Caulfield Grammar School Senior School Teaching and Learning Building

This landmark building initiates the first stage of the Caulfield campus master plan and sets the benchmark for future development at all Caulfield Grammar campuses. DesignInc designed Caulfield Grammar School’s highly anticipated vertical Senior School in collaboration with 3XN.

This state-of-the-art facility demonstrates Caulfield Grammar School’s forward-thinking approach to education. With a commitment to innovation, our brief was for a building that placed the School at the forefront of educational practice, while taking an all-encompassing approach to the physical and mental wellbeing of all building users and the community.

Future-focused learning environments

Learning, particularly in a tertiary setting, is about taking responsibility for oneself and developing the skills that foster growth. This building is transformative as it equips Caulfield students for the next stage of their lives. The learning spaces feature diverse and adaptable designs that showcase education while introducing students to the collaborative and dynamic nature of contemporary workplaces.

From day one, we have seen our students absolutely embracing the different zones… Student responses
have been intuitive and quite seamless, so that’s all credit to the architects and how they interpreted our vision.
Chris Appel
Head of Senior Campus, Caulfield Grammar School

Location: Bunurong Country
St Kilda East, Victoria
Client: Caulfield Grammar School
Value: $80M
Scale: 8,400sqm
Year: 2024
Collaborators: 3XN
Project Contact: Christon Smith
Photography: Dianna Snape
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The Learning Living Room

At the core of the building is a grand atrium featuring a striking staircase that functions as a learning space and a social hub. Known as the ‘Learning Living Room’, this student-led space provides tiered seating for study, alongside ‘perches’ for socialising and collaboration.

Much more than a means of movement, the staircase was imagined as a learning landscape. A place where students can gather, share ideas, or simply reflect and observe campus life.
Jane Sayers
DesignInc Director

A healthy building for wellbeing and sustainability

Healthy buildings enhance learning outcomes and promote wellbeing. Our biophilic design ensures excellent air quality, ample daylight, and a connection with nature. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of this design, targetting a 6-star Green Star rating and Gold WELL Certification, it uses energy-efficient systems, natural materials, and passive solar design.

On entering the building, visitors are greeted by a light-filled, sophisticated, and calm atmosphere. The abundant natural light, generous planting, and other biophilic design features enhance the wellbeing of students and staff, creating a beautiful space that feels more like a welcoming university campus or workplace than a traditional school.

The building’s commitment to air quality and daylight reflects our belief that environments can improve learning outcomes and nurture the wellbeing of our community.
Leanne Guillon
Former Deputy Principal – Head of Caulfield Campus, Caulfied Grammar School

This is an educational environment like no other. The building prepares students for their futures and gives them experiences that are unique to Caulfield Grammar.
Christon Smith, DesignInc Director and Fred Holt, 3XN Partner