Scotch College, located in Hawthorn, Melbourne has a strong science program.
‘Engaging curious minds’ is the Scotch College Science motto.
That thinking was intrinsic to the Cox Architecture design team, led by Alastair Richardson, as they created the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science for year 7-12 students.
Shortlisted at the 2017 World Architecture Festival, the SZCCS includes 21 general science and specialist laboratories, student-led research spaces, prep rooms, staff facilities, collaborative areas, and an auditorium.
The architecture supports the pedagogical program of Scotch College: integration of theoretical and practical learning which includes group, independent, and tutor-supported learning.
The building is a contemporary but sympathetic addition to the Campus.
It comprises sandstone-clad pods floating on a limestone plinth and linked by glazed facades.
Vertical stone louvers incorporate a sine curve and a central void introduces light into the floor plate.
The design brief was a building that would last 100 years.
It’s hoped that the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science will prepare students for a lifetime of learning and curiosity-both within and beyond the fields of science.
Project Details
Project size – 12,770 m2
Completion date – 2016
Building levels – 4
Project Team
Architecture
Cox Architecture
COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located in every major Australian city and a history spanning 60 years.
The key to their ethos is supporting the public life of our cities.
Cox does this by ensuring each project makes positive contributions to its public realm – giving more than it takes.
Engineering
Taylor Thomson Whitting
Taylor Thomson Whitting is an award-winning firm of consulting engineers. For over 60 years they have partnered with architects, developers, builders, and project managers to tackle the most complex projects and engineer their vision.
Norman Disney & Young
NDY is a global engineering consultancy, providing solutions that improve the value, reliability, and efficiency of their client’s projects and the broader built environment.
Construction
Kane Constructions
Kane Constructions is a multi-award-winning, privately owned commercial construction company active in all sectors of the industry.
With a turnover in excess of $1 billion and over 450 full-time employees, Kane operates throughout the east coast of Australia and overseas from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Canberra.
Photography
John Gollings
John has been the photographer of choice, the go-to guy for many Australian architects.
He is renowned for his ability to almost always compose the best shot, the one defining image that makes a building memorable, etches it into the psyche.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 Cox Architecture. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 John Gollings. All Rights Reserved.
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