Research shows well-managed natural light contributes positively to student learning, making window glazing and screening choices crucial elements of good educational facility design. At this Gold Coast college, Alspec’s aluminium framing and fixed solar louvres have been used to create just such a learning environment for senior students.

The Trinity Lutheran College is an independent Christian college on Queensland’s Gold Coast which teaches students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The new Senior Learning Centre is part of the college’s 10-year master plan to steadily improve the range of facilities to better equip students for life beyond school. The complex includes spaces for independent or collaborative work; nine flexible learning classrooms with adjustable layouts; a large, tiered seating area suitable for presentations or group work, and a café which doubles as a training environment for Hospitality and Business Certificate students. The facility has also been designed to integrate with the adjacent existing mathematics and library classrooms.

Viewed from the landscaped main entrance, the double-height glazed façade of the new building features Alspec’s Hunter Evo flush glazed framing, incorporating Alspec Solaire fixed louvres. The Hunter Evo is a popular framing system thanks to its versatility and compatibility with other door and window elements and has excellent weathering credentials. The Solaire louvres have been located across the surface to provide external solar control with an architectural aesthetic. The blades are positioned to reduce the impacts of direct sunlight and heat transfer at appropriate times of the day reduce, while also reducing the potential for distractions from outdoor views. The blades are made from durable aluminium, making them hardwearing in all climate conditions.

For access to the building and for interior transition spaces, Swan Evo 45mm Commercial Doors were installed in hinged, pivoted or sliding configurations as either 310double or single doors, as appropriate for each space. For larger spanning sliding doors, Hawkesbury Top Hung Sliding Doors were adopted, ensuring effortless operation thanks to their smooth-running Centor hardware.

Project Name: Trinity Lutheran College – Senior Learning Centre
Project Address: 641 Ashmore Road Molendinar QLD
Architect: Burling Brown Architects
Builder: Stokes Wheeler
Fabricator: Malone Glass
Applied Finish: Ultriva Monument
Photography: Burling Brown and Rix Ryan Photography

Alspec Products Used:
Hunter Evo 101.6mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
Hunter Evo 150mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
Hawkesbury® Top Hung Commercial Sliding Door
Solaire™ Fixed Louvre