With a focus on programmes outside the traditional TAFE curriculum, the project represents an opportunity to explore unique outcomes across four new buildings and associated works. Each building has a focus on a learning stream.

Linked to existing construction teaching facilities, a new purpose-built workshop provides a focus on modern construction technology and practice. Music and performance are catered for within a series of flexible spaces attached to the existing gym that can accommodate a range of activities from individual tuition to work with a single class to performances to the whole TAFE.

A business unit is situated adjacent to the new hospitality wing, which features a full 24-student teaching kitchen and prep space. With a bistro space and coffee nook to provide complementary teaching opportunities around serving, this area is able to support functions within the TAFE’s adjacent exhibition space.

These spaces share access to a central landscaped terrace, which becomes a dynamic community space or a casual seating area, depending on the time of day. Nearby, upgrades to the TAFE’s agricultural teaching spaces enable food to be sourced from a kitchen garden to develop a paddock-to-plate approach.

The architecture of the buildings to accommodate these functions is based on simple but strong forms arrayed elegantly within the landscape, activating spaces in between to provide non-structured opportunities for social interaction in a safe and attractive setting.