Building community: Truganina P-9 College

As students prepare to return to face-to-face learning in the coming weeks, we’re revisiting one of our favourite greenfield projects, Truganina P-9 College. A brand-new school for a growing community, the college is designed for flexibility and diversity, future-proofed to support one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs.

Located 21km west of Melbourne’s CBD, the college has grown from around 120 students in its first year, to almost 2000 students. Founded on the values of respect, resilience, responsibility and learning, the school has been central in building and connecting the diverse Truganina community.

“The college is located in the growth corridor of Victoria in Wyndham. And we get to impact the lives of so many students…with a completely diverse set of students and learners”. Brad Robertson, Learning Specialist Engagement & Agency Truganina P-9 College.

Designed and built over two stages, the first stage provides flexible learning areas to suit the varying needs across the co-educational Prep to Year 9 demographic. It was important the design of the buildings present a strong identity and connection to the community. The scale and materials choices reinforce the school’s presence in the fast-developing urban fabric, with new buildings positioned along the east and north boundary with clear entrance points.

Completed in 2017, the second stage includes a new gymnasium and shared drama area, with additional multi-purpose learning areas and specialist spaces. The spaces have been structured in a hierarchy of environments, suitable for different age groups and learning paths, as well as catering for the needs of different cultural backgrounds. The landscape design also caters for a range of outdoor curriculum, including science and food technology gardens, primary vegetable garden, sensory garden and performance areas.

As specialists in education design, we understand the importance of creating spaces that both enhance the learning experience for students and offer opportunities for community-building. Our current school projects under construction include the new McKinnon Secondary School gymnasium and the The Friends’ School Redevelopment in Hobart.

Truganina P-9 College. All buildings are north facing (except admin which faces east to the street), linked by generous, column free covered ways or north facing overhangs. Photo by Trevor Mein.