Law Architects: Woodleigh School Homesteads

Australian firm Law Architects has revamped the learning spaces - “homesteads” - of the Woodleigh School, an independent progressive school that opened in the 1970s on the Mornington Peninsula, south east of Melbourne, Australia. The 20-hectare area has recently been classified “Land for Wildlife”.



“There is no growth without struggle” is the motto of the Woodleigh School, where Australian firm Law Architects was commissioned to create new “homesteads”. Each homestead is a learning 'home' that is responsible for the nurturing and growth of 70 plus students; it is the architectural expression of the Woodleigh School's unique way of teaching and learning.



The school's motto is fundamental to the homesteads, and it was a challenge to ensure that the first 3 of these 6 buildings meet the requisites, including the school's commitment to environmental protection, because the 20 hectares of Australian bushland the school is located on was recently classified “Land for Wildlife”.





The team from Law Architects responded with a project embracing energy efficiency and sustainable passive design for solar gain and natural ventilation, orientation of the buildings, adopting materials like rammed earth, harvesting rainwater, in-ground thermal labyrinth, which all come together in harmonious homesteads that openly engage with the outdoor areas. 
Naturally, all of this without losing sight of the core focus - providing the students with an environment where they can learn and interact, and where they can really feel at home.





The photos tell the story, these new homesteads are small architectural gems, in line with the school's philosophy, studying here becomes a pleasure.
Woodleigh School is a candidate for the 2016 A+ Architizer People's Choice Award.

Christiane Bürklein

Project: Law Architects, http://www.lawarchitects.com.au/
Location: Langwarrin South, Melbourne, Australia
Year: 2015
Builder: Lloyd Group - Builder
Landscapes: Sam Cox
Structural & Civil Engineers : Calibre -
Services Engineer: Cundall -
Project Manager: Duncan Scott
Photography: Drew Echberg