Woodleigh's Living Classroom opening in 2025

The Futures Studio

Designed by Joost Bakker and Frank Burridge of McIldowie Partners, the Futures Studio is almost ready for our Year 10s to begin the school year and their Regenerative Futures Program (RFP). The provocation for the build was, ‘Why build a school when you can build an ecosystem?'

Just over a year later, this living building is nestled in the thriving ecosystem that existed long before it. It will tread lightly for years to come, symbiotic with Woodleigh's beloved Brian Henderson Reserve and surrounds. As time passes and the natural environment evolves, the dark silhouette of the building will become a shadow receding amongst the abundant green ecosystem. 

More than just a classroom, the Futures Studio generates its own energy, captures and stores carbon, filters pollution from the air and generates almost zero waste. The growing green roof, planted with Indigenous flora specifically for butterflies, bees and birds supports biodiversity, detains tens of thousands of litres of water and protects against bushfire. 

Beyond its materials and build process, the Futures Studio has a clear academic and holistic purpose. As Frank Burridge says, it is to create an environment ‘abundant with regenerative learning opportunities for students who are finding their path in a rapidly changing world.’ 

Aquaponics tanks in the courtyard provide more hands-on learning opportunities while adding to the building’s ecosystem.

The construction process was almost zero-waste, with over 95% recycled materials. Sustainable choices include toxin-free Durra panels, salvaged designer furniture and low-emission materials like recycled aluminium and Envirocrete Plus concrete.

The building runs entirely on renewable energy and is powered by solar panels and  battery storage. Students can track energy usage in real time, further encouraging sustainable understanding as students move through and beyond school.

The learning spaces are designed for adaptability, student leadership opportunities and agency. The spaces can move and change depending on the projects being undertaken. The movable panels, flexible layouts and outdoor learning areas are all designed for this purpose. Students even built the outdoor tables that will be passed down to future Year 10 cohorts. 

The Futures Studio includes a large open space communal kitchen for staff and students, mimicking the Homestead legacy. The spaces are made to be communal.

Collaboration and local impact are significant to the project. Materials and expertise were sourced regionally, including reclaimed timber from St Kilda Pier Wharf demolition and plants from the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Bush Nursery.

All ideas and systems developed during the Futures Studio project are open-source, meaning schools worldwide can and will adopt the same regenerative practices in their own building and learning. 

We can’t wait to open the doors and we will be sure to update you on the progress of the RFP!