Victoria University Construction Hub

The new Sunshine Construction Hub provides a centre of excellence with high quality, accessible, industry-responsive facilities to deliver the latest in building and construction training. Flexible space is maximised and materials are used innovatively and sustainably to provide an iconic building for Victoria University and the western region of Melbourne.

The building form expresses the progressive nature of the construction industry – the rapid development of new materials and construction design technologies – encouraging industry partners to engage with the centre and providing students with invaluable experience and industry exposure.

There are two primary teaching spaces – the trades workshop and general teaching spaces – resulting in an airside/landside relationship that promotes linkages between practical and theory spaces while allowing for appropriate environmental separation. The programme has been considered as a range of learning typologies, including a technology hub, industry room (theatrette and exhibition space), work-based education centre, flexible learning (collaborative learning pods and breakout) and formal learning (workshop, machine shops and general purpose classrooms). The one location provides flow-on benefits for economic development in the West of Melbourne with an expanded capacity for learning solutions for skill shortages and up-skilling needs. VU will have closer links with the building and construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries and offer new and innovative educational programs tailored to their needs. The new facility achieved a six star energy rating and showcases best practice in trades training, green skilling, up-skilling and re-skilling.

As part of the Education Investment Fund, an Australian Government initiative, SCF provides a loose-fit long-life shell that responds to and caters for changing course programmes. An ideal structural span gains maximum efficiencies from off-the-shelf structural members while flexible servicing allows for equipment changes throughout the life of the building.

Formal teaching spaces incorporate best practice electrical and communications systems, including a custom-designed web conferencing facility for video and web presentations, demonstrations to users and a platform for engaging with partners and universities around the world.