Melbourne Polytechnic Glasshouse, Epping Campus Building, Victoria Architecture Development Photos
Melbourne Polytechnic Glasshouse in Epping
23 Mar 2022
Architecture: DS Architects
Location: Epping, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Photos: ZOA Studio
Melbourne Polytechnic Glasshouse, Victoria
Deep within Melbourne Polytechnic?s Epping Campus is an empty green-field site, chosen by Melbourne Polytechnic as the location for a new Glasshouse facility capable of supporting their commitment to the growth of Victoria?s Food and Fibre Industry.
Melbourne Polytechnic Glasshouse realises the TAFE?s commitment to respond to the needs, priorities and innovations within the sector, combining theory-based classroom learning with hands-on experience to facilitate a training and education centre that will enable the up-skilling of a future focussed workforce in aquaponics, hydroponics and modern agricultural practices.
We took a risk with our tender invitation where, in collaboration with Lloyd Group, we decided to challenge the brief and invert the provided concept plan for the new facility. Understanding the building requirements for both programmes, we proposed re-locating the Glasshouse, i.e. the larger of the two volumes, to the rear of the facility so as to have the education centre face inwards towards the heart of the campus. This allowed us to establish a greater connection between the facility and the rest of the precinct and to locate glazing in a meaningful way to provide dir...