Aluminium framing and fixed solar louvres from Alspec were used in combination with good design principles to create a modern learning space for senior students at Trinity Lutheran College in Molendinar, Queensland.
Research shows well-managed natural light contributes positively to student learning, making window glazing and screening choices crucial elements of good educational facility design. At this Gold Coast college, Alspec’s systems have been used to create such a learning environment for senior students.
The Trinity Lutheran College is an independent Christian college teaching students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The new Senior Learning Centre designed by Burling Brown Architects is part of the college’s 10-year masterplan to steadily improve the range of facilities to better equip students for life beyond school.
The new complex includes spaces for independent or collaborative work; nine flexible learning classrooms with adjustable layouts; a large, tiered seating area suitable for presentations or group work, and a café, which doubles as a training environment for Hospitality and Business Certificate students. The facility has also been designed to integrate with the adjacent existing mathematics and library classrooms.
The double-height glazed façade of the new building features Alspec’s Hunter Evo flush glazed framing, incorporating Alspec Solaire fixed louvres. The Hunter Evo is a popular framing system thanks to its versatility and compatibility with other door and window elements as well as excellent weathering credentials. The Solaire louvres located across the surface provide external solar control with an architectural aesthetic. The blades are positioned to lower the impact of direct sunlight and heat transfer at appropriate times of the day, while also reducing the potential for distractions from outdoor views. The aluminium blades deliver hardwearing performance in all climate conditions.
For access to the building as well as interior transition spaces, Swan Evo 45mm commercial doors were installed in hinged, pivoted or sliding configurations as double or single doors, as appropriate for each space. For larger spanning sliding doors, Hawkesbury top hung sliding doors were adopted, ensuring effortless operation thanks to their smooth-running Centor hardware.
Alspec products used in the project included Hunter Evo 101.6mm single flush glazed framing; Hunter Evo 150mm single flush glazed framing; Swan Evo 45mm commercial shopfront doors; Hawkesbury top hung commercial sliding doors and Solaire fixed louvres.
Photography: Burling Brown and Rix Ryan Photography
