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Montessori International College Double General Learning Area

2011 Queensland Architecture Awards, Sunshine Coast Regional Commendation
2011 Queensland Architecture Awards, Sustainable Architecture State Commendation
2012 Sunshine Coast Regional Council Living Smart Glossies – Resource Saver Award
 
A steel structural frame and modular plywood wall and floor panels provides the generating principle for organising two learning spaces either side of shared facilities, both capturing forest views, daylight, and breezes.

The campus’ character imbues a quality of naturalism, with buildings amongst trees and minimal hardstand areas. The new GLA respects the school culture of sensory experiential learning with the outdoors and nature by allowing learning areas to visually open to the surrounding Melaleuca forest and spatially spill out into informal clearings.  

The building’s sustainable design strategies include resource reduction via (1) dematerialisation and thermal performance through integrated design, (2) passive solar design, and (3) rainwater harvesting. Human wellbeing is realised though healthy materials selection with low toxicity, visual and spatial connection to nature and access to natural daylight.

Builder:                          Altum Constructions
Structural Engineer:        TOD Consulting
Hydraulic Engineer:         Burnett Lynch MRP
Quantity Surveyor:          Graham Lukins