Location: 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125
Scope: 18,350 sqm; 5 levels.
Architect: Woods Bagot
Completion Year: 2021
ShapeShift Product: Customised ShapeShell™ RT Internal Wall Cladding Panels.
Design Features: Collaborative learning spaces, biophilic design with Wellness and Winter Gardens.
In 2021, Deakin University’s Burwood Campus, located in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, underwent a groundbreaking transformation of its Law School Building, redefining how educational spaces should look, feel, and function.
Designed by architect Woods Bagot, the project stands as a testament to innovative thinking, with the building transcending traditional university layouts and learning environments to champion collaborative, interactive learning spaces, ultimately bringing students and faculty closer together.
Spanning 18,350 square metres across five levels, the goal was to create a space that was both inspiring and functional to meet the evolving educational needs of today. With elements like the Wellness and Winter Gardens located on different levels, the building incorporates biophilic and sustainable building materials, enhancing the well-being of everyone who steps inside.
To bring the architect’s vision to life, ShapeShift provided customised ShapeShell RT™/FRP (the next generation of fibre-reinforced polymer) internal cladding composite panels that are designed to meet performance, safety, and aesthetic requirements.
These lightweight architectural panels are both fire-resistant and durable, ensuring safety, sustainability, and a modern aesthetic—making them ideal for high-traffic educational environments and aligning with Deakin’s overarching educational goals. The use of non-metallic reinforcement in the FRP panels also provided long-lasting durability by eliminating corrosion concerns.
ShapeShift worked closely with Woods Bagot, Industry Cladding, Casello Group, and ASPECT Studios to ensure that each stage of the project met the highest standards. This collaborative effort reduced risks, improved quality, and kept the project running on schedule.
Today, the Deakin University Law School building stands as a beacon of modern learning—sustainable, adaptable, and truly student-centered. The integration of ShapeShell RT™/FRP panels provided an efficient, aesthetic, and safe environment, reinforcing the role of well-designed spaces in promoting learning and well-being. The use of sustainable building materials has contributed significantly to Deakin University’s green credentials.
ShapeShift provides innovative, sustainable, and high-quality cladding solutions for modern architectural projects. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life with ShapeShell’s advanced FRP composite materials, contact us today.
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