Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Building the Future of Learning: Inside the Centre for Higher Education Studies
Delivered by Figurehead, the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) in South Yarra is a purpose-built learning hub designed by Brand Architects, Fieldwork with the VSBA to give high-achieving Victorian secondary students a head start on university through advanced VCE subjects and first-year tertiary studies. The state-of-the-art facility supports both on-site and virtual learning, creating a collaborative environment that connects schools, universities and students from across the state. We spoke with Figurehead about realising an ambitious project on a challenging site.
CHES has since received multiple awards and recognition for its contribution to educational environments. From your perspective, what aspects of the project do you believe were most critical to achieving that level of industry acclaim?
Given the innovative solutions that were designed into this project, the success of CHES hinged on the strength of collaboration across design, engineering, and delivery — with a shared commitment to quality, clarity, and purpose.
Delivering technical details with precision was crucial, as the tectonics of the build were designed to be exposed as a point of learning in themselves to the students within the space. Achieving this required a relentless commitment to quality; when the structure is the finished product, there is no room for error in the junctions or services coordination.
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
In what ways did this project differ from more traditional school builds in terms of complexity or expectations?
CHES was a departure from traditional school infrastructure, demanding a sophisticated commercial approach to a specialised educational brief. Situated on a constrained site flanked by neighbouring properties and active tram lines, the project required the high-density expertise typical of inner-Melbourne’s multi-unit residential sector that Figurehead is so accustomed to. To overcome logistical constraints, Figurehead implemented an 'inside-out' construction methodology. By meticulously sequencing the building’s slabs we could facilitate internal vehicle movements, which maintained site momentum without compromising the surrounding urban flow.
How did the collaboration between builder, architect and consultants evolve throughout the project?
On a project as technically demanding as CHES, alignment between all consultants was paramount. Operating under Government oversight, our team prioritised radical transparency from day one. As we navigated the unique constraints of a vertical school build with new technologies, trust was solidified through a shared solutions-first mindset. Rather than allowing site complications to create friction, the team’s proactive approach to addressing challenges ensured a seamless delivery alongside consultants like Brand and Fieldwork. We also had a lot of communication with the School staff as the term approached to enable safe access to the building as teachers prepared for the term ahead. The success of CHES is a direct result of this evolution—moving beyond a standard contract toward a truly integrated partnership.
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) | Figurehead Construction | Images: Tom Ross
Tell us about your team’s experience engaging with the content on Built Environment Channel screens.
It’s easy to be absorbed by our Figurehead world. The team enjoy industry updates that keep us connected with the broader news in the industry and seeing fresh products to consider. We also love to celebrate our own company news like new starters and culture reminders—we have fun with the content!
