Canberra Potters' Society Inc.
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NEW KILN SHED PROJECT
Over the last 4-5 years, the CPS Committee has identified that the current kiln shed is rapidly nearing the end of its useful life. Members who have visited the site recently will have noticed that the kilns are running constantly during the terms to service the adult's and student's classes, and that space is at a premium. Last year our spring working bee undertook a complete overhaul of the contents of the kiln shed to improve the safety of all users, but ultimately, we need a bigger space.
The Committee has asked our two Vice-Presidents, Ian Hodgson and Jennifer Collier, to jointly chair a sub-committee to look at (and cost) options for a new kiln shed. Over the coming months, they plan to scope three distinct options for replacement of the existing kiln shed and to then present those options to the membership (details of an information night will be published in the April newsletter), before going forward with the project.
The New Kiln Shed project is in its early days, however we do know that the new shed will include clay storage space (replacing the small shed currently situated between the classroom and the existing kiln shed), a separate room for glaze materials (as recommended by our OH&S audit in 2005), a room for students and members to glaze their bisque work, space for our existing electric kilns and racks for storing pieces ready for firing, and a separate storage area for fired works waiting for students and members to collect and take home.
The subcommittee members are: Ian Hodgson, Jennifer Collier, Claire Grant, Chris Harford (Administrator) and Garry Palecek.
Work done so far: Some years ago Ian arranged for the Watson site to be surveyed and we have copies of the survey drawings. Ian and Jennifer have recently attended an information day hosted by the ACT Master Builders Association and spoken with some builders, building designers and architects.
Next Step: The subcommittee is currently gathering information from building companies and product manufacturers to prepare three options for further discussion. If you have information relevant to kiln shed construction, we would be delighted to hear from you.
We also welcome any and all suggestions for maximising the energy efficiency and environmental impacts – bearing in mind that we have a limited budget.
How you can help? The Kiln Shed Committee would appreciate assistance from members: perhaps you can think about what kind of project you would support – we will be seeking agreement from members about the size of the project once we’ve done some more information gathering. For example, do members want a very plain and “off-the-shelf” style of kiln shed or do you want something more glamorous (and probably more expensive) that looks like part of an arts facility?
If you have any questions about this project please contact one of the members of the subcommittee.
This information last updated 06/04/06