St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls ESSTEAM Studio | Christou Design Group

The Una Mitchell ESSTEAM refurbishment at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls transforms an existing 1975 building, originally designed by Gus Ferguson, into a cutting-edge learning environment that supports the school’s innovative ESSTEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program. The new learning floor plate features flexible classrooms, makerspaces, and high-tech facilities, including Spark Hub’s, Pitch Arena, and Media Studio. These areas foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, aligning with a future-focused pedagogy and problem-based learning.
Sustainability is central to the design, with durable, environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient systems reducing the space’s carbon footprint. Anchored by an important Indigenous artwork, a Central Lane improves connectivity, creating a meeting place which enriches the cultural and social experience. The project emphasises adaptability and evolution with technological advancements and changing educational needs. The St Hilda’s ESSTEAM space provides students with a dynamic, innovative environment to thrive and prepare for future challenges.