Driven by leading pedagogical research and innovation, the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) is set amongst the dense urban fabric in Melbourne’s South Yarra on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. CHES is the first facility of its type in Australia and supports high-achieving Victorian government secondary school students with state-of-the-art specialist facilities, offering a unique pathway for students to transition from secondary to tertiary education.

The site, sleeved between high-rise buildings, inspired the integration of a central atrium. This connects students with natural light, ventilation, and landscape to improve learning outcomes — a pursuit developed in consultation with Dr Ben Cleveland, Associate Professor in Learning Environments and Co-Director of LEaRN at Melbourne School of Design.

The busy urban street interface is addressed by the corrugated, pre-cast concrete façade, which is animated and softened by planter boxes of cascading greenery. A generous lobby leads to a reception area and café; a social hub set against the vibrancy of the atrium. Landscaped with lush ferns and epiphytes, the lightwell is lined with sustainably harvested Victorian Ash timber and expansive glazing, offering glimpses to the institution’s activity. The transparent and lightweight ETFE inflatable roof requires less structural support than traditional glazed roofs and provides light control and thermal insulation. The dotted, double-skin membrane casts ephemeral shadows through the atrium, connecting students with natural circadian rhythms.

The design promotes natural materials, biophilic principles and big picture sustainability measures. High-level automated louvres in conjunction with a sophisticated Building Management System reduce the Centre’s overall energy consumption through efficient night purging. CHES’ hybridised structure, combining laminated timber and concrete to reduce embedded carbon, is left exposed, allowing students to observe the tectonics of the architecture. Galvanized ductwork, electrical systems and fixing details are also visibly expressed, becoming tools for teaching and discussion.

Four learning neighbourhoods foster a sense of ownership through flexible learning settings. The planning of the facility allows multiple organisational and pedagogical modes to occur and evolve over time. Specialised learning spaces are fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, enabling virtual learning across Victoria.

In keeping with CHES’ mission to prepare students for tertiary study, primary colours and geometric shapes are avoided in favour of a sophisticated, natural palette. The building’s extensive use of timber is complemented by compressed fibre-cement wall panels and ‘Woodwool’ ceiling infills, crafting an approachable atmosphere for learning. Resilient floors and carpets in nature-inspired tones change in colour from level to level, subtly orienting students across the building.