St Francis Catholic College

Project: St Francis Catholic College
Practice: Y2 Architecture
Location: Melton, Victoria
Planex products: xLocker2 System
Lock technology: Hasp Lock

St Francis Catholic College describes the Junior Hub in Melton as “a planned evolution of its campus, supporting contemporary learning while maintaining a strong connection to its history.” Designed by Y2 Architecture, the double-storey facility consolidates specialist learning areas, flexible classrooms, a makerspace and staff amenities within a cohesive framework.

A defining move is the integration of past and present. The original masonry wall, featuring the College’s hand-painted mural and motto, is retained within the new building, anchoring the project while reinforcing continuity across the campus.

The architecture is driven by openness, adaptability and a strong connection to the outdoors. Circulation is treated as usable space, with breakout areas and an alfresco balcony extending learning beyond the classroom. Covered breezeways form a key organisational element, linking buildings through sheltered external corridors that maintain permeability, light and cross-campus connectivity.

The College also incorporates a water fountain featuring artwork by Robert Michael Young, a Gunnai, Waradjuri, and Gunditjmara artist embedding First Nations presence within the daily experience of the campus.

Planex contributed to the design of the breezeways through the design, manufacture and installation of the xLocker2 system. The lockers were fitted with a rotary hasp padlock to simplify access management and ongoing operational support. Integrated within these semi-external zones, the lockers support student use while reinforcing spatial rhythm and functional clarity. Positioned in semi-exposed environments, the lockers were manufactured from zinc-coated steel, providing a durable and resilient solution suited to undercover external conditions where indirect exposure to weather may occur.

Photography by Christopher Puro