A place where students feel inspired to achieve their best, Yarra Valley Grammar’s recently completed Research Centre and Chapel (the Centre) in Ringwood Victoria – designed by NOWarchitecture – builds on this private schools vision by providing a truly inspiring space where students and teachers can thrive.

The Centre is a state-of-the-art multilevel education building in the heart of the 29-hectare Yarra Valley Grammar campus comprising three levels and roof top garden. A striking reception centre greets you upon entry and a study centre atrium and non-traditional library spaces with staff work rooms foster collaboration, concentration and creativity. The first floor chapel facilitates school and community functions along with learning areas used as home rooms and a café facility.

The building is a clear stand-out in its own right whilst designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing IT Centre Building on the South side and the existing Administration building on the North side. NOWarchitecture opted for a design that respects the buildings’ surrounds whilst adding a contemporary touch. Protruding diagonal structures give it a progressive look and feel completed by a uniquely beautiful wave-like façade with RAICO timber curtain-walls and high performing low-e Insulating Glass Units, LoE-366. Neutral in colour with high clarity minus the glare, LoE-366 certainly fit the brief in terms of aesthetics.

Of course another aspect of the brief was sustainability with regards to energy efficiency and thermal and acoustic performance for learning and concentration. NOWarchitecture specialises in public and community spaces  with a focus on Environmentally Sustainable Design. And having previously worked with Glassworks’  LoE³-366 – in likeminded award-winning projects such as Bairnsdale Library, this glazing solution was a proven performer and a natural fit for the Centre.

Together as a complete system they achieve a U-Value of 1.25* for unprecedented total system performance as well as the desired clarity with a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 0.61.

Learn more about LoE³-366® low-E glass

*Measured using the DIN EN ISO 10077-2 system