The St Joseph’s College modernisation transforms a crowded, traditional campus into a contemporary, dual-campus learning environment that celebrates the school's Brigidine heritage while supporting future growth.

Our masterplan-led design responds to increasing enrolments and evolving educational needs by introducing the Kildare Junior Campus—a purpose-built facility on 80 acres of Yorta Yorta land designed for Years 7–9 students. The new campus relieves overcrowding at the historic Senior Campus and provides flexible, engaging learning environments that foster curiosity and connection.

The light in the corridors and classrooms creates a sense of space, ambiance and has evoked a joy filled response from students, staff and families. Many visitors comment on the light and bright feel of this campus.

Principal Anne Marie Cairns

St Joseph's College Echuca

The design draws on the site’s natural and cultural context: red brick facades, arched openings, pitched roof forms, and cross steelwork echo the Apsley Building, while young oaks propagated from the Sacred Oak line the entry avenue—connecting students with the school's 138-year history.

The central plaza, formed around the Brigidine Cross, serves as the campus heart, linking light-filled Administration and Learning Buildings. Inside, biophilic design principles guide the interiors, with spaces reflecting the Sacred Oak’s seasonal cycle to support different learning modes, including open, collaborative zones for teamwork, quiet, cocooned nooks for individual reflection, and flexible learning areas adaptable for direct instruction or small-group work.

The layout of the campus, with its central plaza formed by the convergence of the main roads, mirrors the outline of a Brigidine Cross. The path between the Nagle and Brennan buildings points directly toward our original campus, symbolising our connection to our origins. Throughout the campus, you'll see arches, roof peaks, and other design elements that have been reinterpreted from our historic buildings, reinforcing the continuity of our story and commitment as a Catholic school of the future.

Principal Anne Marie Cairns

St Joseph's College Echuca

This modernised, adaptable campus strengthens the college’s community and educational mission, providing versatile, nature-connected spaces for students to thrive today and into the future.

As a key outcome, the design is based on an interesting mix of assets inspired by the heritage campus, and innovative components which ensure flexibility, inclusivity and well-being.

Jury citation

LEA Victoria Chapter Awards 2024

The jury especially appreciated how this project gave attention to the history and the essence of the institution.

Jury citation

LEA Victoria Chapter Awards 2024