Looking to create a stimulating learning environment for children with autism at The Giant Steps School, Chris Mury of Mury Architects enlisted the help of specialist glass manufacturer Bent and Curved Glass (BCG).

The brief called for an innovative new teaching space with a strong focal point to inspire children and create the best possible learning environment.

A central curved glass domelight by BCG is a key element of Mury’s design. Carved out of a colourful shaped ceiling plane, the domelight casts a moving circle of light on the floor throughout the day for a striking and memorable visual effect.

“The glazed oculus serves as much as an educative tool as a means for providing light into a deep interior space,” says Mury, who worked closely with BCG to determine the largest size and shape of glass achievable for the project – 2400mm plan diameter. Testing led to the first ever use of Low E thermal performance glass in complex formed glass of this type and size.

“The glazing solution has proved itself, with the space remaining comfortable during summer. It has definitely exceeded the functional success I anticipated, particularly in terms of the children’s use of the space and their interaction with the light filtered through the oculus.”

The Giant Steps School project has since received a commendation in the AIA’s NSW Chapter Architecture Awards, been a finalist in the Australian Interior Design Awards for Colour in Commercial Design and received a Viridian Vision Award in 2011 for Best Use of Glass in Commercial Interiors.

Bent and Curved Glass
bentglass.com.au