Port Phillip Specialist School

A masterplan was prepared for the Port Phillip Specialist School - an all-ages specialist school with an enrolment of 84 - to consider improved learning opportunities on a constrained site in Port Melbourne. 

Two of the main buildings on the tight urban campus are dated 1874 and 1910 and as such, the design was required to be considerate of the buildings’ historical significance. Many of the existing learning and ancillary spaces are not fit for purpose and do not meet accessibility standards or contemporary specialist school programs.

The design includes a vertical extension of an existing 1990's building to be used for administration and staff, and refurbishment of the existing 1874 main school building that will facilitate Learning Bases being relocated to the ground floor to assist with accessibility and ease of movement. Each learning space will have a close spatial relationship to amenities and changing places, sensory and therapy spaces, external learning, and practical wet areas.

The ability for Learning Bases to be flexible to allow for a range of activities, including performance, physical therapy, eating, group activities, and
withdrawal spaces will permit more flexible learning opportunities for a diverse group cohort of students in age and ability.