How does the new Year 7 building contribute to St Eugene’s broader master plan?

St Eugene’s new Year 7 building represents the final instalment of a multi-stage master plan that has converted the Year 1 to 7 school into a Prep to Year 12 College. The new extension accommodates music, drama and languages across a range of multi-purpose spaces that step down into the landscape. The location of the facility was critical to the realisation of the master plan with the building purposefully occupying a highly visible and prominent place along the school’s central spine. The architecture responds with sensitivity and respect for an existing gum tree that provides cool and shaded spaces to gather nearby.

What passive design principles have been adopted?

The design for the Year 7 building seeks to optimise access to natural sunlight and natural ventilation in order to minimise reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. Operable glazing on the northern and southern elevations and large roof overhangs enable the building to be opened to the elements of breeze and sunlight. Brick walls to the east and west provide good solar defence and offer a low maintenance and collegiate envelope. Performing arts areas can extend outdoors, spilling onto verandah edges and auditorium seating leading onto the covered outdoor performance space. Similarly, the upper level floor space can be subdivided by means of an operable wall and extend onto the verandah, thus increasing the functionality and adaptability of the architecture.