Upon visiting our physical spaces nestled in beautiful, natural surroundings, it becomes clear that Woodleigh’s regenerative practices permeate every aspect of our community's daily life.
Woodleigh School has been practising regenerative philosophies for decades under the umbrella of holistic education and its guiding principles, from the 3Rs of respect for self, others, and the environment to Compassionate Systems and Regenerative Learning.
But what is Regenerative Learning?
Regenerative Learning is an approach underpinned by principles of interconnectedness and renewal. What does this mean? It means that our teaching and learning practices entrench an understanding of healthy working systems, both practical and conceptual, that will generate more than they take. Regenerative Learning practices mirror nature's unique ability to create, repair and rebuild. In the context of education, these practices advocate for systems that contribute more to life, learning, and our Earth, than they consume.
Regenerative learning is a creative lens through which a Woodleigh education can inspire individuals to make a positive impact globally and locally. We need more Woodleigh people in the world; individuals equipped to contribute meaningfully to a regenerative and interconnected future.
Why build a school when you can build an ecosystem?
The Futures Studio is a groundbreaking facility designed to utilise regenerative building practices and enhance the learning undertaken in the Year 10 RFP Program. Opening in 2025, the Futures Studio building will be a space where students connect with nature and each other, fostering a sense of belonging and stewardship for the world around them. It represents a timely and innovative approach to education.
The Futures Studio space was conceived to welcome and enhance the regenerative themes within our curriculum and the futures thinking perspective at Woodleigh. With support from the visionary Joost Bakker and architect Frank Burridge, the Futures Studio will function as an ecosystem of its own and be an integral aspect of the student experience for Year 10 students.
A Transformative Learning Space
The Future Studio is a collaborative space where students come together to learn, share, and build essential relationships with friends and mentors. It will house the Year 10 Regenerative Futures Program, an educational experience designed to empower our students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and changemakers. Through this program, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive, regenerative impact on the world.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Futures Studio demonstrates Woodleigh's commitment to sustainability. The building presents closed-loop architecture - a living structure that does not merely sit on the land but thrives symbiotically with the pre-existing ecosystem:
Healthy, Living Building
Materials and compounds in the Living Building Institutes’s Red List (click to open)will be avoided and we endeavour to always choose materials that are recycled, sustainable and free of harmful chemicals such as low-VOC paints, flooring made from natural materials and recycled steel.
Rainwater Harvesting and Responsible Re-Use of Water
Rainwater will be harvested and stored in stainless steel tanks designed to maintain water quality and purity. Water management strategies within the building will reduce the need to harvest. It may be possible for the same water to be used several times for different functions and students will have a big say in this. Potable water will be clearly labelled.
Compost and Recycling
Compost from food waste generated by students, the kitchen and cafeteria will be used to fertilise the school's gardens.
Energy Efficiency
Energy usage within the building can be monitored by students and efforts will be made to reduce power as much as possible within their learning programs. Energy-efficient fridges, microwaves, heaters and cooling systems will be installed. We will also be implementing water-efficient toilets. Heating and cooling systems will include a reverse cycle heat pump with “traffic light” symbols to indicate the right times to switch on and off. Motion sensors on all lights and selection of LED fittings will minimise energy use.
Well-Considered Learning Spaces
Spaces have been proportionally and occupationally considered to use an appropriate amount of energy to heat and cool. Learning spaces have been strategically positioned near daylight and natural ventilation will create a healthy, fresh air learning space. Ultimately our goal is to minimise the use of A/C and artificial light.
Fire Front
The direction of a fire is a function of wind direction, slope and fuel load. Fires burn faster and with more intensity when moving upslope than down. Placement of the building and water bodies will consider the fire fronts and respond accordingly to reduce direct flame contact in a bushfire event.
Insulated and Sealed
A well-insulated and sealed building reduces thermal transmission, keeping the internal building temperature stable and decreasingthe need for heating and cooling. This will include sealing all gaps, sub-floor ventilation, and exceeding BCA minimum requirements for insulation to walls and roof cavity.
Windows and Doors
All exterior glass will be double-glazed with thermally broken window and door frames to reduce thermal transmission. Proper shading to windows on the north facing side. The design will also create a high level of cross ventilation, natural fresh air (even in toilets) and windows in proportion with the spaces they serve. Night purge option to be included for the summer seasons.
Passive Solar and Ventilation
Orient the building to maximise natural daylight and heat gain, and incorporate shading devices to minimise heat loss in summer. Natural cross-ventilation and heat purge / cool purge symbiosis with greenhouse areas minimising the need for mechanical ventilation and energy consumption.
Shading Devices
Shading devices and screens are part of a passive solar design strategy that allow the building to reduce the exposure of people and students to harsh sun during summer, and also provide shelter from the wind, rain and elements during winter.
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass, both in walls and floors, will be strategically located according to solar access and wind flows to absorb heat and act as “heat sinks”. This is in order to stop the heat exchange between the interior and exterior of the building, reducing the load on the air handling unit, thus reducing overall energy consumption.
Landscaping
Intelligent planting choices and landscape design to minimise bushfire risks, increase the visual aesthetics and help to connect this ecosystem with local reserves.
Interactive Classroom Energy Reporting
Notably, students will have direct access to interactive panels and data that share live insights to the energy being consumed within their classroom spaces.
How does Woodleigh put school values into action?
Let’s get real... All of us, at times, are confronted with the complex contradictions of the interconnected, interdependent systems in our world. An essential question for the future of education is how we help students to reflect on, deeply understand and respond mindfully and compassionately to real-world complexities.