In recognising the demand for trade training at their Echuca Campus, the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE undertook to build a modern facility to accommodate further education in woodwork, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and welding/ metalwork disciplines.

The resulting multi-discipline trade training facility features classrooms, relaxation spaces and large, open plan workshop areas.

The large workshop areas provide enough space to accommodate students across all trades, with high performance glazed curtain walls allowing generous amounts of natural light to fill the space. The adjacent classrooms are fully equipped with high speed data networks to aid current learning trends and methodologies.

The recreational area, known as the 'Chill Out Space', comprises a kitchenette, television and versatile dining/lounge chairs. The ceilings extend to the second floor, as does the full height Aboriginal mural which is screenprinted on ceramic tiles to resemble a possum pelt.

Externally, a shaded outdoor eating area is located directly outside the existing restaurant, and is surrounded by various plants set amongst gravel mulch and concrete paving.

A range of major services were integrated into this project including: large photovoltaic panels which power the building by day and feedback surplus power to the grid by night; and mass water storage facilities required for firefighting purposes.