Woodberry Family Centre

Constructed on the side of a gentle sloping site overlooking the flood plains the new Woodberry Family Centre is a cluster of buildings which house the different functions of the centre: a Childcare Centre, a Multi-function Space, consulting and meeting rooms, and the Administration and kitchen support. Constructed in varied coloured concrete block with metal wall and roof sheeting the simple tones externally are contrasted by the vibrant colours of the internal colour scheme. Patterned marmoleum flooring, and the bright chequered mosaic tiles add to the fun appeal of the centre for the whole family.

 

Energy Efficiency & Environmental Sustainability

The design of the building addresses issues of environmental sustainability in several ways:

-Orientation and solar access: the building is orientated to take advantage of northern sunlight into the Childcare Centre. Highlight windows are located above the four metre deep veranda roof. Deep eaves along the north facade ensure these windows are protected from the hot summer sun and allow for the shallow winter sun to enter the playrooms. Therefore the thermal mass of the concrete slab can be used to help control the temperature ranged in the Childcare Centre. This northern light will be further distributed into the corridor space through the use of internal glazing. Glazing on the west side is protected by removable aluminium louvre sunscreens. Minimum glazing is located on the east and west facades.

-Natural Ventilation: the proposed building would have a mixture of natural and mechanical ventilation. Natural ventilation can be utilised where possible, with mechanical used to supplement its effects if required. Locations of operable windows on opposite sides of the building allow for good cross flow ventilation. These include operable windows on both sides of the Childcare Centre's playrooms.

-Insulation: walls, ceilings and the roof are insulated to help control heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

-Thermal Mass: thermal mass has been incorporated into the design through the use of concrete floor slabs. Extended eaves help to control heat gain, by regulating the amount of sunlight reaching the thermal mass of the floors. Winter sun is allowed to enter the building with heat stored in the slab. whilst summer sun is prevented from entering.

-Artificial Lighting: all lighting in the building is selected for its energy efficiency, and the design of the building will encourage that lights will be used only as required in the building.