The project consists of a new Year 7-9 building, Year 10-12 building and Art building. Passive heating and cooling is used throughout the project, taking advantage of the mild climate and above average rainfall of the South Gippsland region. Ceiling fans, operable windows and the thermal mass of reverse masonry external walls keep the interiors cool in summer, while passive solar design principles ensure that heating inputs are maximised in winter. Occupants can choose to arrange the furnishings in the open plan learning spaces and operate the large sliding doors to connect spaces, making the balance between closed learning settings and more open plan spaces a flexible and deliberately changeable one.
With high rainfalls, drainage design has been a significant consideration, as extensive areas on site have been known to flood. The problem has been transformed into an opportunity through the construction of a wetland to attract wildlife and to reduce surface runoff to the adjacent housing estates.
