'Skillful use of architectural elements, exciting spatial experience and vibrant colours demonstrate the approach and notion that learning can be accommodated anywhere and anytime on campus.'
PAM Awards 2017
Education Category - Silver Award
'A dynamic, flowing spiral loop ties together inspiring learning experience for the students of Eaton International School.'
(Architecture Malaysia Vol 29 issue 5 2017)
Eaton International School is located in Jade Hills, Kajang. The School’s built-up area is 138,685 sq ft (Phase 1) and consists of classrooms, academic and non-academic administrative wing, and main facilities such as a library, canteen, multi-purpose hall and black box performance centre. The three programs of the School are pre-school, primary and secondary education. The building was completed in time for the School’s new semester in September 2016. Phases 2 & 3 is targeted to be completed in 5 years’ time, and will increase the building’s total built-up area to 205,600 sq ft.
The architecture captures the Spirit and Vision of the School, with spaces that are inspiring, stimulating and enjoyable. The dynamic and continuous ‘spiral loop’ building form reflects that learning is a continuous, never-end process. The ‘spiral loop’ wraps around 3 courtyard spaces and embraces the external within the internal. This blurring of the boundaries of the learning environment expresses the School’s philosophy that learning can happen anywhere and at any time, whether in the classroom or outdoors.
The Main Concourse is the ‘spine’ that connects the three programs of the School. The Main Concourse forms the activity hub of the School. The academic and non-academic administrative wing and main facilities such as a library, canteen, multi-purpose hall and black box performance centre are all located along the Main Concourse. A flight of steps cascades down from the Main Concourse to the Central Courtyard and opens out to the future sport facilities, which will be constructed under Phase 2
The architecture also adopts green environmental design strategies. The building is designed with single-loaded corridors that allow for natural cross ventilation through the internal spaces. Classrooms and library have large openable glazed openings that are shaded with colourful feature hoods. These shading devices filter the penetration of natural daylight and reduces glare and heat built-up, creating comfortable a learning environment. Open corridors wrapping around the courtyards are well-shaded with perforated metal sun-screens that provide screening against rain and external weather.