Caulfield Grammar School Senior Building

The Caulfield Grammar Senior School Teaching & Learning Building was one of the first to test the State Government’s new planning pathway for school developments. We secured planning approval in record time for a five-storey teaching and learning building that challenged the prevailing low-scale neighbourhood character. The project tested newly introduced State policy designed to support schools in meeting growing educational needs within established residential areas.

Early and constructive engagement with both local and State government authorities was central to achieving a smooth planning process for a large-scale building in a low-rise residential street. As the first project to deliver the vision of a new campus master plan, we developed a clear strategy to manage planning risk and prioritise timely delivery. 

The State Government process also enabled future projects and campus upgrades to be considered under the same permit, helping to streamline approvals over time. The development demonstrates design excellence, with DesignInc and 3XN Architects collaborating to deliver a contemporary, high-performing educational facility. The success of this approach has since informed further approvals, including a new building at Caulfield’s Wheelers Hill campus using the same State government pathway.

Opened in 2024, the building provides flexible learning environments with a strong focus on student wellbeing, particularly for senior students. Its layout reflects a contemporary approach to school design and has received consistently positive feedback. The project has been recognised through education design and sustainability awards and has played a key role in realising the master plan vision, establishing a new campus heart for the school.