Emmanuel Junior School & Learn to Swim

This small but complex project replaces an aged toilet block with a 1,320m² two-storey extension of the Junior School. The extension houses new amenities, general flexible learning spaces, and several classrooms equipped specifically for technology, art, science and cooking classes. Circulation routes have been re-planned so that the extension acts as the linking node between three previously isolated buildings and the larger campus pathway network. All rooms are naturally ventilated via a strategy of cross and stack ventilation, where the central stairwell expels hot air out through the voids between the external envelope and the roof plane. Feature ‘eye-lid’ voids within the level one stairwell allow the hot air to be drawn up from the ground floor and directed out. Despite a tight construction programme of six months, the project was finished on budget and ahead of schedule. An additional element to our masterplan for the college is the dedicated ‘Learn to Swim’ facility, separate to the existing main college pool. A simple portal frame structure combined with strategic planning provided a solution to the tightly constrained site, combining the pool together with new amenities and change rooms that would serve both new and existing pools. The use of polycarbonate sheet cladding has achieved a colourful, light-filled and fun space for students to enjoy.