Located within the planned township of Nilai Impian in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, this 12-acre land was surrendered to the Ministry of Education for the building of this primary school and another secondary school (by another architect).From the given 12 acres of land, 4 acres were allocated for this primary school.In consideration of the bigger facilities needed for the neighbouring secondary school (such as a football field and other extensive sports facilities), the plot of land allocated for Sekolah Kebangsaan Nilai Impian was reduced to a long east-west oriented site.This east-west orientation posed a climatic design challenge for the architect.
In response to the site’s east-west orientation, spaces and details were designed to address the tropical climatic issues in minimizing energy usage.The east-west orientation requires the façade to be designed using passive sun shading devices.Building components such as long roof eaves overhang and sun shading devices were introduced as the main feature of the school.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The design concept aimed at turning the conventional brief and functional requirement of a government primary school into a cheerful, playful and inviting environment.This concept is achieved by making this school of 24 classrooms a colourful learning institution.Therefore, colours were used to accentuate the design façade, floor patterns, doors and other components.
The climatic response components such as sun shading devices are painted in multi-coloured finishing in achieving the concept of the playful ambience of a primary school.The colourful sun shading devices also act as a landmark, as the strong colours can be seen from the main road across a public playing field.
The zoning of this primary school is based on the functions of each individual block:
The Open Hall (Dewan Terbuka)
The Open Hall is located adjacent to the main entrance as it will be frequently used by visitors for school activities particularly as a place for interaction between public/parents and teachers/students.
This hall will be extensively used for big gatherings and it is crucial for the privacy and security of other parts of the school to be maintained during the ongoing activities in this hall.
The Canteen
The Canteen is strategically located for ease of services accessible from the main road and at the same time is accessible by students and teachers from the internal school compound.Proximity to the Car Park and Main Hall is an advantage, particularly during school events where food catering service is needed.
Pra-Sekolah (Pre-School)
The Pre-school building has a separate entrance easily accessed from the main road.Careful consideration is given to the safety of pre-school children separating them from the heavy traffic and mixing with elder students.While the Pre-School is separated from the rest of the primary school with border fencing, access to the latter’s compound is within reach through a dedicated gate.This connection is crucial as the Pre-school children will also be using the facilities within the primary school compound.
Main Block
The main block consists of three main sections which are: the Administrative Department, Classrooms and Ancillary Support facilities (Library, Laboratories, Surau, Sports Room, Cultural Room and etc.).
The Administration section is located on the 1st floor in order for the Headmaster, Teachers and Administrative staff to monitor the entrance gate, school compound and classrooms.The 3 main sections are linked by covered corridors within the Main Block.They are further connected with other blocks and the main entrance with covered walkways.
Control of Access
Vehicular and pedestrian accesses are carefully planned to avoid conflict.After drop-off by parents or buses at the Main Entrance gate, children will walk through a dedicated covered walkway to their classrooms at the Main Block.
The double entrance gate system is designed to ease traffic flow thus avoiding congestion during peak hours.
Bus Stand is linked to the Open Hall with a covered walkway, serving as a congregation area for students while waiting for buses and parents.The Open Hall is connected directly to the Bus Stand, helping teachers to monitor the students’ discipline and activities during peak hours.
Facilities for the disabled are of main priority in this school planning.Specials classes (PPKI) are located next to the entrance of the Main Block at the ground floor level.The classes are easily accessed from the main driveway and Bicycle Shed, with a dedicated OKU washroom next to it.
Services access from the main road to the Canteen Loading Bay and TNB substation is hidden from public view at the southwest part of the site.Servicing vehicles need not enter the school compound to access the Loading Bay and TNB substation, thus giving enhanced security for the school.
Climate Response & Sustainability
A water harvesting tank is used for landscaping maintenance.Landscaping with planting of big trees where possible, reduces the heat island effect of tarmac.Green paviors are introduced between hard paviors to allow more green cover within the school compound.Each building is designed with long roof overhangs protecting the internal areas from heat and rain.Buildings are all interconnected with covered walkways and corridors in response to the tropical climate.
