South Oakleigh Secondary College

An expanded and improved gymnasium will enable South Oakleigh Secondary students to train and compete, in a competition-grade sporting facility for netball, basketball and a range of other sports.

The design will blend the gymnasium’s familiar presence with new wrap-around glass windows and doors to increase natural light and connection to adjacent outdoor areas.

The college’s active zone is also extended, located directly outside of the gym for ball games. This extension will enable students to also gather for outdoor group learning and socialising with seating under shade trees.

The new learning hub will become the home for South Oakleigh Secondary students to thrive in all areas of science – equipping them with the facility and resources they need to develop life-long skills.

Overlooking the greenery of the college oval, the hub facilities include:

• laboratory classrooms for students specialising in chemistry and biology
• flexible general science classrooms that cater for students specialising in physics
• a preparation laboratory and storage rooms
• a contemporary laboratory for science theory
• a tiered amphitheatre for students to present their discoveries
• science staff work area
• dedicated science courtyard for outdoor learning.

These learning spaces were designed in consultation with the college’s science teachers and students. Our experts heard the college’s aspirations and designed spaces adaptable for all learning methods and allow for innovative teaching and learning to flourish.

This technology-rich building will support teachers and industry experts to combine their skills and knowledge to deliver an exciting and contemporary curriculum.

Demolition of the previous science building brings new life to South Oakleigh Secondary College in the form of a community courtyard – the ‘Agora’.

The Agora redefines the open space between campus buildings, creating a place for the community to gather in a diverse outdoor learning environment with seating.

With a platform at the centre of the Agora, the college will gather for school events, assemblies, gatherings and performances.

Principal Helen Koziaris says “With STEM being a key focus of our Oakleigh Education Plan, our new facilities will provide our students with the best possible opportunities for success. This is in addition to our improved gym and that community space – the Agora.”

Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of the design.

In both buildings, locations have been considered for high and low-level natural ventilation and cooling. This is complemented with all windows receiving direct sunlight being shaded.

All materials used in the work have been considered for their sustainable and environmental factors.

This includes methods of manufacture, carbon footprint, the inclusion of recycled and reused materials, future recyclability, lifespan, upkeep and maintenance.

Landscaping includes planting to be drought-tolerant and to include Australian natives.

Integration of landscaping design on the science building’s western frontage will further reduce the summer heat gain in what will be an important passive recreation space.