La Trobe University Student Accommodation

As part of a greater expansion plan, La Trobe University undertook a $100m project to create much-needed student accommodation at its Bundoora campus. The aim? To provide 600+ beds in two 6 and 7 storey buildings to enrich the student experience. Constructed in cross-laminated timber – the largest in Victoria, and aiming to reduce its carbon footprint, the striking curved structures presented a challenge to our multi-discipline team.

Closely collaborating with the client and design team, we used passive design principles to optimise the façade and apply stringent air tightness requirements to mitigate the need for conventional heating and air conditioning. The outcome? The project delivers comfortable indoor environments through a tempered air system. Extensive modelling helped guide and verify the design, ultimately achieving improvements in the build quality and future proofing the building.

The completed project embraces sustainability, from building envelope performance through to a reduction in embodied carbon to achieve a 5 Green Star As Built rating. These synergies work together to forge a greener, more sustainable future for students and generations to come.