Inspired by the philosophy of ‘education for life’, Neerim District Secondary College strives to provide an inclusive learning environment that enriches student’s lives and helps them achieve their full potential.

With the college’s existing learning spaces and environments being traditional classrooms, it was important to staff and students that the new learning centre support and inspire collaborative learning experiences. 

To achieve this, our design employed a hybrid learning typology, characterised by flexible and adaptable classrooms and spaces that enable and facilitate a greater breadth of teaching modalities – from the traditional through to the contemporary.

The interior’s operable walls and sliding doors make the space truly versatile. Housing a dedicated home economics learning space, four flexible classrooms, support, multipurpose breakout spaces, and staff facilities, the different spaces can be adapted to create larger co-teaching spaces, a dedicated catering centre, or a large multi-purpose space. 

Situated to the south of the existing main building, to avoid overshadowing and take advantage of the northern solar path, the buildings are connected by a lush central courtyard and deck that provides space for outdoor learning experiences and socialising. Passive design elements throughout, including louvre highlight windows that maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, minimise heat gain during summer months, provide warmth during winter months and minimise energy wastage. 

Modular architecture, design and construction allowed most of the building works to be performed offsite, minimising the disruption to the school’s operations and maximise cost efficiencies.