A mathematically and geometrically inspired curved façade forms the dynamic face of a new STEM learning facility for this college near Melbourne. The Swift Science and Technology Centre at Toorak College in Mount Eliza is designed to encourage students to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) courses, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for the modern work environment.

The historic girls’ school is located close to the eastern coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, and as such the new facility has been designed and orientated to respond to the local climate conditions. The northern arced façade, with its shape resulting from a tilted and trimmed cylinder, is a steeply angled wall of glazing positioned to embrace the warming winter sun. On the building’s south-facing walls, a more traditional solid brick finish with reduce glazing gives a nod to the surrounding historic buildings, while adding to the facility’s thermal insulation credentials. The overall orientation of the building envelope provides advantageous shelter to the adjacent sports field, protecting users from prevailing coastal winds.

To construct the dramatic north façade, Alspec’s Hastings 550 Front Glazed Plant On System was adopted. As a front glazed system, the Hastings 550 is robust and versatile while contributing to the architecturally appealing presentation of the building. Front glazing maximises internal areas while delivering a flush, modern appearance appropriate to complement the striking appearance intended for the northern façade. It can accommodate a range of glass thickness (4mm-12.4mm) and is easy to fabricate and install.

The southern façade made use of Alspec’s ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing, ideal for providing natural light while enhancing insulation. With excellent energy efficiency properties, ecoFRAMEplus is a versatile choice which can accommodate the same range of glass thicknesses as the Hastings system. With its ratings for WER, acoustic properties, BAL40, cyclone and AS2047 compliance, the 101.6 ecoFRAMEplus draws on its centre pocket construction for strength and performance credentials.

Project Name: Toorak College - The Swift Science and Technology Centre
Project Address: 73-93 Old Mornington Rd, Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Architect: McBride Charles Ryan
Builder: LBA Construction Group
Fabricator: Summit Aluminium & Glass
Photography: John Gollings
Applied Finish: Dulux powder coat Duratec Eternity Silver Kinetic X15 (900-7160k), Duratec Zeus Monument Satin X15 (900-7307s)

Alspec Products Used:
Hastings 550 Front Glazed Plant On Sections
ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing