Tahlia Kite

My proposal for Forrest Primary School, Canberra ACT incorporates architecture, engineering and pedagogy with student interactions in an engaging way.

Refurbishing an existing wing of the school (Block D) to be more thermally efficient by replacing the roof, introducing skylights and incorporating a trellised covered walkway with local, deciduous vines invites more natural light into the classrooms to limit artificial lighting use and create a more engaging learning environment.

My new build proposal consists of semi-submerged classrooms to gain thermal insulation all year-round for constant internal temperatures and to connect learning to play, as children can run on top of the classrooms during lunch hours. Glazing on the north invites daylight into the classrooms and skylights towards the rear allow light to penetrate the entire floor plate with only minimal artificial lighting required. ‘Cosy Corners’ are situated at the rear of the classrooms for breakout spaces that are surrounded by acoustic insulating materials to create a cosy, safe and quiet environment for children to study while remaining in eye sight of the teacher.