The Preshil Middle Years Centre explores how we can build to support the agency of students in alternative education using wasted and under-utilised materials, in a model accessible to mainstream education. As a general learning hub catering for students in Year 7 to Year 9, the project seeks to replace the existing traditional classrooms in favour of a flexible model more suited to Preshil’s alternative approach. A variety of interconnected learning environments provides students with the agency to direct their own learning, supported by the Preshil staff.
East and West Elevations
The building’s architecture takes cues from the existing heritage building on site, with references to the feature arch windows and the horizontal banding in the facade. The red bricks have been retained from the demolition of an existing building on site and combined with other deep earthy colours to ground the building, with a gradient approach and reveal to reduce the building’s mass. At the south and west, classroom balconies extend into the canopies of the site’s rich array of mature trees, bringing nature into the classrooms.
Ground Floor Plan
The building is planned around clustered learning spaces for each of the three year levels, with each containing two flex-classrooms, and a collection of outdoor learning spaces, wet areas, low sensory corners, small group learning, and break-out areas. These learning environments are supported by a quasi-living zone, with gathering spaces, kitchenette and dining table – each of which can be used flexibly by teachers for classes and assemblies. Outside, greened pockets provide opportunities to hold outdoor classes, grow food and explore the surrounding natural environment.
First Floor Plan
The first floor hosts two year level groups, with a spacious void that overlooks the main entry space. The classrooms are fitout with a combination of group, high seated and soft flexible furniture to encourage students to learn in a position that suits them. Outdoor balconies turn into pop-up art studios and makers’ spaces and can be closed away when not in use. All-gender toilets are provided as the norm, in keeping with Preshil’s inclusive philosophy.
Tiered Gathering Space
The tiered gathering space reuses wooden pallets to create a stepped seating arrangement which can host impromptu assemblies and individual learning. The structural insulated panels comprising of straw OSB (OSSB) and hemp insulation are left exposed, bringing a natural warmth to the space. Learning areas are delineated through different floor colours, leveraging the versatility of the plant-based linoleum floor finish. Finally, recycled PET plastics and tetra-pak panels are used to compose the hard furnishings and joinery, turning household waste into beautiful and useful objects.
Nessie Chair
The smooth, rigid nature of PVC lends to its reuse as a piece of weight-bearing furniture. Utilising a combination of offcuts and post-use PVC pipes attached through bolt and rope connections, this piece is designed as a children’s character which can be used as seating or storage space.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
