Woodleigh Futures Studio

Three pavilions combine flexible classrooms and shared courtyards with planted roofs, a communal kitchen and a solar pergola.
Woodleigh Futures Studio pavilions beneath a planted roof
Earl Carter

The project

Woodleigh Futures Studio is a group of three low pavilions at the school’s senior campus in Langwarrin South. Courtyards and sheltered outdoor spaces connect the buildings, with views across the campus, farm and neighbouring nature reserve.

The largest pavilion contains five learning spaces and two quiet learning pods. Sliding doors allow rooms to work separately or together, while movable hemp whiteboards create surfaces for teaching and displaying student work. Reclaimed-fabric acoustic panels are part of the published material palette.

Practice: McIldowie Partners
Year: 2025
Photographer: Earl Carter
Project: School learning studio
Client: Woodleigh School
Arrangement: Three pavilions
Design collaborator: Joost Bakker
Landscape: Sam Cox Landscape
Construction: South East Building Services

Native planting across the low roof of the learning pavilions
Earl Carter

A second pavilion provides staff facilities and amenities. The third is the shared Homestead, combining a kitchen with social and dining space. This arrangement makes informal gathering and everyday routines part of the learning environment alongside the classrooms.

Designed in collaboration with Joost Bakker, the project uses a prefabricated steel frame, straw-based wall and ceiling panels, cork exterior finishes and planted roofs. The published scheme also includes solar power and battery storage, aquaponics tanks and a solar pergola used for outdoor learning. These systems form part of the school’s regenerative learning brief.