A number of innovative designs for Australian educational facilities have been successful at the 2015 Council of Educational Facility Planners Australasia (CEFPI) Awards, with projects such as a bi-lingual early learning centre in Melbourne and an alternative school in Noosa recognised.
Melbourne-based practice ClarkeHopkinsClarke stood out, winning three awards for two projects.
The Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences by the practice won the award for Education Initiative/Design Solution for an Innovative Program as well as the Overall Winner for the Australasian Region. The Melbourne school cost over $6 million to build, and opened in March 2014.
The school is a branch of University High School that is designed to cater for year 11 and 12 students who have a strong interest in science and mathematics.
A government grant supported the inclusion of a pilot project to maintain the air temperature in the building using a geothermal energy system, which is estimated to have saved the building’s running costs by 96 percent.
The Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences by ClarkeHopkinsClarke features a pilot geothermal energy system that reduces the building’s running costs by around 95 percent.
Image: Courtesy of ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects
The Peoples Choice Award was won by TERROIR Architects for their project that transformed two 1960s buildings at a Sydney school.
The Emerging Chapter Award Winner was New Zealand practice Athfield Architectus for its $63 million campus hub and library upgrade at Victoria University in Wellington.
The Council of Educational Facility Planners Australasia is a professional association that aims to improve learning environments.
Full list of winners:
Emerging Chapter Award Winner: Victoria University of Wellington, Campus Hub and Library Upgrade by Athfield Architectus
Overall Winner for the Australasian Region: The Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences, The University High School by ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects
Winner of the 2015 CEFPI Australasia Peoples Choice Award: Claremont College by TERROIR Architects
Category 1: New Construction, Entire New School
WINNER: Noosa Flexible Learning Centre – Fulton Trotter Architects
Category 2: New Construction, Major Facility
WINNER: Brighton Grammar Middle School –ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects.
Category 3: Renovation/Modernisation Over $2 Million
WINNER: FROEBEL Learning Centre – Steffen Welsch Architects.
Category 5: Education Initiative/Design Solution For an Innovative Program
WINNER: Elizabeth Blackburn School of Science, The University High School – ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects.
Category 6: Educational Landscape/Outdoor Learning Area
WINNER: Horsham Special School - Sensory Courtyard – Kneeler Design Architects and Jeavons Landscape Architects.
