No_11_November_1969 — Page 24

Administrative block seen from Margaret Drive

Drive, Singapore. The irregularly shaped site covers 70,000 sq. ft. and is absolutely flat, being recently filled low land. From the association's point

Folding partitions make two classrooms into one

of view it is ideal as it is served by of view it is ideal as it is served by Public Transport and is close by the Ministry of Education headquarters.

For both economic and administra-

Canteen/assembly hall and main entrance from Margaret Drive

tive reasons, the architects were asked to confine the new centre to a mainly single storey development, to keep it simple and homely, and to provide a minimum of 12 to 15 classrooms. Each classroom was to hold no more than 10 to 12 pupils, since a great deal more individual attention is required in a school of this type.

The scheme produced and exe- cuted comprises a single and two- storey administrative block linked across grassed open space to three hexagonal shaped classroom blocks. The administrative block is the only structure with a second storey to accommodate a conference room, re- search and medical room. On the ground floor are the general office, interview rooms and hall and canteen. Total floor area is 15,000 sq. ft.

Classrooms four to a hexagonal block - are separated by sliding and folding doors so that two may be converted into a larger room if requir ed. Toilet facilities are provided be- tween the classroom blocks.

The buildings are reinforced con- crete framed, with brick dado walls and louvred windows to avoid obstruc- tions to the verandah ways. The roof- ing is of Spandek galvanised sheets which proved quite suitable for the unusual gambrel roof shapes.

The building contract was carried out by Ying Construction Co. in 12 months. The contract sum was S$237,000, inclusive of S$30,000 for furniture. Additional variations added a further S$15,000, to bring the total cost very close to the architect's ori- ginal estimate of S$250,000.

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Far East BUILDER, November 1969