The level of design consideration afforded to educational buildings has grown immensely in recent years, with holistic philosophies now coming into play that aim to deliver flexible, yet nurturing and attractive student environments that better encourage learning and progressive teaching methods.
A prime example of this can be seen at St Bede’s Catholic College, a school based in Chisholm, Maitland around 23 kilometres from Newcastle.
It comprises of four large pillars of buildings that breech across the contours of the site, with an internal circulation spine or ‘peregrine trail’ linking the four buildings.
Designed by leading local architectural firm, SHAC, the St Bede’s development uses Fielders ARAMAX® for roofing as well as a bespoke screen wall.
SHAC Director, Architect and Project Manager, Elizabeth Brown, explains how ARAMAX® provided several solutions to both architectural and construction challenges on site:
“The long-spanning capabilities of ARAMAX® allowed us to incorporate generous roof overhangs to provide protection from weather on the walkways below and over windows.
The strength of ARAMAX® also means there’s less reliance on secondary structure, which reduces construction costs. There are also no concerns in fixing solar panels to the ARAMAX® roof. From an installation perspective it’s a profile that’s efficient to install, so we can get large sections of the building protected from the rain very quickly.”
Elizabeth continues: “The structural integrity of ARAMAX® again came into play with the design of the screen wall. It was suitable to perforate, and after considering several patterns, and reviews by wind engineers, a ‘noughts and crosses’ pattern which was ultimately selected after passing wind noise testing. We were extremely pleased to use it from an aesthetic standpoint, because it allowed consistency of materials and helped anchor the overall design.”
