Tarremah Steiner School Hall

Solar/sustainability

The environmentally sustainable design (ESD) for Tarremah Steiner School Hall addresses architectural concerns of language, scale, form and aesthetics, while demonstrating innovation in energy efficiency, the structural system, and the use of materials.

The structurally and cost efficient carbon sink structure consists predominantly of plantation grown 140 x 45 mm timbers. Spans of 16.5 m cross-section and 6.7 m height are achieved by encasing ladder frames in plywood. Cladding and linings are either timber or a no- cement compressed sheet. Carefully detailed external macrocarpa timber cladding will weather naturally. This local environmental weed is a desirable, maintenance free, long lasting, natural cladding material. Practically no applied finishes are used externally and interior panels are oiled to 3 m using natural non-toxic oil.

Diffuse natural high-level lighting on golden plywood panelling creates an interior atmosphere of warmth and well-being. Physical comfort is achieved by means of an energy efficient solar wall providing heated fresh air to the hall without compromising the thermal envelope. Up to 80% of the wall’s solar heat gain is transferred to the hall. Energy efficient heat pumps and a manually controlled ventilation system supplement the above. Infrastructure has been provided for retro fitting solar panels for water heating, water tanks for rainwater collection to irrigate the sports oval and a photovoltaic array.