Avinya Academy

RESPONDING TO CLIMATE AND SITE

Sri Lanka experiences both dry and wet weather conditions throughout the year. Bandaragama, which is located in the Western Province of the country, has a typical tropical climate. The architecture of Avinya Academy is designed with an open layout that promotes ample natural cross ventilation. Additionally, the large-span roof features extended canopies that offer protection from heavy rainfall while also shielding the interior from direct sunlight.

A primary focus of the project was energy efficiency. The classrooms were designed without walls, allowing natural light in and eliminating the need for artificial lighting during the day. Since the school operates primarily during daylight hours, the lights are rarely used. The building’s open design keeps the spaces cool without relying on air-conditioning.

Taking full advantage of the area’s sunny and hot weather, solar panels are utilised for all electrical purposes of the school. Harnessing the abundant solar energy available not only makes the building energy efficient, it also aligns with sustainable design principles, making the school an environmentally friendly project.

The layout is designed to minimise the building’s footprint, allowing for more space to incorporate natural elements and create expansive garden areas. Given the site’s hilly landscape on one side, rainwater naturally flows into the site. As a measure to manage water effectively, rainwater channels were integrated into the design, allowing water to flow through the building and garden before returning to the nearby water body.

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PROJECT DATA

Read more stories from FuturArc 4Q 2024: Tempering Temperatures!