‘Why Build a School when you can build an Ecosystem?’

Dear Woodleigh Families,

I am pleased to provide you with an update on the progress of our Futures Studio learning centre for the Year 10 Regenerative Futures Program (RFP). Since my last update, construction of the purpose-built space has advanced steadily, making significant progress toward lock-up and completion for our Year 10 students to be in by the commencement of the 2025 school year. This project represents Woodleigh’s focus on innovation, future-focused learning, regeneration, and, most significantly, deep educational experiences.

I’m happy to report that construction remains on schedule, and we have hit all critical milestones over the past months despite inclement weather. The first of those milestones is the installation of the wicking rooftop garden. This roof is designed to support year-round vegetation, enhance insulation, and create a predator-free habitat for butterflies and, in a larger sense, merge the area with the existing reserve. Unlike traditional construction methods, the wicking roof relies on soil in place of other materials and techniques to provide weight and support, contributing to the building’s sustainability. The rooftop garden’s sophisticated drainage system also alleviates pressure on the civic stormwater system.

See video below...

In place of plasterboard, the Futures Studio’s walls and ceilings are constructed using Durra Panel. Made from recycled straw and compressed under intense heat, the straw’s natural compounds bind the straw to become panels without glues or toxic materials. Like all aspects of this build, beyond functionality, these elements will serve as educational tools, offering students real-world examples of innovative environmental practices that encourage a sense of possibility and make change for good.

I recently gathered feedback from a small group of senior students who had the opportunity to tour the space with me. Their insights and impressions were positive and their enthusiasm for the learning opportunities, clear. Hear what they had to say in the video below.

Looking ahead to the next steps for this build, St Kilda Pier is under refurbishment. The removed timber is being meticulously restored by Woodleigh Alumni and parent Dan Ablethorpe, owner of Peninsula Recycled Timber in Mornington. 
‘We prevent these beautiful, hard-wearing timbers from ending up in landfills while reducing the need for new forest logging.’ Namalata 2024.
 
We visited Dan’s warehouse and saw firsthand the skill and passion Dan and his team have for regenerating and giving new life to old timber. The restored timber will soon be onsite, and we will share photos when that time comes but for now, see what Dan has to say about his processes and his connection to the Futures Studio. 

One of the final steps before the building is at lockup is the cork spray exterior, further enhancing its environmental performance, fireproofing and aesthetic appeal. The cork is sourced from cork oak trees of Sardinia. The offcuts from bottle corks are powdered, combined with a non-toxic binding agent, and work like a second skin. Enabling the building to breath. A charcoal-like product is added before the cork is sprayed, purifying the air for students, fauna and flora in the surrounding areas …see the video below.

As we approach these milestones, we will keep you well informed and ensure minimal disruption to daily school operations. We invite you to stay engaged with the project and welcome any feedback, questions, or suggestions you may have. In the coming weeks, we will provide additional updates and opportunities for you to learn more about the project's progress and share your thoughts.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to create a space that will inspire and educate future generations.

Current figures: Overall, 97% of waste in the development is recyclable. To date, only three skips of rubbish have been filled, with the two most recent achieving a 100% recycling result.

With kind regards

David Baker
PRINCIPAL WOODLEIGH SCHOOL