Smithfield SHS Outdoor Area

2 x Undercover spaces, $200K, Smithfield (2012)

Brief & Context

The school wanted to make the most of the infill space between 2 classroom wings, by turning an unused, turfed plot into an external art classroom space.

The space would also need to double as a congregation point for students during their lunch breaks.

The structures needed to be linked to the enclosed classrooms, and buffered from the adjacent toilet wings, while still allowing circulation, ventilation and light through the area.

Design Approach

The dynamic roof forms stemmed from an idea to direct the collected stormwater into the school’s existing pits. This was a considerable cost saving measure as well. The roofs kick up at the eaves, falling to a central gutter that spills into the existing stormwater system. The eaves lapping the existing roof allow for effective protection from the rain, while still permitting indirect light to penetrate the adjacent classrooms.

The two undercover areas operate as separate spaces, divided by a circulation route and gardens, while the view corridors are maintained for suitable surveillance.

Materials

The structures and furniture are robust and low maintenance. Painted steel columns and beams hold up the steel framed, insulated roof, which has fibre cement lining.

Ground surfaces are all hoseable, with concrete slabs and rendered garden beds forming spaces around the hardwood timber furniture.

Sustainability

While the project was not driven by sustainability issues, it responds to it’s environmental conditions. The structures provide protection from the north and south-easterly storms, while allowing breezes through the spaces. The roofs are insulated to stop radiant heat transmitting and the shaded thermal mass of the slabs are cooling. Gardens that act as buffers also provide shade.

Design Team & Builder

Mango Team: Nicole Ewing, Melanie Jackson
Structural Engineer: C.M.G. Consulting Engineers
Builder: Reilly Building Services