In 1998 the City of Melville appointed Ecotect-Architects after a tender submission by a limited number of firms to design a new environmental building in the heart of an A class reserve called Piney Lakes. This wetland site is a unique area where natural wetlands and wildlife is preserved. The community was engaged early in the briefing process and the expertise from the teaching profession help shaped the concept.

Passive solar design was employed in the design of the building to keep the temperature as stable as possible all year round. Low embodied material such as rammed limestone walls and recycled timber in the form of old light poles were used as the key elements of the structure. Night ventilation cooling, mostly natural and enhanced by a low wattage exhaust fan was employed along with ceiling fans as the summer cooling strategy.

The building is completely powered by solar and wind and with a bio diesel back-up generator. Solar water heating and solar pumping completes the energy strategy. The toilets are connected to an environmental digester and water recycling system. This building was state of the art in combining low-tech solutions with new high tech advances for environmental systems. It is used as part of the education program for school groups entering the wetland environment as part of their outreach education program.

Funds for the project were raised by the Rotary Club of Melville in conjunction with the City of Melville. The project is a demonstration of sustainability for educational establishments and provides innovative and inspirational ideas for housing design

In 2002 the completed building was awarded a Banksia Environmental award and a commendation by the RAIA.

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