Rochedale State High School was a Department of Education project that we were very excited to work on as it was a school designed for the enjoyment of students from all backgrounds, which aligns with our ethos of working for the betterment of all vulnerable people.
We deeply understand that all spaces need to work very hard in a school, and that the whole school is an education opportunity. By planning efficiently we were able to have generous circulation spaces that can also become breakout or outdoor learning spaces.
This building had to be as cool as possible in summer, and warm in winter without the use of air conditioning or heating. By using a central corridor with high level glazing we are able to draw a lot of air through the classrooms and out through the corridor windows. When we were doing the final inspections it was over 35 degrees and very still, the classrooms all had fantastic breezes pulled through them and were more than comfortable. The oxygen alone will be a great improvement on any air conditioning unit. These are age-old methods, but it proves that great fundamentals and very little technology can help overcome issues of unnecessary energy use, and allow us to connect to our external environment in a very real way.