Thirty minutes outside Shepparton on Yorta Yorta Country, the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus is surrounded by rolling farmland. The 2,440-hectare property is Victoria’s oldest agricultural college and includes a broadacre farm, a dairy farm with a robotic dairy, orchard, winery and a natural bush reserve.

JCB recently completed a new student accommodation facility on campus, providing a comfortable and welcoming residential environment for students, staff and visitors of the college.

Inspired by the campus’ agricultural roots, the design pays homage to the rural vernacular with its clean, vertical lines expressed throughout the external façade. Each of the 85 ensuite units overlook a communal courtyard, while an expansive communal kitchen and living area creates a social heart, with large windows framing views of the surrounding trees.

Working closely with head contractor Modscape, the design utilised prefabricated, modular construction to meet a fast-tracked program. The project was a joint investment by the State Government and the University of Melbourne.

Supporting the University’s growing regional presence, the new accommodation offers a modern living experience in a rural setting and enhances Dookie's role as a hub for agricultural education and research.

With thanks to our collaborators: University of Melbourne, Modscape, AECOM, ACOR and GLAS. 

Image by Gavin Green