ADCO Constructions

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/victoria-university">Victoria University</a> has just announced the creation of a brand new learning hub in Melbourne’s west as part of a partnership with the Victorian Government and the Ian Potter Foundation. The exciting new addition to Ballarat Road in Sunshine has been designed by world-class architectural firm <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, with a clear vision to combat a skills shortage across Melbourne and achieve a 5 Star <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/5-of-melbournes-environmentally-conscious-new-development-highlights">Green Star environmental rating</a>. 'Sunshine Skills Hub' will offer TAFE courses in disciplines such as health, community services and trades, with an outstanding selection of technology available to students.

A hands-on approach to learning has inspired the design team to create simulation experiences, utilising state-of-the-art technology such as 3D modelling software, virtual reality goggles, robots, computerised mannequins, simulation hospital wards, the latest coding software and more. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ssh5_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ssh5_1.jpg?itok=5IIO_F--" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sunshine Skills Hub. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>As the job market changes, Victoria University is continuing to develop new programmes to assist with the transition of workers into emerging industries. In 2018 the University launched a  digital technology qualification, which sparked the idea to create three innovation spaces: the ideation space, the software centre and the prototyping room. The rooms will be equipped with advanced technology with a goal to encourage the development of lateral thinking and problem-solving skills.

<blockquote>
“Teaching methodologies are shifting to problem-based learning and traditional space typologies are being challenged in the design response. The Skills Hub is a series of cross-sector spaces designed to help bridge the gap between education and industry."

- Sarah Ball, Woods Bagot Principal
</blockquote>

The three-story hub will feature a kitchenette for student use, a cafe, staff accommodation for 20 employees, ‘informal learning facilities’, IT and research support services, student services centre and a learning commons.

Sunshine Skills Hub's sawtooth design aims to maintain thermal comfort while reducing the need for air conditioning. It also acts as a reference to the harvester work factories previously found in the Sunshine area. 

Undertaking the build of the project will be ADCO Constructions (<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/deakin-burwoods-new-student-accommodation-building-embraces-the-space">who built Deakin Burwood campus' student accommodation</a>), with a goal to complete the facility by December 2019. Sunshine Skills Hub is Victoria University's second development to take place this year, following the partnership with ISPT to create <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/ispt-set-to-deliver-victoria-universitys-new-vertical-city-campus">the university's first vertical campus</a>.
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Olivia Round

Victoria University announces innovative new vocational training facility targeting Melbourne’s skill shortages 

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Student accommodation and design prowess don't necessarily go hand in hand, in fact many of Melbourne's dated student accommodation buildings are an affront to the senses.

Generally very repetitive in every aspect of their design, very few cut through and resonate with a sense of design nous. One such project that does deserve its moment in the sun is Deakin University's freshly completed Burwood student accommodation project sited on Uganda Street.

Delivered by ADCO Constructions, the new Burwood facility differentiates itself from many, if not all of its inner city counterparts is that it has an asset that seldom few can boast; space, and an abundance of it. Perhaps the best feature of the Burwood student accommodation project is that this space isn't treated as an afterthought, it is integral to both the new building and the wider precinct.

Thoughtful use of the space surrounding the new complex manifests itself by way of landscaping and extensive placemaking.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4179.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Deakin Burwood Campus' latest addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4179.jpg?itok=X4jDDDMA" title="Deakin Burwood Campus' latest addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Deakin Burwood Campus' latest addition</figcaption></figure>Designed by Nettleton Tribe, the project is spread over three wings, with internal apartments generally configured in a 2, 4 and 6 bedroom format, providing on-campus accommodation for an additional 575 students.

Built over 17 months, key internal features include a central common area with lounge and kitchen/dining zones, multiple communal study zones and student car parking. Rooftop solar panels adds to the buildings credentials but it is at ground level where the new facility excels.

The accommodation's three separate wings has allowed for a network of pathways and green spaces to take precedence. Adjacent to the build is an open plan recreation space which features flexible format furniture, a games area, outdoor entertainment area with BBQ, various styles of seating and lighting to the majority of areas.

These spaces funnel through the ground level plane of the new complex, effectively creating a focal point.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4245.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green space and considered placemaking is apparent"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4245.jpg?itok=530BVCi2" title="Green space and considered placemaking is apparent" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green space and considered placemaking is apparent</figcaption></figure>Nettleton Tribe's latest design also links with their 2012 student accommodation building and beyond. Deakin University's considerable investment also sees placemaking initiatives such as the <a href="http://www.deakin.edu.au/locations/melbourne-burwood-campus/building-projects/burwood-link">Burwood Link</a> currently under construction.

Impressive as Deakin University's new Burwood student accommodation project is, it doesn't stand alone as a shining example of the typology in Melbourne's suburbs. Mention should go to RMIT Bundoora's McKimmies Road facility and Monash Clayton's Student accommodation Precinct; both of which go to great lengths in melding new buildings effectively with their surrounds by way of extensive landscaping.

See below further images of Deakin University's new student accommodation building.
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