Rising to the challenge of inner-city education in Melbourne

Prahran High School

Prahran High School is one of the first vertical schools to be constructed by the Victorian Government. Stantec provided full engineering services for the five-storey building in an established learning precinct next to Melbourne’s Swinburne University.

Making the most of the limited space available in the constrained urban site, modern teaching facilities are arranged across the upper storeys, topped by a rooftop garden. Other amenities include a learning resource centre and performing arts centre at ground level and there is a full-size gym on the third floor. A central atrium introduces natural light into the building, while bleachers cleverly offer circulation and social space at the same time as connecting the various levels. Outdoor terraces can also be accessed from every floor.

The award-winning co-educational school was constructed within a tight programme to budget and provides the full spectrum of education facilities for 650 students within the inner city,