Leading School Designs Awarded

News bulletin: 2 September 2010

The transformation of the state’s oldest primary school and new and dynamic secondary college are among those awarded at the Victorian School Design Awards.

The Best Primary School award was taken by James Deans & Associates for its $6 million modernisation of Bacchus Marsh Primary School, the oldest in the state.

“James Deans & Associates have integrated the 160-year-old school’s existing infrastructure with a brand new gym, classroom wing and a resource centre,” said Education Minister Bronwyn Pike acknowledging the primary school’s transformation. 

Cranbourne North’s Alkira Secondary College [pictured right] was a collaboration between experienced architects Hayball and Gray Puksand and received the Best Secondary School Award.

Alkira Secondary College was praised for its forward thinking green design that incorporated many environmental conscious design elements into the building structure.

It was also heralded for its potential to cope with the fast growing south-eastern suburb’s population. The school is aware that student numbers will increase in the area, and the school design has the capacity to accommodate this in the future.

Other winners

Best School Project Below $850,000: ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects for Collingwood English Language School

Best School Project Below $3.5million: Kneeler Design for Broadmeadows Preschool

Best School Project Above $3.5million: Williams Boag Architects for Altona P-9 College

Ministerial Excellence Award: Suters Architects for School of Sporting Excellence Maribyrnong College

For more information, see: School Design Awards