The redevelopment and modernisation of Lalor East Primary School offered the school the opportunity to evolve its pedagogical approach, move away from traditional learning typographies and embrace the varied teaching and learning modalities that contemporary, flexible and adaptable learning environments offer.

Close consultation and collaboration with the school community and stakeholders informed the project, which saw the construction of two new learning centres and an Administration building. Each carefully and strategically sited to optimise passive performance while ensuring connectivity with existing buildings and creating outdoor environments for play and learning. 

The new learning centres or ‘learning neighbourhoods’ feature flexible and adaptable classrooms alongside communal and break-out spaces. Expansive glazing floods the spaces in natural light and amplifies visibility to allow for supervision and create a sense of connection with others and with nature. While operable walls and sliding doors allow spaces to be easily transformed to support and cater to a variety of collaborative and individual learning and teaching experiences. 

Outside, hard and soft landscaping saw the creation of a centralised courtyard that unites the three buildings, with covered ways and decking that allows for a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor learning environments.

The new Administration building brings the school’s leadership, administration and support staff’s workspaces together to encourage collegiality and collaboration amongst staff.

By employing a modular design and architectural approach and careful selection of materials and finishes, the available budget was maximised while disruption to the school’s teaching program during the construction period was minimised, with the majority of building works happening offsite. 

The new facilities have allowed the school to refresh its teaching and pedagogical practices as the new spaces encourage frequent connection and collaboration. Students love the flexibility of being able to work across the learning neighbourhood, while staff enjoy being able to work and teach collaboratively rather than in isolation.