Woodfordia’s Learning and Development Retreat began by investing
into the Educational Precinct's facilities. A location was chosen on the
northern end of the site's
western hill, it is slightly elevated from, yet close to the existing village.
This location allows the building to soak up all environment, visual and northern
benefits. The brief consists of large craft and construction workshops, a library
and computer facilities, a hall for lectures and exhibitions, a hospitality and
cooking school, plus covered outdoor gathering spaces among various amenities,
classrooms and offices. The facilities' design is in keeping with the Queensland
Folk Federation's stated visions and beliefs as it promotes sustainable living
and building concepts.
A combination of wind direction
studies, multiple stepped rooves and specifically placed openings allows cross
ventilation to be achieved within all rooms. Sun path diagrams and simulated
shadow mapping exercises enables shading and building overhangs to be placed accordingly,
creating appropriate and naturally lit spaces for teachers and individuals. The Educational
Precinct itself is designed to complement the site's contours and includes one
continual ramped
floor plate as the building follows the road up the hill, reducing its site impact.
The precinct is mostly
constructed from locally-sourced and on-site timbers and glazing, the south-west
exterior wall is built from block-work, with the ground floor and main
structural columns being made of concrete. Individuals can access the building
from three different entry points, staircases to the second level are located
at both the north-west and south-east ends of the building. The design and
orientation of the facilities opens up and out to the village and north-eastern
views creating practical and pleasant spaces for all individuals, as the
amenities are located south-western side of the building. The building does not
contain a lift service, meaning a wheelchair-bound person will not be able to
access the offices on the second floor, however ground is completely accessible.
The educational building has a 3 metre wide corridor
and follows a grid system, meaning the main structural elements and sized are generic
repeated throughout the building. This allows flexible options for any future additions
or internal fitout work to be made with ease if so desired.
Roof Plan
Sun Path Diagrams
Wind Directions
First Level
Second Level
Section Locations
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Building Perspective