The Edgar Scrick Secondary School project is situated at the intersection of Steen Avenue and Edgars Road. Originally a steep, rocky field, the site has been transformed into a new school designed to accommodate up to 1,800 students aged 7 to 12. This development, led by Brand Architects in Melbourne in collaboration with the Victorian School Building Authority, addresses the growing demand for educational facilities in the northern suburbs of Epping.
The initial phase consists of two buildings located on the northern side of the site, serving as a foundation for future community development plans. These plans integrate a preliminary floor layout, a community activity center, and municipal facilities, creating a comprehensive vision for the surrounding suburbs. Brand Architects approached the design with a broader context in mind, emphasizing connectivity, openness, and accessibility, while thoughtfully integrating the existing environment.
The architectural concept positions the building as a landmark within the wider area. The two-story structure acts as a visual focal point between Macedon Parade and the main corner of Edgars Road, while also addressing the site’s steep slope. Utilizing a two-story design proved more cost-effective than a stepped single-story building as it accommodates the rapidly descending terrain.
The school is a two-story building designed with cutting-edge STEM education principles in mind. It features science laboratories, materials technology, and digital technology learning spaces, all developed collaboratively with the school to foster the exchange of innovative ideas and modern teaching methods. A central auditorium with tiered seating serves as a venue for important meetings and ceremonies. The administration offices and library are centrally located, providing a hub for community engagement, professional development, and idea exchange. These facilities, adjacent to the school’s administrative area, complement the roles of local councils and authorities, positioning the school as a vital piece of community infrastructure.
Both buildings open onto public spaces, fostering a dynamic interaction between the architecture and the natural environment. These outdoor areas provide vibrant settings for learning and social interaction among students and staff. The landscape features interactive seating areas and abundant greenery along pedestrian pathways.
The southern part of the site houses an oval-shaped sports stadium shared by both the school and the local community. This elliptical stadium supports Australian Rules football and cricket clubs, serving as a venue for sports events, physical education classes, and team activities. Facilities include a national-level stadium, coaching rooms, sports field fencing, and cricket pitches. This project represents a successful collaboration among landscape designers, developers, and other professionals, completed on budget and six months ahead of schedule.
Project Drawings
▲ South Facade 1
▲ North Facade 1
▲ East Facade 1
▲ West Facade 1
▲ Northwest Facade 1
▲ East Facade 2
▲ West Facade 2
▲ North Facade 2
▲ Northwest Facade 2
▲ Northeast Facade 2
▲ Southeast Facade 2
▲ Southwest Facade 2
Project Information
Design Firm: Brand Architects
Location: Wollert VIC 3750, Australia
Category: High School
Lead Architects: Laurence Robinson, Gerard McCurry, Farnia Askari
Design Team: Graham Ho, Gus Ferrer
Building Area: 2,948 m²
Completion Year: 2018
Photographer: Rachael Dere
Client: Department of Education
Engineer: WGA
Landscape Design: Ochre
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