The Dome

What is the Dome and how was it built?

The Dome is an interesting and unique architectural feature of the school. It is a multi-purpose structure used as an assembly hall, performance space, examination centre and gymnasium and is one of many built in NSW by the State Government. It's proper name is ‘Bini Shell’ and was originally designed by Italian Architect and Engineer Dante N. Bini.

“In 1964 Dante N. Bini built the first hemispherical thin shell structure by pneumatically and automatically lifting all the necessary construction materials, which were distributed horizontally over a pneumatic form anchored to a circular ring beam, from ground level into an hemispherical dome. After the initial ground preparation was finished, that concrete thin shell structure was built in 60 minutes.This patented method of construction, in approx. 60-120 minutes, produces circular-based, monolithic, reinforced concrete shell structures, with elliptical section, ranging in size from 12 to 40 meters in diameter. Over 1,500 buildings are in use in 23 Countries”.  

Source: http://www.binisystems.com  

Simply put, the concrete for the roof is poured onto a flat former holding a huge rubber bag and the rubber bag is inflated. When the concrete sets the rubber bag is removed and the concrete stays. The process was revolutionary in that once all the preliminary work was done the shell only took a couple of hours to erect and the fitting out stage could begin shortly after.  The speed at which a Bini Shell structure could be erected attracted the attention of the NSW Government particularly for use in schools as a school hall. The then Department of Public Works began a program to build these Domes in schools by the dozen all across the state.  

Click here for more information on the Bini Shell.

 
The Dome

 
The Peakhurst Dome shortly after construction 

 

A picture of the Dome as it is today from a similar location to the original image above
(hidden amongst the trees)