Glen Waverley South Primary School

Inspiration Glen Waverley South Primary School

Natural texture and sound absorption with Himmel Troldtekt

Glen Waverley South Primary School, located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, forms part of a broader $18.5 million masterplan delivered by Sibling Architecture for the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA).

Designed in close collaboration with the school community, the first stage of the project introduces two new buildings that redefine the campus as an open, welcoming and highly functional learning environment.

The buildings accommodate a mix of administration, staff and specialist learning spaces, alongside flexible learning spaces designed to support collaboration and creativity. A strong emphasis was placed on creating interiors that feel warm, engaging and adaptable, reflecting contemporary approaches to primary education.

Challenge

A key challenge for the design team was managing acoustic comfort in shared and collaborative spaces, including breakout areas, circulation zones and informal learning environments. These spaces are central to modern learning spaces but are often the most acoustically demanding, with higher noise levels generated by group work, movement and multiple people gathering in the one space.

The design called for high performing ceilings that could significantly absorb sound while also contributing positively to the look and feel of the spaces. The architects at Sibling Architecture sought a solution that would introduce warmth, texture and material interest, helping shared spaces feel inviting rather than institutional. Integration with lighting and building services was also critical, as was the need to remain within the constraints of a public school budget.

Solution

Himmel Troldtekt Ultrafine panels were selected as the primary ceiling solution in shared, public and breakout areas throughout the school. The wood wool panels provide high levels of sound absorption, helping to reduce reverberation and manage noise levels in spaces where collaboration and activity are encouraged.

Beyond their acoustic performance, the Troldtekt panels play an important role in shaping the character of these spaces. The natural fibres introduce warmth and texture, softening interiors and creating a more welcoming atmosphere for students, staff and visitors. As Amelia Borg, Co-Director at Sibling Architecture, explained, “We really like the natural feeling the fibres give off. The material has that natural finish, which brings warmth and texture into the spaces, rather than just regular white ceilings.” This material quality is particularly valuable in informal learning zones and community-facing areas, where comfort and visual appeal are essential.

The flexibility of the Troldtekt system also supported the architectural design, allowing for seamless integration of lighting and ceiling services without compromising acoustic performance or visual clarity.

To complement the Troldtekt ceilings in collaborative areas, Gyprock Rigitone 8mm ceiling panels were used extensively in general-purpose classrooms and teaching spaces. Rigitone provides a refined, continuous ceiling finish suited to more formal learning environments while contributing to the overall acoustic strategy of the school. This combination allows the design team to tailor acoustic treatments to the specific needs of each space, from communal areas to focused teaching areas.

Together, Himmel Troldtekt Ultrafine and Gyprock Rigitone ceiling systems enable Glen Waverley South Primary School to meet strict acoustic requirements while delivering interiors that feel warm, contemporary and purpose-built for modern education.