Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre | Peddle Thorp Architects

Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre | Peddle Thorp Architects | Photographer: Victor Vieaux

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre | Peddle Thorp Architects

Traditional Land Owners

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation.

Year
2026
Chapter

Victoria

Category
Educational Architecture
Builder
Building Engineering Pty Ltd
Photographer
Victor Vieaux
Media summary

The Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre is a visionary facility providing state of the art aquatic and wellness spaces for students and the wider school community. It includes two swimming pools, flexible learning hubs, fitness areas, and wellness spaces that support physical, mental, and holistic wellbeing. The design reflects the school’s commitment to active and balanced lifestyles and incorporates sustainable initiatives such as solar energy generation, rainwater harvesting, and passive shading to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Delivered within a live school campus, innovative construction methods ensured safety and minimal disruption. The name Coonawarra Willam, meaning Home of the Swan in the Woi wurrung language, was gifted by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Zeta Thomson and symbolises harmony between land and water. Beyond the school, the centre supports the broader community through a learn to swim program promoting water safety and confidence.

The Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre is more than a remarkable facility. It realises a bold vision to enrich the educational and sporting experience of every student at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Designed with intent and a clear understanding of community needs, the Centre is a vibrant place where students pursue personal bests, build character, and develop lifelong skills in perseverance, teamwork and resilience. This world class precinct supports holistic education through athletic excellence, curriculum innovation and community engagement. It has become a hub for inspiration and connection, uniting students, staff, alumni and families in shared learning and growth together proudly.

Project Practice Team

Robert Alessi, Project Architect
Socrati Seretis, Project Principal Designer and Client Management
Alex Davies, Project Architect
Rob Page, Project Director
George Avraam, Graduate of Architecture
Dai Phung, Senior Documentor
Wenting Gan, Graduate of Architecture
Robert Abajas, Senior Documentor

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Northrop Consulting, Structural Engineer
NJM Design, Services Consultant
Hydrautech Designs, Pool Engineering
Debtech Pty Ltd, Project Manager
Ration Planning, Town Planner
Northrop Consulting, Civil Consultant
Tekcon Group, Building Surveyor

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