Daramalan College: Dempsey Science Laboratory
The Dempsey Building at Daramalan college was designed as a multi-purpose science laboratory, to replace the existing chemistry labs which were 60 years old and no longer fit for purpose. Designed using solar passive principles, Dempsey incorporates several elements of sustainable design, including brick walls (to moderate temperatures in the changing seasons) a 12-meter-long living wall in the solar corridor, double glazed windows, high levels of insulation and solar orientation.
The building also incorporates a variety of artworks and installations that help to make a beautiful and inspiring space for the teachers and students who work there. Sculptured metalwork, bamboo and solid timber fitting and fixtures, decorative brickwork, and glass art from Liz Kelly were thoughtfully included in the design.
The set out of the desks has been based on organic geometry and the desks themselves are elliptical rather than square. This captures the physical structure of nature and the universe, which is appropriate for the field of study and work of the students using the space.
Specifications
Client:
Daramalan College
Location:
Dickson ACT, Australia
Year:
2017
Team:
Paul Totterdell (Waterharvesting)
AWARDS
2017
MCA Excellence in Brickwork
TESTIMONIALS
Rita Daniels, Principal:
“Daramalan College has used the services of the Paul Barnett Design Group for close to ten years during which time we have undertaken an extensive building and refurbishing program.
The architectural works undertaken by PBDG have included a new Science Wing that is being constructed during 2016, two replacement buildings for all Design and Technology subjects (including a Round 4 Trade Training Skills Centre that won an ACT Masters Builders Award in 2014), a large new canteen, student amenities and a Flexible Learning Centre as well as Hospitality facilities. Each of these specialised projects was designed to fit well within the physical surroundings and within our budget.
In recognition of the high quality and design of the projects, four of the projects were finalists in the ACT Master Builders Awards and two projects – the student amenities and the Lysaught Building -won awards.
The Paul Barnett Design Group is very skilled at working in a school setting. The buildings they design have a clear focus on environmental sustainability as well as artistic design features. There is a strong focus on using light effectively and creating a building that is contemporary yet sympathetic to the surrounding buildings.
The firm prides itself on listening to its clients and responding to their needs and priorities and we have found this to be our experience over many years of working closely with Paul and the team. There is a strong collaborative approach evident in their planning so that a large range of options are explored during the design process and fewer variations are required during construction.
The Paul Barnett Design Group has worked closely with the construction firm to achieve excellent outcomes for us. At every stage during construction, the architect has been readily available to liaise with the builders and resolve issues promptly and collaboratively.
We have been very pleased with the work the Paul Barnett Design Group has undertaken for us and would be happy to recommend them to you.“