Floor-to-ceiling louvre windows contribute to natural ventilation strategy at new Barker College facility

The Barker College Maths & Student Hub exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating biophilic design principles with passive environmental strategies to create a learning environment that harmonises with nature. This state-of-the-art facility is constructed from sustainably sourced mass timber, sequestering 780 tonnes of CO2 and offsetting 18 years of operational emissions. A key element in the project's climate-conscious approach is the strategic use of natural elements – solar, wind, and air – to minimise environmental impact and enhance occupant comfort.

A crucial feature of the Maths Hub’s design is its emphasis on natural ventilation, achieved through the incorporation of large louvres and openable façade elements. Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows played a pivotal role in this strategy, ensuring optimal airflow and thermal comfort throughout the building. The 23 classrooms within the hub feature floor-to-ceiling aluminium louvres that provide precise control over airflow and natural light. In addition, glazed louvres were strategically placed in common areas to enhance cross-ventilation while maintaining visual connectivity to the outdoors.

"We were already designing a mixed-mode building, but we were able to dial that up and create an envelope that was essentially breathable by using at least 25 percent more natural ventilation openings than the NCC standard," explains Sam Morris, Sustainability Lead at Architectus. This increased reliance on natural ventilation not only reduces energy consumption but also strengthens the building’s resilience against future challenges such as pandemics, ensuring continuous fresh air circulation to mitigate the spread of airborne viruses.

The commitment to sustainability and innovative ventilation strategies at Barker College Maths Hub was recognised with the Editor’s Choice Award at the 2024 Sustainability Awards. This acknowledgment reinforces the project’s role as a benchmark for environmentally responsible educational architecture, demonstrating how Safetyline Jalousie’s high-performance louvre windows contribute to creating sustainable, healthy, and future-proof learning environments.

Project details

Project: Barker College Maths & Student Hub

Location: Hornsby, NSW

Architect: Architectus

Product: Safetyline Jalousie Louvre Windows