When you picture an ideal learning environment, you likely envision a room with ample space, reams of natural light and clever capabilities for tech. It’s what’s inside that you see. But for Alphington Grammar, a private co-ed school in Melbourne’s east, the vision for their dream classroom began outside – with the rich flora and fauna bordering their campus.
Ballooning enrolments, but not enough rooms.
Increasing student enrolments is the goal for most schools. However, this growth often leaves schools needing more space – and fast.
This was the story for Alphington Grammar, a private co-ed school in Melbourne’s east. As their Principal Dr Vivianne Nikou remembers, they suddenly found themselves requiring more appropriate space to house a growing student body.
“We have lots of acres at Alphington,” Vivianne shares, “but it’s not all suitable to construct classrooms from scratch.”
So, the search began. Vivianne was looking for modular classrooms with a striking aesthetic. But on top of that, she needed spaces that would seamlessly blend into Alphington’s leafy surrounds.
Searching for a sensitive design solution
Alphington Grammar boasts an idyllic location, hugging the banks of the Darebin Creek. This creek, which is a major tributary of the Yarra River, is home to a diverse ecosystem of native plants and wildlife. It was thus crucial that any new classrooms respected and complemented this bushland environment.
On top of this, the spaces had to embody the excellence expected of a private school education. This meant classrooms designed with integrity, sophistication and longevity.
Put simply, the spaces had to appear as if they were always there.
“We needed spaces that were high quality, aesthetically pleasing and flexible.”
An unexpected find
It was Vivianne’s visit to another school that alerted her to Harwyn. After that, it didn’t take long for Vivianne to see that Harwyn’s spaces ticked all her boxes.
“From the look of the classrooms to the promised timeframe, there were a lot of initial wins,” says Vivianne.
“But then, on top of that, Harwyn had their can-do attitude, which made them so fantastic to work with. We also got to know their in house Architect design team who really took the time to understand our needs.”
Vivianne highlighted that Harwyn didn’t provide a cookie cutter model or option a, b or c. Instead, their approach was completely customised to what Alphington wanted – and needed.
The Harwyn experience
From site conditions to construction delays, building installations have a tendency to deviate from the initial plan.
But, with a skilled site manager in your corner, many of these issues can be avoided. An experienced site manager will also ensure the project is executed to the highest standard.
And for Vivianne, Harwyn’s site manager embodied everything an excellent site manager should be.
“I can’t praise Harwyn’s site manager enough,” emphasises Vivianne. “He kept us informed, made regular visits and was committed to the quality of the spaces. He really walked the journey with us.”
Even the Council loves the spaces
The students re-entered school grounds in term 3 with these 4 new classrooms on site. And already, the feedback has been positive.
“They’ve been received incredibly well by the students. The staff couldn’t wait to use them. And best yet, the Council loves them.”
“We’re thrilled the Council is on board, as we plan to turn our 4 classrooms into a village of classrooms and staff offices. The next Council meeting will focus on discussing how to progress our next 6-classroom block project.”
But the spaces haven’t just got the Council talking. Now, the tables have turned, with Alphington hosting other schools to inspect – and gush over – their striking new spaces.
3 words of wisdom
Take your time. That’s Vivianne’s greatest piece of advice for other schools.
“I think everybody needs to explore this option. Make sure you allow enough time to investigate it… and also account for the lead time.”
“It’s been fantastic for us. So much so that we’ve ordered two more spaces. They’re set to arrive in the next school holidays.”
“It’s been an incredibly easy and sophisticated solution that didn’t disrupt our school’s day-to-day operations.”
Looking for spaces that can be tailored to suit the needs of your school? Harwyn delivers state-of-the art spaces that pose minimal disruption to student learning. Call 1300 HARWYN (1300 427 996) or enquire now.