Colourful Shading for Vibrant Learning Environments

While working on Encounter Lutheran College and Endeavour College in South Australia, Arkvale Architects were mindful of creating lively and radiant communal spaces that also provided suitable protection from the extreme solar radiation levels often experienced in these locations. Extensive glazing was critical to provide naturally well-lit internal spaces and foster a connection with the outside environment. However, the provision of shading devices over the glazing was equally critical to ensure students and staff remained well protected against excess heat, glare and harmful UV radiation when necessary.

Operable Danpalon louvre panels provided the necessary adjustable thermal protection, as well as introducing a lively and colourful design element to the external elevations. The bespoke aluminium framing enabled spans of just under 3 metres at Encounter Lutheran College and just over 3 metres at Endeavour College. A combination of Green, Orange, Purple and Red featured at Encounter Lutheran, creating a feeling of warmth and excitement inside. Purple was also chosen at Endeavour College as a reference to the school branding. Connecting the louvre actuators to the building’s C-Bus Control and Management system simplified the opening and closing of the louvres when required.