Designing for a Better Tomorrow – Schools

At Whisker Architecture, the guiding principle is simple yet profound: Live, Learn & Work [in] Your Values. This boutique Melbourne studio believes that architecture is about more than just buildings; it’s about creating spaces, whether they are homes, schools, or workplaces, that truly reflect what matters most to the people who use them.

“When spaces support who we want to be and how we want to live, they create room for empathy, kindness, and generosity – and we believe the world needs more of that” – Audrey from Whisker Architecture.

Weathertex recently had the pleasure of speaking with Audrey from Whisker Architecture about her latest project, Watsonia North Primary School. During the interview, we gained valuable insights into Whisker Architecture’s design philosophy and its strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. As Audrey puts it, “Every building we shape is designed for a better tomorrow – for our clients, their families, their communities, and for the planet.”

Audrey’s love for Architecture started in early childhood.” I would sit with floor plans from charity auctions my parents supported, redesigning them for fun. At eleven, my dad looked at my sketches and said, “You know you could make a living doing that? It’s called being an architect.” That moment set me on the path I’ve followed ever since.”

Growing up across Sydney, Vanuatu, country Queensland, the UAE, and Canberra gave Audrey a unique lens on the world, one shaped by diverse cultures and architectural styles.”. I was fascinated by why some buildings moved me while others fell flat – a curiosity that still drives my work today.”

With over a decade of experience spanning residential, education, and workplace projects, including leading award-winning school facilities, Audrey founded Whisker Architecture to bring together technical rigour with human understanding.” As a Certified Passive House Designer, sustainability is embedded in everything I do – whether designing bushfire-resilient homes, multi-generational living spaces, or modern renovations. At its core, my work is about creating spaces that help people live, learn, and work in alignment with their values.”

Whisker Architecture’s journey with Watsonia North Primary School began in late 2021, starting with a full campus masterplan. Stage 1 of the project—a new Senior School Building for Grades 5 and 6—opened in January 2025 and reflects the school’s values of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect for Country. “The design brief called for flexible paired classrooms, a central informal learning area, specialist STEAM spaces, and staff facilities that support both teamwork and quiet focus,” says Audrey from Whisker Architecture.

The design was deeply considered, telling a story that honours both the landscape and local culture. “The building footprint pivots in plan to safeguard an established gum tree already on the site, while the palette, materials, and symbolic tree inside the building specifically honour the Manna Gum, a species of significance to the Wurundjeri People. We wanted students to experience this narrative in both form and material.”

Delivering this vision didn’t come without challenges. One of the biggest was working within the constraints of capital works funding. “Every decision had to balance cost, durability, and design quality so the school could get maximum long-term value from a single stage of funding. Weathertex supported this by being cost-effective while still delivering the durability we needed for a high-use school environment.”

Cost and performance weren’t the only considerations. Construction efficiency was also key. “Another challenge was simplifying construction for the builder. By using Weathertex both internally and externally, we reduced the number of different materials on site, which helped streamline supply and installation.”

While there were no formal sustainability targets set for the project, the team still made thoughtful choices to reduce its environmental impact where possible. “Replacing one layer of plasterboard with a GreenTag Gold Plus certified product was a small but meaningful improvement.”

When it comes to school environments, durability and performance are non-negotiable. But increasingly, architects are also seeking materials that support sustainability and design integrity, without compromising on either.

“Our interest in using Weathertex internally came from looking for ways to improve both sustainability and durability beyond the traditional plasterboard lining.”

For acoustically rated walls in schools, it’s common to see double layers of plasterboard—yet this standard approach comes with a significant environmental cost. By working alongside acoustic engineers, the design team found a smarter alternative: replacing one layer of plasterboard with Weathertex. Not only did this reduce material impact, but it also introduced a GreenTag Gold Plus certified, impact-resistant solution designed to handle the wear and tear of everyday school life.

“From a design perspective, Weathertex also gave us the opportunity to create a stronger connection between inside and outside. At Watsonia North Primary School, for example, we specified Weathergroove Smooth 75mm internally and externally, painted to match the Acoustic pinboards. This created a seamless material transition, added tactile richness for sensory-seeking students, and drew the eye upwards with a vertical rhythm that echoed the surrounding bush.

Using Weathertex internally has proven to be both a practical and creative solution – a way to elevate everyday school environments while reducing environmental impact.”

“I’ve specified Weathertex for a number of years across both education and residential projects. Our first uses were in school settings, where its durability and sustainability made it an excellent alternative to more conventional linings. Since then, we’ve expanded its use into residential projects, taking advantage of its lightweight versatility for creative applications such as cladding tilt-up garage doors.” Audrey noted.

The Watsonia North Primary School project reflects Whisker Architecture’s commitment to designing spaces that are not only functional and durable, but also deeply connected to culture, community, and sustainability. By thoughtfully integrating materials like Weathertex, the team was able to meet performance and budget requirements without compromising on design quality or environmental responsibility.

Through considered planning, creative material use, and a values-driven approach, Whisker Architecture has delivered a learning environment that supports students, educators, and the broader school community,today and well into the future. This project is a clear example of how purposeful design can elevate everyday spaces and contribute meaningfully to a better built environment.

Weathertex is proud to be part of Audrey’s projects, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration into the future