Public Domain | st Johns Library

St Johns Catholic Primary School in Dapto is located over two large parcels of land which are separated by Jerematta Street. The school has a number of brick single and two storey buildings, St John’s Church and open outdoor spaces.

As part of the Building the Education Revolution-BER the school proposed a new library building. The building is rectilinear in form and is made up of two parts being the library and a multi purpose /community space which is connected by a large externally covered entry foyer.

The library is open plan to allow for flexibility with the office and admin uses accessed along one side. The design of the building has a large roof plane which prevents direct summer sun and forms protection to an external colonnade.

The building is predominately a composite of light weight steel structure and brick, sitting on a concrete slab. In ground water storage tanks provide water reuse to WC’s. The library has no air conditioning and the use of high light adjustable louvers to the perimeter of the building provides natural and cross ventilation. Where possible, ESD principles have been adopted through the design of the building and choice of materials and finishes.