The Project is located in a traditional Maltese setting right in the outskirts of Kalkara. It takes advantage of stunning sea views having Birgu and Valletta in the distance.
At the back of the site one finds a generously proportioned green area directly behind it having shrubs, trees etc.. and a residential area.
Different levels surround the site mainly being two roads, a cul-de-sac leading to the waterfront and the other being a busier road leading towards Kalkara. Another important link is a pedestrian staircase leading from the upper to the lower road.
The front of the site is facing south and south west and its geometry of it is fairly elongated.
The Culinary Arts College would replace an existing boat yard as part of the regeneration of the front.
The College itself would help attract more tourists and residents to the area, enable them to use the restaurant and services, and at the same time create new social hangouts. The students would have an educational space where they would acquire new skills which in turn could be used in the college itself to provide services as a working experience.
The project aims to create a steel structure that would enhance the surrounding environment and at the same time compliment it.
The building’s shape developed according to the main functional needs of the college and also to neighbouring characteristics. The roof level zigzags up from the sea front to the upper road so as to connect the two different levels, this would provide a large semi-public space having Teaching Kitchens, Herb and Vegetable Gardens, Footpaths and relaxing areas where one could enjoy the magnificent scenery.
The green garden would compliment the surroundings as the landscaping behind the college would seem like Greenery is cascading down the site.
The building is divided into four main areas being the “knowledge” area having all the learning facilities, the “community” area incorporating all the semi-public spaces, the “cuisine” area having all the teaching kitchens and finally the “admin” area including all the faculty offices.
All the rooms have direct views, but at the same time they are projected backwards to provide shading to the facade. Areas having no views include the storage and mechanical facilities, a parking area and a composting plant to recycle organic waste and reuse in the gardens.
The atrium would incorporate a steel frame having glazing and an integrated photovoltaic system on its ceiling. The roof garden would help absorb heat in summer and therefore reduce heat gains and reduce the rate of rain runoff by acting as a natural filter. Water would then be conserved and reused within the irrigation system and bathrooms.
The structure is made up of a number of portal frames spaced equally every 5m along the site. The portal frame spans up to a maximum of 20m. The building is braced separately on each side of the atrium thus seen as two different structures.Area where the portal frame was staggered a tapering truss system was included in the design, so as to stiffen the structure. This truss was supported at every 10m spacing so as the depth of this tapering truss is sufficient throughout.
Composite slabs were used in the structure incorporating a corrugated sheet and concrete. A green roof was then placed over this to create the desired design.
The overall depth of the slab and garden would have been an eyesore in elevation and thus the slab was projected outwards and tapered to create a more elegant and slender design. The tapering was also turned upwards to create a lower railing on the roof.
