Montessori International College - Building 2 (Guild Hall)
PlaceSense provided architectural services for the design and delivery of the staged construction of Building 2 (MIC Master plan). Nicknamed the Guild Hall, this proposed building provides on the ground level a multi-purpose space for the AMI training environment (112sqm FECA + 55sqm UECA) which can also be used for student elective programs. Specifically, the building envelope is to allow for the future addition of a floor for College Administration. Guiding design strategies identified in the project brief include:
Re-interpret the original Building 2 design to today's known facts as the "Gatehouse"to the campus.
Keep a "tower" element that functioned as "signage" and "land mark". Possible Green screen using webnet to the west (form of camouflage).
Make northern edge more transparent to Dam and forest.
Make Western and Southern edge opaque due to traffic noise and western sun.
Make southern edge inviting/intimate along the pedestrian path, continue the covered link over.
The site is constrained, bounded by two dams, existing trees and main carpark, requiring responsive environmental planning.