Winning design for sustainable architecture
by Geraldine Hinter
The
thermal properties of earth were the central element in an award winning
design by UniSA architecture student Michael McDermott for a visual and
performing arts centre at Victor Harbor.
McDermott won the Design Inc ESD Scholarship for his ability to demonstrate leadership, communications and problem solving skills in relation to ecologically sustainable development (ESD). Design Inc Adelaide has an ongoing interest in sustainable design and a connection with UniSA’s Louis Laybourne Smith School of Architecture and Design.
The scholarship encourages students to engage with contemporary approaches to sustainable development issues and supports architectural propositions that respond to these issues in a forward thinking manner.
The Victor Harbor arts centre project required multiple facets of sustainability to be addressed and particular emphasis to be placed on social sustainability.
McDermott’s building design positions the arts centre six metres below ground level to utilise the near constant temperature of the earth. The tall stacks incorporated in the design and the overall shape of the building are used for heat collection and storage, as well as to facilitate natural ventilation. A range of sustainable materials and technologies has also been investigated including phase change solutions and alternative airconditioning systems.
McDermott will use the scholarship to travel within Australasia to study a significant issue related to ecologically sustainable development.