Methodist Ladies’ College Science Precinct Redevelopment

MLC’s Science Precinct affords the College a best practice teaching facility that accommodates the changing pedagogy of senior science. Two existing 1940s science buildings have been extensively refitted, to include an extension, connecting bridges and central circulation core.

The extension adds breakout areas for students and staff, and improves access across the college with accessible pathways and an elevator.

In addition to the refitted buildings, the David Loader Centre was added as a decanting building for the Precinct, with six flexible classrooms and staff offices allowing classes to be relocated during major building upgrades across the College, as well as future expansion of the curriculum.

Location: Wurundjeri Country
Kew, Victoria
Client: Methodist Ladies’ College
Value: $11.7M
Scale: 2,300m²
Year: 2010
Project Contact: Stephen Webb
Photography: Dianna Snape
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The Precinct’s elevated position at the high point of the college has been well utilised, with the project creating a new accessible route through the steep campus. It also captures unique views of Melbourne and the campus from offices and independent study areas, while a roof deck supports astronomy studies.

Other features such as terrariums, aquariums and scientific display cases integrated within the building fabric are designed to support incidental learning as part of the Precinct experience.

To spark interest from afar, a dramatic graphic screen is designed to be visible from the main college entrance, while bold feature colours and views to nature corridors support a healthy and productive learning environment for young scientific minds.