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himmelzimmer is an architectural design practice in Melbourne Australia and Brighton UK
dedicated to investigating an architecture that evolves from a continuous dialogue of
imaginative and practical thinking.

As a studio we need to be able to define what building/design we aspire to the most:
For us this is ‘a room in the sky’, a ‘himmelzimmer’.

From its open window we can see the endless sky encouraging us that our ideas should be
dream-like without boundaries. With its window closed we can focus on the work on our desk
in front of us, the technical delivery of our ideas.

All our designs evolve from the dialogue of these two perspectives which are both essential
in the delivery of well-executed buildings that inspire and transcend the ordinary.

Our work is at its most successful where our window to the world is in a constant state of
in-between, where it is simultaneously closed and open.

We started in 2003 as studio505.
Following studio505’s closure in 2016 we are continuing our work as himmelzimmer

As a studio we need to be able to define what building/design we aspire to the most:
For us this is ‘a room in the sky’, a ‘himmelzimmer’.

All our designs evolve from the dialogue of these two perspectives which are both essential
in the delivery of well-executed buildings that inspire and transcend the ordinary.

Our work is at its most successful where our window to the world is in a constant state of
in-between, where it is simultaneously closed and open.

We started in 2003 as studio505.
Following studio505’s closure in 2016 we are continuing our work as himmelzimmer

designing your home for independence

uk + australia

drouin primary school

drouin, victoria, australia

drouin primary school

drouin, victoria, australia

architect

himmelzimmer

completion date

August 2025

client

VSBA

cost

$24.6M

photography

Benjamin Galli

As regional communities continue to grow, educational environments must evolve to support new ways of learning while remaining deeply connected to their local identity. Himmelzimmer was proud to lead the design of the Drouin Primary School expansion, delivering a contemporary learning environment that respects the school’s heritage while preparing it for future generations.

The project transforms the campus through the introduction of a new administration building, competition-grade gymnasium and flexible learning facilities designed to support enrolments of up to 800 students. Central to the design was the creation of welcoming, student-centred environments that encourage collaboration, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging. Learning communities are organised around flexible teaching hubs, breakout spaces and outdoor learning areas, providing teachers and students with greater choice in how spaces are used.

A key architectural challenge was balancing contemporary educational requirements with the character of the existing heritage-listed school. Rather than competing with the original 1930s building, the new architecture establishes a complementary relationship through carefully considered scale, materiality and landscape integration. Existing heritage trees have been preserved, while new courtyards, sports facilities and community gathering spaces strengthen connections between learning, culture and place.

The design was developed through extensive collaboration with the school community, local Traditional Owners and government stakeholders. Indigenous narratives informed the building façades, landscape design and arrival sequence, creating a campus that reflects both local history and contemporary aspirations. Sustainable design principles, including natural ventilation, daylight optimisation, rainwater harvesting and future solar integration, further support the school’s long-term environmental performance. The completed project demonstrates Himmelzimmer’s commitment to creating architecture that is educationally progressive, environmentally responsible and deeply connected to the communities it serves.