An exemplary sustainable school competition entry on an urban site in a Mediterranean climate using passive design strategies taking advantage of natural processes and effects to maximise the comfort and efficiency of the building. Wings of school accommodation pinwheel out from a shaded multi-storey atrium heart space that also directly connects to the dining hall, library, multimedia space and sports hall.

Natural ventilation is provided to all areas using a series of stacks where warmed internal air rises up the shafts and pulls in fresh air through opening widows or preheated air in winter from vents below the windows. Each room has a dedicated shaft to maintain acoustic separation.
Classroom windows are oriented to catch natural light and heat in winter while the large overhangs and external planting shade them from excessive summer sun. A well-insulated and air-sealed envelope helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal heating from an air-source heat pump. All areas are naturally lit including dramatic skylights over deep-plan circulation areas. Electricity is provided by a large roof-mounted PV array.
Green roofs across all the buildings combat summer overheating and planted balconies provide additional shading. The extensive planting of the site and building with drought-resistant indigenous vegetation lowers local air temperatures and provides some humidification and air purification compared to the heavily built-up neighbourhood.