BAP: South Melbourne Primary School

BUILDING ANALYSIS PROJECT

SOUTH MELBOURNE PRIMARY SCHOOL ISHIKA PUNJABI & OLIVIA KOSTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 STORY 2 SITE 3

SPACE & SKIN (DIGITAL & PHYSICAL MODEL COMBINED)

4 STRUCTURE 5 CIRCULATION 6

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

7

AXONOMETRIC & PROGRAMMING

8

STORY & FINDINGS

01

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

STORY PROJECT DATA

Location: Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Year of Completed Construction: 2018 Total Area: 5000m2 Total Cost of Construction: $11.5 million Awards: 12th Annual Awards for Excellence in Educational Facilities.

TEAM

Architect: Hayball Architects Client: Department of Education & Training, Victoria Landscape Architect: Grant Bailey Structure and MEP: Aurecon Lighting: mLight Acoustics: Marshall Day Acoustics

BUILDING ENTRANCE

Analysis by Ishika Punjabi and Olivia Koster Arch 341 | Alex Hirsig

PROJECT BACKGROUND The school was constructed for the children of South Melbourne and holds specifically 525 students. The project was selected for ''the way the space interprets and promotes pedagogy'' as well as rewarded for how it connects indoor and outdoor teaching areas and differentiated learning environments. Melbourne Primary has a compact footprint due to the stack method of the floors, it is known as Victoria’s first vertical school. The building is comprised of learning communities, a staff lounge, a library recourse and courtyard, an amphitheater, an art courtyard, outdoor learning terraces, and multi-purpose community spaces.

FORM DEVELOPMENT AND CONCEPT The South Melbourne Primary School is a hybrid school. It consists of two levels of shared public space along with a school on the upper floors. While most of the schools in Melbourne are either single or double leveled, the South Melbourne Primary School is a 6 story tall vertical structure. This reflects the density of the city. The concept of the building is that the vertical connectivity becomes one of the main features of the building. So it consists of a vertical piazza. The circulation is more than just a staircase. It is a community space, a teaching space and meeting space. Learning can take place both indoors and outdoors depending on the weather. There are no formal classrooms. This school focuses on collaborative learning.

https://architectureau.com/articles/victorias-first-vertical-schoolrings-in-the-academic-year/

INTERIOR SPACE https://www.aurecongroup.com/projects/property/ south-melbourne-primary-school

https://a4le.org.au/news/vic-news/ going-vertical-at-south-melbourne-primary-school

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC

CONCEPT: ACTIVE VERTICAL CIRCULATION https://a4le.org.au/news/vic-news/going-vertical-at-south-melbourne-primary-school

ABOUT HAYBALL ARCHITECTS

REFLECTION

Hayball is one of Australia’s largest design practices, with 160+ people working from studios in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. They have a diverse practice which includes: architecture, interior design and urban design. Over the past 30 years, the company has realized hundreds of projects across Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and China – from single and multi-residential buildings to schools and universities, commercial developments and urban design for entire suburbs. Innovation, cohesiveness and sustainability are the key driving factors of their design. The design culture is the result of exploration, research and the exchange of ideas and different ways of thinking. They apply methodological rigor to devise solutions that would not be applicable to any other project, hence their work is site specific. They also contribute largely to the design debate by participating in industry and government panels, and actively engaging in academic research programs.

So far we have been able to find out basic information like where this building is located and the reason for it’s development as well as the intention of the school. It is evident that this is a student centered school, with a focus on new approaches to learning. Through our readings we have been able to understand different learning environments, and it is evident that this building fosters a newer and more progressive way of learning. We was surprised at how the building form was rethinking the way school is taught through its seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, use of open terraces and much more.

02

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

Analysis by Ishika Punjabi and Olivia Koster Arch 341 | Alex Hirsig

SUN PATH

SITE

CLIMATE ANALYSIS

AUSTRALIA

REGIONAL RESOURCES A large proportion of the drinking water comes from protected or uninhabited mountain ash forests high in the Yarra Ranges east of Melbourne. Water from the upper reservoirs is then transferred to Silvan and Cardinia Reservoirs. Upon leaving the reservoirs, it is disinfected by using chlorine to kill potentially harmful microorganisms and maintain public health.

The water is also fluoridated and corrected for pH.

VICTORIA, MELBOURNE N

CONTEXT: PUBLIC TO PRIVATE The South Melbourne Primary School is located on Ferrars Street. It is the first vertical government school in Victoria. The architects have created multiple spaces and facilities for the community to share, making the school embedded in its neighborhood life. Because of its compact footprint, the building has one main entry. This gives the Principal a unique opportunity to greet the students as they enter. They then circulate up to their learning spaces after the first bell.

After drop-offs, their parents are welcomed to stay for tea and coffee at the school’s canteen.

Other shared community facilities include the external forecourt, art, music, library, and gymnasium, which are located on the ground and first floor. Without fences, it can be used by the public whenever school isn’t in session. Thus the lines between the private and public realm are quite blurred.

Energy in Victoria, Australia is generated using a number of fuels including coal, natural gas and renewable energy sources. Brown coal is the main primary energy source for the generation of electricity in the state, accounting for about 85% of electricity generation in 2008. Brown coal is also one of the largest contributors to Australia’s total domestic greenhouse gas emissions and a source of controversy for the country. Australia is one of the highest polluters of greenhouse gas per capita in the world.

PSYCHOMETRIC CHART

WIND WHEEL South Melbourne seems to have a cool climate. As seen in the Psychometric Chart, the temperatures are mostly below the comfort zone. However, there is high humidity. The most effective design strategies would be Internal Heat Gain and other forms of Heating.

The primary wind direction as seen in the Wind Wheel comes from the North. This is why the open terraces face the north, so that it can harvest the natural ventilation in the warmer summer months.

03

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

SPACE + SKIN

2ND FLOOR

1ST FLOOR 7

3RD FLOOR

1ST FLOOR

4TH & 5TH FLOOR

2ND FLOOR

7

6

7

6

5

5

1 1

6

Analysis by Ishika Punjabi and Olivia Koster Arch 341 | Alex Hirsig

FLOOR PLANS

MODEL CONSTRUCTION

4

2

4

2 3

3 4 3

3

5

2

1

1

2

4

1 1

5 3

2

2

3RD FLOOR

2

6 1

3

3

1

4

2

7

3

3 5

6

4

6

5 6 7

7

5TH FLOOR

4TH FLOOR 9

10 11

8

7

6 6

6

5

5

4

4

4

7

7 3

5

8 3

2 2

1

1

3

3 2

1

1

1

4

1

2 2 3

2 3

2

PHYSICAL MASSING MODEL

SECTION

6TH FLOOR

3

4 4

4 5

5

5 6 7

6

6 7

8

9 10

7

8

11

Score Connect each surface with its corresponding edge and cap with the Fold second surface. Stack to complete.

3

DIGITAL MODEL

45

4

7

2

6TH FLOOR

04

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

Analysis by Ishika Punjabi and Olivia Koster Arch 341 | Alex Hirsig

STRUCTURE

CONSTRUCTION IMAGES

STRUCTURE DETAILED

Steel Framing

PHYSICAL MODEL

Diagonal Bracing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjVUoIf7ses

The South Melbourne Primary School has a steel structure. Since the building is 6 floors tall, it needs to have a strong structural system to withstand the vertical loads. The steel structure is made up of columns, trusses and moment frames that provide support to the roofs and floors.

This type of construction is common in high rise commercial buildings as it is simple to lift the steel components to higher floors using cranes. Design wise, the steel framing is used to provide both a sense of consistency as well as unconventionality. The steel framing is repeated on each floor across the central atrium area but the composition of the framing changes around the periphery of the building. There are some double height columns used on the outer rim and thinner frames used towards the interior. This steel framing also allows for a high amount of glazing on the south facade, where the structure is exposed for the most part as seen in the image below.

Steel Columns

EXPOSED STRUCTURE

FLOOR STRUCTURE Steel Deck Flooring

Flooring Finish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjVUoIf7ses

05

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

Analysis by Ishika Punjabi and Olivia Koster Arch 341 | Alex Hirsig

CIRCULATION

2 4

HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION

1st Floor

3

The egress core is located on the left side of the building, tucked away towards the back. The rest of the circulation is extremely engaging and creates active spaces. As seen in the images on the right, the stairs function as both seating spaces for learning and collaboration as well as a means to travel vertically. The circulation spaces are located along the edges of the building for the most part, ensuring that the spaces have sufficient daylight at all times.

EGRESS

https://a4le.org.au/news/vic-news/going-vertical-at-south-melbourne-primary-school

VERTICAL CIRCULATION

ACTIVE CIRCULATION

4 3

4th Floor

4

5

3nd Floor

3

2nd Floor

https://worldarchitecture.org/articles/cgfef/south_melbourne_primary_school_by_hayball_named_future_project_

ENTRANCE

EGRESS CORE 5th Floor

06

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS The South Melbourne Primary School uses a hydroponic cooling system. Since the weather here is mostly warm, there is a need for an efficient cooling system in the building. As seen in the diagram, the hydronic systems are present in the ceiling and they deliver cool air through panels and beams within the ceiling. The active chill beams have fans to accelerate the heating and cooling process. There is a high window to wall ratio in order to allow for smooth cross ventilation and the displacement of all the hot air either directly to the outside or through the atrium.

Phase change material tank for efficient conditioning Outside air intake Hot air in the atrium space towards skylight

Cooling system in the ceiling

GLAZING & DAYLIGHT In order to maximize daylighting and eliminate harsh glare the majority of the glazing is on the South facade. The front of the building included a piazza that is enclosed by glass and acts as a well lit social space. The glass is supported by steel rods embedded in the structure.

AIRFLOW AND VENTILATION This is essentially a vertical tunnel where fresh air can travel throughout the building. It is placed here, away from any nearby cars or air pollutants.

This is so no smog or exhaust can travel through the building.

Clean outdoor air is pushed up and out of this tube.

https://drivenxdesign.com/NOW/ project.asp?ID=16811

https://projects.archiexpo.com/ project-257138.html

https://projects.archiexpo.com/ project-257138.html

https://www.abc.net.au/ news/2016-08-08/interior-of-new-south-melbourne-prima-

High performance glazing with overhags for shading

Hot air is displaced and ventilated through the windows

Ground Water

Vertical duct, conditioned air delivered to ceiling Structural steel piles with hydronic loops for efficiant cooling

DAYLIGHT STUDY Daylight was a major factor in this design. Hayball wanted to create a unique learning environment that integrated helpful learning tools in an active and hands on environment. This unique and playful feeling of the school is achieved through daylight. In the following pictures, you can see the use of light wells in play areas as well as a large swath of glazing on the front South facade. Many programmable spaces including the piazza are oriented abound this facade in order to provide sufficient lighting. Studies have shown that natural lighting increases productivity and dopamine, which is a primary reason Hayball focused so heavily on this. In the photos you notice that the majority of the spaces by the facade are social spaces. This is due to the ample daylighting. More people want to be around warmer and well lit spaces, therefore more people would gravitate toward the facade which is primarily glazing.

07

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

AXONOMETRIC FACADE IMAGE

The facade of this building consists of a an irregular square like tile pattern combined with glass. The high window to wall ratio on the south facade demands the need for overhangs for sun shading. The center of the building has a fully glass facade, this transparency helps to highlight the circulation within the building.

Overall, the facade’s additive and subtractive effect seems to align with the overall gesture of the building massing itself.

OVERHANGS FOR SUN-SHADING

PROGRAMMING

EARLY LEARNING CENTER & OUTDOOR PLAY

OVERALL FACADE DESIGN

Glass transparency to highlight circulation

STAFF LOUNGE

LEARNING COMMUNITIES

LIBRARY AND RECOURSE COURTYARD

OUTDOOR LEARNING TERRACES

MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY SPACES

08

https://wga.com.au/our-projects/south-melbourne-primary-school

South Melbourne Primary School Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Hayball Architects

STORY//FINDINGS

Throughout this project we found that hayball architects designed their building keeping in mind how function could be impacted by daylighting. The entire project encompasses features like light wells and programming centered around day lit spaces.

The building maintains a relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating mass amounts of glazing as well as outdoor terraces that integrate well into the building.

Before learning about this project, we did not expect it to be so progressive in its function and form. These spacial programming acts as a catalyst for students to learn not only from their teachers, but their peers as well. It is evident that student centered learning was a priority in this design. It seemed at first that the squares adorning the facade were simply for ornamentation, but through researching the project, we were able to find out that they were actually strategically placed sun shading devices.

Since we are designing a school, we were able to take a lot away from this project. We noticed that we both started to incorporate aspects from the bap into our studio design. The way we looked at school buildings was influenced by the south Melbourne primary school. An example of this is circulation. Instead of only having egress stairs as circulation, this school incorporated social spaces around circulation which made the spaces within the school more lively. We did not realize how much a schools design could impact the learning of a student until this project and our own studio projects. Programmable spaces drastically effect how a student interacts with others and how they view education. Through this project we were able to take inspiration and apply it to our own designs.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-08/interior-of-new-south-melbourne-primary-school/7701016?nw=0

https://www.foreground.com.au/parks-places/melbournes-fencelessvertical-school-trades-hard-borders-for-close-knit-community/