas. It was proposed that the existing building should be extended to the west to achieve the required area.

The existing structure presented some significant planning difficulties in that it is a long rectangular building with single span timber beams spanning in the short direction. The north-south orientation of this building also presented major problems in terms of introducing natural light whilst eliminating hot west sun. Furthermore the elimination of all internal cross walls created a major problem for structural bracing of the building.

The zig-zag plan form, which ultimately was devised for the project, assisted in addressing a multitude of problems. Firstly the new segments of building created the potential for raised lantern roof structures at 45^o to the main north-south axis thus enabling the entry of light to the western half of the building from the east. Furthermore the zig-zag profile enabled windows to be installed on the south-west side thus preventing exposure to direct west sun. In functional terms, the zig-zag configuration also gave the opportunity to create individual group zones slightly separated from adjoining zones and yet having access to a main central spine. The zig-zag configuration also gave the opportunity for a main entry to the College with verandah and signage at the southern entry point. It was hoped that this would encourage after-hours use of the Centre and would improve community access. An existing enclosed court at the north end of the complex, previously used as a Technology Court, could now be used as an outdoor classroom directly connected to the Flexible Learning Centre. The zig-zag configuration also gave great benefits in terms of structure in that it provided an effective means of lateral bracing for the west wall.

In economic terms, the building has achieved possibly one of the largest Flexible Learning Centres in Victoria within a budget which is very modest for the overall size achieved. This was done by the use of existing structure as much as possible and by the utilisation of lightweight building elements on the west façade. The building in this location is clad with compressed cement sheet and corrugated metal with unusual window shapes which are consistent with the zig zag profile to give the building a dynamic new image.

In environmental terms, significant efforts have been made to minimise energy consumption in this building. Natural light is achieved through the new lantern roofs thus making the building very light internally despite its existing flat roof and limited west windows. Furthermore, the zig-zag profile of the west wall has enabled windows to be oriented to the south-west thus eliminating excessive heat gain. The building is extensively insulated and components from the existing building have been used as much as possible.

The plan form of the new building has proved to be highly successful and the photographs incorporated in this Report demonstrate the varied activities, group sizes and education methods that can be adopted throughout this Centre.

Project Initiated	AUGUST 2004
Education Specification	APRIL 2005
Masterplan Started	APRIL 2005
Masterplan Completed	8 JULY 2005
Schematic Design Started	APRIL 2005
Schematic Design Completed	5 OCTOBER 2005
Schematic Design Cost Estimate	5 OCTOBER 2005
Design Development Started	5 OCTOBER 2005
Design Development Completed	5 NOVEMBER 2005
Design Development Cost Estimate	5 NOVEMBER 2005
Construction Documents Completed	25 JANUARY 2006
Tender Estimate Cost	28 FEBRUARY 2006
Tender Acceptance Cost	1 MARCH 2006
Construction Started	8 MARCH 2006
Construction Completed	23 AUGUST 2006
Occupancy	23 AUGUST 2006
Post Occupancy Evaluation	NOT YET DONE

Project Cost : AUD$ 613,921

Facility Cost : AUD$ 549,357