Light-Filled Gateway Unveiled for Sydney University of Technology

Posted By Bridgette Meinhold On July 28, 2010 @ 6:06 pm In Architecture,green roof,Sustainable Building | 4 Comments

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Australia-based Lacoste + Stevenson ^[6] were recently awarded the first place prize in a competition to design the new UTS Podium Extension ^[6] at the University of Technology in Sydney. The light, transparent, and inviting three-story building is covered in glass, creating a welcome contrast to the stark and brutal UTS Tower in the background. Like a light and airy cloud, the Podium Extension acts as the front door to the University and leads to the heart of the campus. Ample daylighting ^[7], natural ventilation and a green roof ^[8] make up the structure's green building strategy.

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Located in the heart of Sydney, UTS is an urban university that is designed to fit within its urban context while creating its own separate and unique identity as a space for students to learn. The Podium Extension acts as both a wall to the university as well as a window into the heart of the bustling activity. Inside is a flexible and dynamic space for students to meet that is capable of accommodating various programs. Also included in the building is an experimental cinema and a bookstore. At night, movies, announcements, art, and other media will be projected onto the glass facade ^[10].

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Daylighting is naturally the most prominent feature of the structure — sunlight filters throughout the interior, making the space feel warm and welcoming. The glass is sealed in order to minimize noise and pollution, and a frit pattern ^[12] is applied to the glass above the first level and the awnings to reduce solar heat gain. Meanwhile the roof is covered in a lacy pattern of green spaces and atriums ^[13] that also serve as light wells and ventilation channels. These features cover about 80% of the roof and provide excellent insulation while offering an attractive view of the surrounding tall buildings.

+ Lacoste + Stevenson ^[6]

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/light-filled-gateway-unveiled-for-sydney-university-of-technology/

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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/light-filled-gateway-unveiled-for-sydney-university-of-technology/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/light-filled-gateway-unveiled-for-sydney-university-of-technology/uts-podium-extension-1/?extend=1

[6] Lacoste + Stevenson: http://lacoste-stevenson.com.au/outstanding/

[7] daylighting: http://inhabitat.com../tag/daylighting

[8] green roof: http://inhabitat.com../green-roof/

[9] Image: http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/UTS-Podium-Extension-1.jpg

[10] glass facade: http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/30/amazing-light-filled-glass-studio-in-japan/

[11] Image: http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/UTS-Podium-Extension-6.jpg

[12] frit pattern: http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/07/the-khan-shatyr-worlds-largest-tent-opens-in-kazakhstan/

[13] green spaces and atriums: http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/12/parking-garage-in-spain-gets-a-green-roof-makeover/

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