Chisholm Institute – Dandenong Tech School

The purpose-built, single-storey facility spans approximately 1,200 square metres and has been designed to reflect the identity, landscape and culture of the Dandenong community. Accommodating up to 80 students at a time, the building features flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces that support a diverse range of technology-focused programs and learning experiences.

A standout feature is the Digital Lab, an immersive learning environment incorporating decorative ceiling lighting and acoustic ceiling panels, 32 gaming stations, 10 75-inch displays, and impressive 6-metre LED screens. Transparent LED film adds another innovative digital feature, reinforcing the facility’s technology-rich, future-focused nature.

At the heart of the building is an open-air courtyard, providing a calm and welcoming space for students between programs while bringing natural light into the surrounding interiors. The courtyard also contributes to the building’s passive cooling strategy, allowing cooler air to accumulate overnight and circulate throughout the day to help regulate indoor temperatures during warmer months.

The building’s façade incorporates projection capabilities, enabling the facility to connect with Dandenong’s arts and cultural events. Internally, design elements reference the local landscape, with topographical features reflecting the contours of Dandenong and the path of Dandenong Creek. A visual representation of a yarning circle also depicts the seven seasons of the Bunurong people’s seasonal calendar.

The completed Dandenong Tech School is a high-quality, future-focused education facility that brings together advanced technology, flexible learning environments and considered design, while celebrating the history, culture and character of the local community.