Design Guide

The EFSG Design Guide is written with the intent to:

  • Outline the guiding principles for school design
  • Outline the objectives and general performance requirements of the various design elements including supporting infrastructure and equipment that make up a school facility.
  • Provide the minimum requirements of the technical components that make an element of school design.  Sometimes the minimum standards will exceed the requirements of the regulatory standards.
  • Ensure school facilities are fit for purpose and offer Value for Money within a Whole of Life framework.
  • Provide facilities planners with the hindsight and experience developed from completing similar educational projects to required standards and budget.
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Overview DG00

This section outlines the intent, guiding principles and objectives of the Design Guide.  

DG00 Overview
Whole of Life DG01

This section provides guidance on the things to be considered for achieving VALUE FOR MONEY in a WHOLE OF LIFE framework. 

DG01 Whole of Life
Ecologically Sustainable Development DG02

This section notes DoE policies in regards to ESD.  The section also notes some minimal requirements.

DG02 ESD
Design DG03-19

This section provides guidance on a range of design considerations that affect school planning. Any minimum standards indicated may exceed the requirements of relevant regulatory standards.

DG03 Site Factors
DG04 Heat Loss/Gain
DG05 Air Movement
DG06 Cooling / Heating
DG07 Sun Control
DG08 Circulation
DG10 Area
DG11 Acoustics
DG12 Light - Natural
DG13 Bushfire Protection
DG14 Safety (Accident Avoidance) & General Security
DG15 Hygiene & Food Preparation
DG16 Building Regulations & Building Code of Australia (BCA)
DG18 Laboratory Construction Code
DG19 Access for People with Disabilities
Fabric DG20-27

This section outlines the performance and the specific design requirements of the structure and enclosure components of school facilities. 

DG20 Fabric
DG21 Structure
DG27 Roofing
Openings DG31-39

This section outlines the performance and specific design requirements of the opening components of school facilities. 

DG31 Windows
DG32 Doors
DG37 Roof Mounted Turbo Ventilators
DG39 Security Category of Openings
Finishes DG40-48

This section outlines the performance and specific design requirements of building components including finishes recommended for school facilities. 

DG40 Materials & Finishes
DG42 Walls
DG43 Floor
DG45 Ceiling
DG46 Bird Nuisance
DG48 Hazardous Materials
Services DG51-65

This section outlines the design strategies, performance requirements and specific design requirements of building services. (hydraulics, drainage, trade waste, water, gas, cooling, heating and ventilation) within all school types.

DG51 Hydraulics Generally
DG52 Drainage (& Trade Waste)
DG53 Water
DG54 Gas
DG55 Cooling Policy
DG56 Heating
DG57 Ventilation
DG61 Electrical Services
DG63 Lighting
DG64 Communications
DG65 Special Electrical Systems
Fittings DG71-80

This section outlines the performance and specific design requirements for signs, furniture, fixtures and equipment used within schools.

DG71 Signs
DG72 Door Signs
DG76 Window Blinds
DG78 Fixtures
DG80 Furniture
Site DG90-96

This section outlines the design considerations, landscaping strategies, performance requirements and specific design requirements of landscaping in schools

DG90 Landscape Design
DG91 Landscape Hard Works
DG92 Landscape Soft Works
DG93 Landscape Fixtures
DG95 Stormwater
DG96 Civil Works
Colour Schemes

These colour schemes have been developed to give advice regarding colours and materials choices for works in schools. The schemes have been endorsed by DoE but are provided as a guide only. 

Administration
Communal Hall & Canteen
Home Base, Library & Special Programs
Toilet Block
Design Guide Drawings

These drawings are to be used as guides only.

All Design Guide Drawings
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