This dynamic vertical campus for grade 5 and 6 students redefines learning environments for a cherished inner-city school, offering exemplary spaces for teaching, staff work, and community use. The three-level building, designed to accommodate a comprehensive program on a limited site, features a simple yet rigorous floorplan that maximises the available space. The design draws inspiration from the local context and the original 1800s school buildings, while also playfully incorporating elements from Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book *The Very Hungry Caterpillar*.

The building’s articulated brickwork, a ribbon of glazed green bricks, and circular “bite-like” apertures all evoke the caterpillar’s journey, adding a whimsical layer to the architecture. The use of textured red brick cleverly connects the new structure to the original school buildings while echoing the caterpillar’s furry skin, creating a contemporary yet playful aesthetic. This design not only ties the new campus visually to its historic counterparts but also brings a sense of continuity and connection between the existing and new spaces.

Exposed structural elements, including mass timber and articulated services, turn the building itself into a teaching tool, allowing students to observe and learn from its construction. Achieving Passivhaus Certification, a first for the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA), the building employs a mass timber hybrid construction and features a photovoltaic (PV) array on the playground roof terrace, both powering the building and serving as a visual learning opportunity.

Inside, the warm tones of exposed Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels create a soft, inviting atmosphere in the classrooms, fostering a sense of calm and engagement. Large windows frame views of the surrounding trees, enhancing the connection between students and the natural environment.

This project successfully creates a joyful and intriguing new building that honours the heritage of the 1800s campus while embracing modern design principles. It is a forward-thinking structure that respects its historical roots, offering students a vibrant and engaging place to learn and grow.

Photography by Peter Clarke