The project team overcame the key challenges of an unmovable delivery time frame, contaminated ground conditions and having to manage design variations remotely amid COVID-19 restrictions, says Mark Baker, CEO of BESIX Watpac, the project’s contractor.

The overall design—with steel beams, Bondek, shear studs and a 150-mm slab that includes precast cores and walls— reduced transportation requirements as well as associated noise and pollution for the inner-city suburb, providing students with a unique learning environment.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Seebeck

“On the rooftop, photovoltaic panels generate approximately 22,000 watts of energy at peak, coinciding with peak school usage,” says Martin Palmer, director of architecture at design firm GHDWoodhead—formed in 2014 when Australian firm Woodhead became part of GHD’s international team.

“It’s a unique experience for kids to be able to kick a ball around on the roof with views of the city and Edinburgh Gardens at lunchtime,” says Ben Lyon, GHD structural engineer.

Bringing together two high schools, the campus features flexible, adaptable and technology-rich spaces in a stepped building with abundant light, airflow, views and recreational spaces. Jason Embley, principal at Grimshaw Architects, says those features demonstrate Wurun’s focus on students.

“Our aim is to empower and inspire the students of Wurun Senior Campus through their vertical school environment,” he says.