Latrobe Special Developmental School
Location
Traralgon, VIC
Client
Victorian School Building Authority
Superintendent
APP Corporation
Architect
Clarke Hopkins Clarke
Contract Type
Construct Only
$14m
Project value
15
Months to build
2022
Completed
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Live Operating Environment
- Staged Project Delivery
- Specialty DDA & Accessibility Provisions
- Economic Contribution to the Region
- Extensive Landscaping & Play Equipment
- Sports Fields
Accommodating almost 90 students across two buildings, Latrobe Special Developmental School facilitates students aged 5-18 years old with moderate to severe intellectual and associated disabilities. The new campus has been designed and built to encourage interactive learning and provide opportunities for students to foster skills for independence, and thrive in an ever-more complex world.
Facing the main entrance to the school, the Community Building consists of administration areas and offices, a staff lounge, a student library, and food technology facilities. Encouraging physical activities, the building also includes a fitness and therapy space, a performing arts space, and a multipurpose gym. Linked by the Central Plaza and a covered walkway, the Learning Building is separated into junior and senior-year student wings. The building is comprised of small classrooms, STEM facilities, kitchenettes, and considered breakout spaces. The school’s innovative design also features quiet nooks and alcoves to help reduce stimulus.
Externally, the school has been equipped with three different adventure and sensory play areas, an outdoor sports court, a grass playing field, and a productive garden. Throughout the campus, there’s a large variety of open landscaped areas which the school utilises for a range of social and educational purposes. Our scope of work also included some upgrades and resurfacing of the sports field at the adjacent Traralgon College.
Situated in the heart of Traralgon, this new campus serves as a vital educational hub for the greater Gippsland area. The Latrobe SDS will continue to stand as a beacon for promoting inclusivity and educational excellence within the community and beyond.
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“Community members have spoken to me about how they love that the school ‘fits’ in with the other schools. The natural colours and the incredible landscaping have made our school a beautiful, warm, and inviting learning environment.”
Nicole HerbertPrincipal, Latrobe SDS
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