Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS) – Middle Girls School

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS) – Middle Girls School

Concept

The Penleigh and Essendon Middle Girls School (PEGS) project is the final of three major phases of the development of the East Keilor Campus.

The aim of this ambitious building program was to provide a rich and diverse campus environment with high-quality teaching spaces designed to respond to the particular needs of its distinct student groups. In each of the ‘schools’ careful consideration was given to providing a relevant individual identity and unique architectural atmosphere.

The form is derived the Mandelbrot Set, the image of which offers almost endless formal adaption; a metaphor writ large for the endless possibility of intellectual exploration and the human imagination.

This formal strategy results in an architectural form that changes in scale and intensity that reveals and conceals views, contains and describes interior and exterior space. Double curved gateways, reminiscent of both Desbrowe-Annear’s arts and crafts houses and Persian gateways, add definition and a poetic to campus.

Completed
January 2015
Location
Corner of Keilor and Rachelle Roads, Keilor East | Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country
Awards

Australian Interior Design Awards 2016

Shortlisted

WAN Education Awards 2016

Long-list

Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Victorian Chapter Awards 2015

Winner – Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture

World Architecture Festival 2015

Shortlisted

Interior Design Excellence Awards 2015

Shortlisted

Publications

The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 May 2015
Archello, 29 September 2015

Sustainability

The perimeter of the new buildings is primarily comprised of a maintenance-free glazed brick outer shell. The internal space is structured so as to allow long-term flexibility and adaptability. This is achieved by the reducing internal structure and with the use of post-tensioned concrete slabs. Continuous strip windows similarly allow future adaptability. Insulated reinforced concrete roofs improve the environmental performance of the building and will also allow for easy maintenance and possible future additions. Windows are shaded to the north and elsewhere, automated blinds reduce glare and heat gain. The new buildings are heated via an efficient VRV air conditioning system located in the under the floor space of the new building. Throughout, energy efficient fittings and fixtures have been specified. The plan shape allows improved light and cross-ventilation to a large number of teaching spaces. Colonnades which permit light, transparency and cross ventilation to teaching spaces are favoured over double loaded planning scenarios. Ventilated louvers are included in the teaching spaces to permit cross ventilation, improve air quality and reduce the reliance on mechanically conditioned air.