Lilydale Adventist Academy

The Brief

When Genem were initially engaged to construct a new Language Centre for the school, they suggested re-using a disused girl's dormitory, befitting Genem's constant philosophy of the importance of recycling buildings. This idea was initially resisted by the school community, as the dormitory was replete with many small rooms, and it was difficult to imagine a conversion into larger spaces while staying within budget. Genem persisted and convinced the school that it would be better practice to convert an existing building than demolish it and start anew.

Genem successfully converted the old dormitory into a new Language Centre, with four classrooms, a large foyer, and an administrative space. The whole building has a multifunctional design, with operable interior doors allowing for the rooms to be converted into larger spaces for exhibitions, meetings, and events. The entire building is also designed to make the greatest use of natural light.

Genem also provided a network of covered ways to link all buildings on the school premises to one another. Genem were able to provide this, as well as the new language centre, within budget.