Media Release
Date:
Friday 12 December 2008
Contact:
Jane Thomas, SunSmart Media & Communications 03 9635 5271 / 0408 567 521
Awards for excellence highlight importance of shade
Two Victorian architecture firms have been recognised for their shade projects with primary
and secondary schools, winning categories in the SunSmart Shade Awards 2008.
The awards recognise achievement and innovation in shade provision and have been won by
Inverleigh Primary School in conjunction with Now Architecture and St Bede’s College
(Mentone) in conjunction with Kneeler Design Architects.
The two organisations were recognised for Excellence in the following category:
Schools and early childhood services (built works / natural shade design):
Inverleigh Primary School, application by Now Architecture: the project of outdoor shaded
decks combined the need for solar protection with seasonal comfort by using ‘controllable’
shading, ensuring shade requirements were responsive to seasonal needs.
St Bede’s College Outdoor Classroom, application by Kneeler Design Architects: the
project resulted in the development of an outdoor classroom and recreation area. A
range of activities and spaces were created and protected by built and natural shade
elements that provided high levels of ultraviolet (UV) protection whilst allowing sunlight
access in cooler months.
SunSmart Manager Sue Heward says shade is very important in reducing skin cancer rates.
“Shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent and is just as
important in protecting people against skin cancer as sunscreen, hats, clothing and
sunglasses,” Ms Heward said.
“Yet Cancer Council Victoria research shows many outdoor facilities and venues in Victoria
have inadequate levels of shade. The SunSmart Shade Awards acknowledge organisations
across Victoria that have made shade provision a priority.”
Inverleigh Primary School Principal Peter Kirby said Now Architecture worked closely with the
school community in designing the shade structure and were to be commended for their
forward thinking approach.
“The school acknowledges the creative thinking of Now Architecture in including the shade
sails as part of the building structure which cleverly absorbed the costs of the shade facility into
the overall building project and lessened the financial impact of the work,” Mr Kirby said.
“The sails created an area adjacent to the classrooms that can be used as an outside learning
space during class time, for performances, as a space to relax and eat lunch or simply as a
place to play – all in the secure environment of a shaded space.”
St Bede’s Principal Br. Garry Coyte said the school is delighted with the design and
construction of the shade area.
“The project created by Kneeler Design Architects has suited our needs well, providing
excellent sunshade in the hotter months and a warm gathering spot in the winter months. The
shade area has given us a special and rejuvenated space that has been well used by the
school community.”
Sue Heward said shade provision is an important part of providing a safe, healthy environment
for local communities.
“These awards demonstrate that organisations and individuals can have a significant impact
on a community’s physical and built environment by incorporating good shade design, using
both built and natural elements,” Ms Heward said.
“We congratulate all organisations who entered their projects in the SunSmart Shade Awards.
“Our hope is that by showcasing best practice, schools, councils, businesses, sport clubs and
community organisations will be encouraged to plan more shade in their communities and
design attractive and practical open spaces that take Victoria’s high levels of UV radiation into
consideration.”
- Ends -
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SunSmart Shade Awards
Initiated in 2006, SunSmart Shade Award recipients are either recognised for Excellence or
Commended for shade design, application and policy in local government, schools and early
childhood services, workplaces and sport clubs.
The judging panel for this year’s awards included:
John Greenwood, an architect with 25 years experience in design and construction,
specializing in designing and planning outdoor environments that are protected from UV
radiation.
Peter Hirst, an architect, town planner and urban designer. Peter has worked on the planning
and design of award winning subdivisions and housing, ensuring solar access and solar
control.
Clare Hargreaves, Manager of Social Policy for the Municipal Association of Victoria. Clare
has 30 years experience in working in the public sector for both state and local governments
where one of her main focuses has been social planning.
Now Architecture
NOWarchitecture (formerly Cowland North Architecture) is a leading architecture and
design practice based in Fitzroy. Established for 24 years the practice has undertaken a
wide variety of commercial, institutional and residential projects throughout Victoria and
interstate using a rigorous design methodology.
Kneeler Design Architects
Based in Collingwood, Kneeler Design Architects works across architecture, planning,
interiors and landscape projects with a focus on public buildings. Kneeler Design
Architects is accredited as a 'Firstrate' Housing Energy rater through Sustainability
Victoria.
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