New facilities support improved teaching, learning, and therapy outcomes and provide a visible symbol of growth and optimism. The project has strengthened the school’s reputation, morale, and capacity to deliver high-quality, inclusive education, and the future of Mornington SDS looks bright.

The building provides a strong contemporary presentation to the local community. A dramatic rising form announces the entrance and provides raised ceilings to the large community-focused spaces of the school. A variety of materials provide interest, with a raised steel form slipping over the brick front to enable north light into the heart of the building.

The building centres community functions that are shared by the whole school community for ease of access. Art and Food technology are positioned either side of the multi-purpose space and are able to be connected with operable walls between each, allowing a range of education and community opportunities. These are focussed on the main vista through the site to trees to the south.

Flanking each side of the main building are pairs of special needs learning areas, each sharing amenities, kitchen, storage, breakout zones and withdrawal spaces.

Connection with landscape is key, and all spaces engage and relate with external learning areas wherever possible.

Flanking each side of the main building are pairs of special needs learning areas, each sharing amenities, kitchen, storage, breakout zones and withdrawal spaces

The site redevelopment includes landscape areas including Meeting Rocks and a serpentine trail, each of which realises connections with Country.

In response to complex mobility and sensory needs, the project incorporated wide pathways, accessible bathrooms, ramps, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. These features promote student independence and safe movement throughout the school.