2025 Victorian School Design Awards winners and finalists

The winners and finalist of this year’s Victorian School Design Awards.

2025 winners and finalists

Parliamentary Secretary for Children Nathan Lambert MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Nina Taylor MP, and VAEAI Senior Project Officer Annie Edmonds on behalf of Uncle Keith Randall, announced the winners at an awards ceremony on 23 October at the Centre for Higher Education Studies.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to our winners.

Best kindergarten or early learning centre

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Winner – JFKDESiGN for the expansion and redevelopment of Australia’s oldest kinder, St Kilda and Balaclava Kindergarten

What the kindergarten gained

Room rebuilt to match the space and heritage character of the kinder’s other larger learning area
New fun and inspiring spaces that preserve and celebrate heritage features
Large timber-decked verandah for outdoor play and learning in all seasons
Upgraded services and improved sustainability, with passive environmental design supported by a solar electric system

What the architects highlighted

Design retained key heritage features and reused and repurposed materials such as window frames and roof beams
Material philosophy was ‘natural, not neutral’ – maintaining the old building’s ‘timber language’ and using the playground’s gum tree as inspiration for internal colours
Using scale to create a sense of ‘just for us’, with miniature doors, low-level peekaboo windows and ‘small toilets for small bums’
A robust and sensory-rich landscape constructed almost entirely from salvaged materials

What impressed the judges

Beautiful design with a lot of character and respect for the kinder’s heritage and community’s values
Very engaging outdoor play spaces
Wonderful use of natural light and natural materials creates a sense of cosiness and warmth
Inspired, simple ideas for engaging kids, like the steps in front of the kitchen bench
‘This one tugs at the heartstrings – it was clearly a special project for the architect!’

Finalist – AOA Christopher Peck for the expansion and renewal of Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten

What the kindergarten gained

New kinder building with room for almost double the number of local children
New welcoming foyer, refurbished staff room and disability-compliant toilets
More flexible learning spaces with a better flow to the outdoors
Transformation of a public park on a corner of the site, which is shared with the wider community

What the architects highlighted

Design preserves the original building’s charm and connects seamlessly to the modern extension
Expansive windows provide abundant natural light, improve playground supervision and connect to the greenery and mature trees retained in the design
Sustainable materials such as timber, brick and stone used inside and out to create a warm, tactile environment and connection with surrounding landscape

What impressed the judges

Preservation of original building was important for the community, and it’s been done very nicely
Fluid indoor–outdoor connections
Design is warm and homey but also approachable for the public
‘That wall of windows just celebrates the kinder’s wonderful trees and natural playground.’

Finalist – Content Studio for the new indoor and outdoor learning spaces at JJ McMahon Memorial Kindergarten

What the kindergarten gained

More space to offer kinder to more local children
Modern, flexible and functional learning spaces
Dedicated meeting spaces for staff to gather with other professionals and families
Landscaping of outdoor play areas that retain and feature cherished mature trees

What the architects highlighted

Design is sympathetic to the neighbourhood’s leafy suburban character
It has achieved this with a single-storey building with a double-gable roof and using warm timber and neutral brick materials
New playground wraps around a mature oak tree planted 70 years ago at the kinder opening
Operable glass doors improve natural lighting and outdoor spaces designed to encourage a wide range of imaginative and physical play

What impressed the judges

Design creates really good connections with the outdoor areas
Impressive outcome on a challenging site
Sensitive revamp of a 70-year-old building
‘Love the little pockets of space carved out for smaller group activities in this design.’

Best School Project - below $5 million

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Winner – WHDA for the significant upgrade of sport, staff and library areas at Swan Hil Specialist School

What the school gained

Covered outdoor synthetic multi-sports courts
Large reception and staff areas
Library extension
Café extension that opens to the covered outdoor courts
Refurbished and extended junior classrooms

What the architects highlighted

Much of the existing 2000s building has been retained, with simple extensions and courtyards to stretch the budget, reduce waste and improve circulation
New reception, café and library create welcoming meeting and waiting spaces
Flexible classrooms and sensory areas respond to student needs
Inclusive, community-friendly spaces, with the café and central sports courts supporting both learning and local events

What impressed the judges

Exceptional planning and the way everything relates to the new campus ‘heart’
A design that really suits the Swan Hill location but with many ideas that could be replicated elsewhere
A strong functional outcome – a lot has been achieved for the budget
Details like the subtle use of primary feature colours in windows and exteriors
‘There’s a common challenge about how to design outdoor play and community spaces without compromising either – this is how!’

Finalist – Kart Projects for the conversion of an old gym to a modern STEAM centre at Banyan Fields Primary School

What the school gained

Modern specialist science and technology classrooms
Upgraded art and music rooms
Staff hub
Gallery to showcase student work

What the architects highlighted

Design achieves goals with minimal structural changes (just 2 new walls) – reducing costs and waste
Highly adaptable layout with large, glazed doors and partitions offers flexibility for a wide range of learning activities
Central gallery doubles as an exhibition space and a zone for connecting classrooms and encouraging STEAM creativity, collaboration and innovation
Energy efficiency greatly improved with a new roof (with skylights), modern windows and better insulation

What impressed the judges

Good example of adaptive reuse
Smart reuse of materials and retaining much of the building fabric to make the most of a limited budget
Project completed ahead of schedule and within budget
‘A disused building has new life, and the kids have much-needed modern STEAM spaces.’

Finalist – McIldowie Partners for the new learning centre at Mordialloc Beach Primary School

What the school gained

Four modern flexible classrooms
Withdrawal spaces and breakout areas
New staff work areas
More natural indoor–outdoor connections to support different learning and social activities

What the architects highlighted

Distinctive sweeping archways of the brick facade reflect the school’s coastal location and update its street identity
Classrooms can be closed off for focused learning or opened up for teamwork and student interaction
Sheltered areas beneath the arches, and the circulation spaces, add to the variety of learning zones for individual or small-group work
Design improves natural light and ventilation to create better learning spaces and lower running costs

What impressed the judges

A small building that makes a huge impact on the campus

The wavy, brick skin creates a modern identity and ties in with the school’s nearby brick heritage building
Every space is functional and supports the school’s style of teaching and learning
Strong collaboration on the design with local Traditional Custodians, teachers and students
‘That wave of organic shapes brilliantly reflects this windy, coastal place.’

Best School Project - between $5 million and $15 million

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Winner – BSPN Architecture for the upgrades to the heritage building, library and playground at Moonee Ponds West Primary School

What the school gained

Refurbished heritage-listed hall
Renovated library wing
New central courtyard and redeveloped playground

What the architects highlighted

Heritage hall was carefully restored, with relocated entry and sliding doors to improve flow
Internal design inspired by stained glass windows, drawing on colours and native birds and plants
Library wing reimagined as the Curiosity Centre, a hub for literature, art, science, language and music with reading nooks, breakout and project spaces
Playground upgraded into a nature-based zone with slides, tree house, rope climbs and sensory elements
Central courtyard themed around local indigenous painted lady butterfly, reflected through equipment, planting and colour

What impressed the judges

Impressive relationship between the modern design and the heritage space
Beautiful, functional and clever use of spaces
Fit-out is exceptional – the interior is a model for how modernising a heritage building can be done really well
‘If I was back in primary school, I’d want to be here.’

Finalist – Atelier Wagner Architects for the multipurpose gymnasium at Bell Primary School

What the school gained

A competition-grade gymnasium with basketball and netball courts
Features to support community use, including accessible public entry, foyer, canteen, and dedicated
Music and performing arts space, and outdoor amphitheatre
Upgrades to Block A, including accessibility improvements, staff facilities and a new piazza space

What the architects highlighted

Sustainability has been prioritised, with all-electric systems, natural ventilation, rainwater collection and recycled or local materials
By preserving trees, updating buildings, and creating a central piazza, the design strengthens the school’s heritage and identity
The new gym and outdoor areas are flexible spaces for sport, performances, community events, and everyday learning – giving students and families more ways to connect

What impressed the judges

Impressive relationship with the heritage building it sits next to
Thoughtful planning of how the indoor and outdoor spaces could be used, illustrated by the amphitheatre and its potential as a community-gathering space
‘This ticks a lot of access and inclusion factors that gyms often don’t – it’s a step above what you normally see.’

Finalist – Studio Bright for the new gym and learning centre at Kerrimuir Primary School

What the school gained

Competition-grade gym with canteen, changing rooms, and staff room
Science and technology classroom with informal learning space

What the architects highlighted

Gym connects to the street and oval, creating a community hub and new school entrance
Colourful rainwater features promote sustainability and water conservation
Design respects the surrounding residential context while providing flexible, connected spaces
Flexible spaces can accommodate different group sizes and support sporting, art, cultural, and social events for the school and the community
Entrance celebrates local First Nations culture with a greeting in Wurundjeri WoiWurrung language

What impressed the judges

Strong, clean architectural lines, highlighted by the ‘ribbon’ feature running through the project
Spaces throughout are functional and welcoming for students and the wider community
‘The design is inspiring – it makes you feel like you would like to be there.’

Best School Project – above $15 million

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Winner – Kerstin Thompson Architects for the 3-storey STEM and library building at Northcote High School

What the school gained

Two levels of modern purpose-built science environments to inspire STEM learning
A modern library that acts as an academic and social hub and a centre for student support services
Broad range of flexible learning spaces with breakout areas for small group and individual work
Design that allows entire floor levels to switch from teaching mode to open spaces for assemblies, student exhibitions and school events

What the architects highlighted

Red bricks used for the building base tie the design with neighbouring older buildings, while silver cladding above matches the softness of the surrounding trees
Creative solution to the steep sloping site, with an undercroft used for lockers and walkways
Large windows and open areas on the upper levels create abundant natural light and views across the surrounding tree canopy
A former student created the First Nations designs featured extensively in the building facade

What impressed the judges

Love how the building fits with rest of school
Great floor arrangements and inspiring spaces
Refined and mature design has resulted in a big building that sits quite lightly
‘Great achievement on a tricky site – it really looks like it belongs.’

Finalist – Brand Architects for the new 3-storey STEAM building with outdoor learning areas at Alamanda K-9 College

What the school gained

A vertical building creating places for more local students and freeing up outdoor space
Centralised specialist spaces for art, digital media, textiles, food technology, wood and metal work and science
Integrated outdoor learning areas
Student-run café for teaching business and hospitality skills
New student toilets and staff work areas

What the architects highlighted

A double-height central atrium eases movement and provides natural light, while also serving as an exhibition, presentation and assembly area
Plentiful informal learning zones and break-out spaces to support small group work and a variety of teaching styles
Layout, use of glass, and flexibility of learning spaces encourages collaboration across the different STEAM disciplines
The building roof is designed as an outdoor learning and social space with shade and integrated seating
Thoughtful design and planning overcame the challenges of construction on a tight site and completed the building under budget

What impressed the judges

Design of the roof terrace is excellent for a range of uses and such a valuable asset on a campus with limited outdoor space
The atrium, with its bleacher seating and art wall, works beautifully as a connection between the floors
‘An amazing achievement, especially given the complexity of working on such a constrained site with a huge number of students operating around 7 timetables**.’**

Finalist – K2LD Architects and ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects for Kuyim Primary School

What was built

A new school with places for 525 students
Two learning neighbourhoods
Administration and library building
A community hub with competition-grade gym
Hard courts and sports field

What the architects highlighted

Learning buildings designed as a network of flexible connected spaces
Buildings share an amphitheatre, collaborative spaces, reading nooks, small group rooms and direct access to outdoor learning areas to suit varied learning methods
Design and positioning of buildings responds to the challenges of bushfire restrictions and a steeply sloping site
Connection to Bunurong Country was a central design focus for buildings, artworks and landscaping, serving as prompts for cultural education
Design decisions, including having a commercial canteen alongside the sports areas, help the school share its resources with the wider community after hours

What impressed the judges

Careful choice of materials and attention to detail in the design gives the school a refined look
Broad range of learning spaces that are creative, fun and functional
‘There is a strong story here behind the First Nations design elements that reflects meaningful engagement with Elders and promotes curiosity about Bunurong culture.’

Best project – First Nations design

Winner – ARM Architecture for Shepparton’s (Yorta Yorta) First Nations education, sport and community hub at Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence

What the community gained

Landmark First Nations-led education centre offering flexible pathways-based learning for secondary and tertiary students and the broader community
Academic and community building with state-of-the-art classrooms, yarning rooms, child-friendly study areas, an Elders’ lounge and outdoor learning environments
Outdoor spaces, with culturally significant indigenous plants, for community events
Centre includes the local First Nations Rumbalara Football Netball Club, with upgraded courts and clubrooms

What the architects highlighted

Design of new building resembles the Aboriginal flag from above, with red and black steel roofing surrounding a circular courtyard lined with golden artwork panels
Inside and out, learning spaces are rooted in cultural connections and meaning, reflecting the same approach in the education programs
Artworks, including the courtyard panels, are co-creations from workshops involving community members and local First Nations artists
Design process involved a thousand community members, including Elders, students and educators
The centre is a powerful example of what can be achieved through respectful collaboration, cultural authority and genuine community leadership

What impressed the judges

Amazingly detailed and respectful engagement with the Yorta Yorta community
Involving local First Nations people in the design and construction has created incredible ownership
A striking design and a strong sense of who is occupying this place
‘You can tell it has come from everybody’s stories – it’s quite magical.’

Minister’s Award

Winner – Perkins Architects for the new learning communities at Footscray City Primary School

What the school gained

Five dedicated learning communities, each with general-purpose classrooms, breakout spaces and intensive learning spaces
New office and reception spaces
A lift
Outdoor learning space, including a food garden

What the architects highlighted

Flexible glass sliders let teachers shift between traditional lessons, collaborative teaching and large gatherings
Smart upgrades to the building keep it low-maintenance, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly
Flexible learning spaces allow students to choose where and how they learn, helping them become more aware of what works best for them
Classrooms and shared areas are designed for all students, with adjustable furniture, quiet nooks, and layouts that meet sensory, academic, and emotional needs

What impressed the judges

Superb example of how a 1970s building design can be modernised for today’s education
Every part of the upgrade is a functional place
Highly successful in offering maximum flexibility for a broad range of learning and welfare needs
‘Sensory retreats, wet areas, flexible spaces, playful functional design – it’s got everything.’
‘A lot of love and pedagogical understanding has gone into this. It’s outstanding!’

Victorian School Design Awards honour roll

The annual Victorian School Design Awards recognise the creative role architects are playing in the record expansion and modernisation of our state education network.

2025 Victorian School Design Awards winners and finalists

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2025 winners and finalists

Best kindergarten or early learning centre

What the kindergarten gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the kindergarten gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the kindergarten gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

Best School Project - below $5 million

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

Best School Project - between $5 million and $15 million

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

Best School Project – above $15 million

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

What was built

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

Best project – First Nations design

What the community gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges

Minister’s Award

What the school gained

What the architects highlighted

What impressed the judges