Box Hill TAFE Lilydale campus commissioned our office to design a new $10.2 Mil. innovative trade teaching facility; one of only three in Australia. The new Centre allows for students to gain hands on experience for plumbing, electrical and carpentry skills. The current teaching models can be embraced through features such as the incorporation of a large sand filled pit for installing and unearthing of storm water and sewer pipes, general plumbing and electrical installation i.e. roughing in, fitting off, roof plumbing, guttering, downpipe installation and the accessible decking on top of the roof allows for the installation of solar panels in external conditions.

As this building was designed as a teaching and training facility there was no requirement for artificial air conditioning, therefore careful consideration was given to achieving a passive design solution that would not distract the students from learning, through becoming uncomfortably cold or warm. The constrained site, and limited ability to achieve an ideal orientation, added to the difficulty of this task. Features that were included were Natural cross ventilation, the use of King Span thermally improved roof and wall cladding and cowls with dampers for purging and containing of heat. Thermal glazing was used for all windows throughout, to reduce heat emission and glare, providing a well-lit and comfortable working environment.