A Sneak Peek at Grimwade’s New Development
Redevelopment of the Upper Primary precinct at Grimwade House is nearing completion and Campus Head, Andrew Boyd, was recently given a sneak peak of what will be regarded as a cutting edge learning environment.
Melbourne Grammar’s Property Manager, John Phillips, said the development was on track to be in use from the beginning of Term IV, 2009. With many environmental innovations, Mr Phillips described some of the features of the new Upper Primary facilities.
“There will be four Year 5 classrooms and four Year 6 classrooms, with an additional Art room and new Library. The decked atrium is covered with a glass roof and photovoltaic cells which, through their solar panels, will store and convert solar energy.
“To help with temperature management, ‘lanterns’ have been added to the roofline of the top floor classrooms allowing hot air to rise and escape via their vents, while being replaced with cooler air. Also, a labyrinth beneath the atrium decking will funnel cool air from beneath the ground to classrooms, providing an organic solution to air conditioning.”
There are many environmentally sustainable features within the development that will support the students’ science and environmental studies. Students will be able to monitor the amount of energy collected from the solar panels, as well as measure the quantity of rain water diverted into four, newly installed 28,000 litre tanks behind the Cordner PE Centre.
The Year 5 and 6 students will be housed in fully renovated classrooms, with new furniture and engaging interior design. Bold citrus colours, inside and out, contrast with the terracotta and grey of existing buildings, providing a striking architectural feature.
Head of Art at Grimwade House, Jan Rizzo, expressed her excitement at the near completion of the development, “We will be lucky enough to have two art rooms dedicated to the younger and older students. I hope the students realise how lucky they are to come here and have use of these fabulous facilities. Our students truly have world class facilities at their disposal.”
Andrew Boyd was very impressed with the progress, architecture and technological advancements of the Upper Primary project.
“Melbourne Grammar School prides itself at being at the forefront of education. Developments such as this one underpin our continual effort to ensure we are providing an exceptional education and learning environment for our students.
“The girls and boys in Upper Primary will benefit hugely from the innovative facilities of this development and gain a number of opportunities for additional learning from what will be a five star rated, environmentally sustainable building,” he said.
Watch this space for more information on the development and the official opening of the Upper Primary precinct in the next few months! |
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