Architecture | Preshil
Source: https://preshil.vic.edu.au/our-school/architectural-significance
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Architecture | Preshil
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Architecture
Heritage and Conservation Management
Heritage Report And Conservation Management Plan
Preshil’s distinguished learning environment at Arlington occupies a rare and significant place in the cultural heritage of Victoria. The original allotment dates to the earliest subdivisions of Hawthorn and Kew, and since Margaret (Greta) Lyttle purchased the 10 room brick residence ‘Arlington’ in 1937, eight new buildings have been carefully built on the land. The synergy of buildings, gardens, trees and playground spaces which we see and experience today not only distinguishes the school’s vision, but also design collaborations between Preshil children and the Melbourne architect Kevin Borland (1926-2000) from 1959.
In 1972, the totality of this achievement was recognised in Preshil receiving the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Bronze Medal, that profession’s highest honour. In 2005, Preshil was included in the Victorian Heritage Register as a place of architectural, social and historical significance to the state of Victoria.
Our Conservation Works Program enables the school to care for its heritage assets within the context of a prioritised supporting conservation strategy in the short, medium and long term. It is integrated into our strategy to ensure the longevity of its heritage significance and the architectural integrity of the Kevin Borland buildings. Preshil’s
Building Fund
and fundraising strategy focus on the completion of this capital works plan.
Imaginative And Inspiring Facilities
The learning environments at Preshil are tailor made to engage, challenge and inspire children.
A central part of Preshil’s Strategic Plan is to comprehensively and sensitively improve and conserve the significant buildings for which we are responsible.
Refurbishments and remodellings are completed as necessary to safeguard their sustainability and ensure our students can enjoy truly fit-for-purpose facilities. Planning focuses on flexibility and thoughtful repurposing, respecting the values represented by the modesty and inclusiveness of spaces across the school and providing purpose-built spaces to accommodate an robust learning, active student voice, performances and exhibitions.
Arlington (Kindergarten And Primary School)
The collection of seven buildings at the primary campus designed by the seminal Melbourne architect
Kevin Borland
is widely acclaimed, including in this feature in
Architectural Review Australia
. In 1972, Borland was awarded the RAIA bronze medal for this radical and playful series of buildings that give expression to Borland’s personal motto that “architecture is not for the faint hearted”.
Borland (whose six children attended Preshil) famously designed the buildings in collaboration with the students, whom he saw as his clients. The result is a series of extraordinary spaces that challenge and charm – completely different from the sterile classrooms that continue to be the norm today. Unexpected twists, such as secret trapdoors, mezzanines and cubby spaces encourage children to explore, and develop their physical, spatial and creative skills.
This collection of buildings were open to the public as part of our 80th birthday celebrations in 2011. Our panel featured prominent architects and Borland colleagues
Peter McIntyre
and
John Kenny
, together with education and design specialists
Mary Featherston
and alumni Ben Cleveland. We hope this will become a regular opportunity in our calendar of events.
Blackhall (Secondary School)
The architecture of the secondary school is anchored around our grand Victorian mansion – Blackhall. This is enhanced by a number of specialist facilities, including the Frances Derham Arts Centre, named after the legendary pioneer of art teaching who developed her approach while on staff at Preshil in the 1930s. The Centre is designed by the prominent Australian architect
Gregory Burgess
. Burgess received the RAIA gold medal in 2004, one of more than 40 professional and community awards received over his career. Burgess is particularly noted for his work with indigenous communities and participatory design approach, which is evident in his work at Preshil.
In 2012, the school proudly opened a
library
and learning hub, designed by the award winning firm
O’Connor + Houle
, lead by Architect Stephen O’Connor. A radically simple approach to materials and space create a building of many talents – encouraging quiet contemplation but also exuberance and celebration – in response to the needs of students.
Book a tour of Preshil
Book Now
Preshil Secondary School (Years 7-12)
12—26 Sackville Street
Kew, Victoria, Australia 3101
Telephone:
+61 3 9817 6135
Email:
preshil@preshil.vic.edu.au
Preshil Primary School (Kinder-Year 6)
395 Barkers Road
Kew, Victoria, Australia 3101
Telephone:
+61 3 9817 6135
Email:
preshil@preshil.vic.edu.au
Postal and Parking
Postal Address:
Preshil, The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School
395 Barkers Road Kew,
Victoria, Australia 3101
PRIVACY POLICY:
Click here to view our Privacy Policy
Parking for the Kindergarten and Primary School is available on Kildare Street off Barkers Road (opposite Arlington)
Parking for the Secondary School is available on the streets surrounding the campus.
© 2026 Preshil.
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Fees and enrolment costs
Scholarships
Enquiry
Book a Tour
Skip to main content
Close Search
Architecture
Heritage and Conservation Management
Heritage Report And Conservation Management Plan
Preshil’s distinguished learning environment at Arlington occupies a rare and significant place in the cultural heritage of Victoria. The original allotment dates to the earliest subdivisions of Hawthorn and Kew, and since Margaret (Greta) Lyttle purchased the 10 room brick residence ‘Arlington’ in 1937, eight new buildings have been carefully built on the land. The synergy of buildings, gardens, trees and playground spaces which we see and experience today not only distinguishes the school’s vision, but also design collaborations between Preshil children and the Melbourne architect Kevin Borland (1926-2000) from 1959.
In 1972, the totality of this achievement was recognised in Preshil receiving the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Bronze Medal, that profession’s highest honour. In 2005, Preshil was included in the Victorian Heritage Register as a place of architectural, social and historical significance to the state of Victoria.
Our Conservation Works Program enables the school to care for its heritage assets within the context of a prioritised supporting conservation strategy in the short, medium and long term. It is integrated into our strategy to ensure the longevity of its heritage significance and the architectural integrity of the Kevin Borland buildings. Preshil’s
Building Fund
and fundraising strategy focus on the completion of this capital works plan.
Imaginative And Inspiring Facilities
The learning environments at Preshil are tailor made to engage, challenge and inspire children.
A central part of Preshil’s Strategic Plan is to comprehensively and sensitively improve and conserve the significant buildings for which we are responsible.
Refurbishments and remodellings are completed as necessary to safeguard their sustainability and ensure our students can enjoy truly fit-for-purpose facilities. Planning focuses on flexibility and thoughtful repurposing, respecting the values represented by the modesty and inclusiveness of spaces across the school and providing purpose-built spaces to accommodate an robust learning, active student voice, performances and exhibitions.
Arlington (Kindergarten And Primary School)
The collection of seven buildings at the primary campus designed by the seminal Melbourne architect
Kevin Borland
is widely acclaimed, including in this feature in
Architectural Review Australia
. In 1972, Borland was awarded the RAIA bronze medal for this radical and playful series of buildings that give expression to Borland’s personal motto that “architecture is not for the faint hearted”.
Borland (whose six children attended Preshil) famously designed the buildings in collaboration with the students, whom he saw as his clients. The result is a series of extraordinary spaces that challenge and charm – completely different from the sterile classrooms that continue to be the norm today. Unexpected twists, such as secret trapdoors, mezzanines and cubby spaces encourage children to explore, and develop their physical, spatial and creative skills.
This collection of buildings were open to the public as part of our 80th birthday celebrations in 2011. Our panel featured prominent architects and Borland colleagues
Peter McIntyre
and
John Kenny
, together with education and design specialists
Mary Featherston
and alumni Ben Cleveland. We hope this will become a regular opportunity in our calendar of events.
Blackhall (Secondary School)
The architecture of the secondary school is anchored around our grand Victorian mansion – Blackhall. This is enhanced by a number of specialist facilities, including the Frances Derham Arts Centre, named after the legendary pioneer of art teaching who developed her approach while on staff at Preshil in the 1930s. The Centre is designed by the prominent Australian architect
Gregory Burgess
. Burgess received the RAIA gold medal in 2004, one of more than 40 professional and community awards received over his career. Burgess is particularly noted for his work with indigenous communities and participatory design approach, which is evident in his work at Preshil.
In 2012, the school proudly opened a
library
and learning hub, designed by the award winning firm
O’Connor + Houle
, lead by Architect Stephen O’Connor. A radically simple approach to materials and space create a building of many talents – encouraging quiet contemplation but also exuberance and celebration – in response to the needs of students.
Book a tour of Preshil
Book Now
Preshil Secondary School (Years 7-12)
12—26 Sackville Street
Kew, Victoria, Australia 3101
Telephone:
+61 3 9817 6135
Email:
preshil@preshil.vic.edu.au
Preshil Primary School (Kinder-Year 6)
395 Barkers Road
Kew, Victoria, Australia 3101
Telephone:
+61 3 9817 6135
Email:
preshil@preshil.vic.edu.au
Postal and Parking
Postal Address:
Preshil, The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School
395 Barkers Road Kew,
Victoria, Australia 3101
PRIVACY POLICY:
Click here to view our Privacy Policy
Parking for the Kindergarten and Primary School is available on Kildare Street off Barkers Road (opposite Arlington)
Parking for the Secondary School is available on the streets surrounding the campus.
© 2026 Preshil.
Close Menu
About Us
Principal’s Welcome
History of Preshil
The School
Margaret E Lyttle
Latest News
In the Media
Our ‘Courage’ Document
Educational Review 2024
Term Dates
Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures
Child Safety Policies
Employment
Our Community
Alumni & Friends of Preshil
Council and Association
Our Parents
Our Students
Our Students
Compass
Login
User Guide
Our Teachers
Our Traditions
Why Preshil?
Why Preshil?
Our Unique Environment
Our Unique Environment
Architecture, Heritage & Conservation Management
Location
Programs
Kindergarten
About
Primary
About
PlayWorlds
Secondary
About
VCE
VCE Vocational Major (VM)
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
International Baccalaureate
Year 9 Experience
Activities
Careers
Creative and Performing Arts
Art
Drama
Music
Wellbeing
Wellbeing Resources
Preshil SchoolTV
Library
Enrolment
Book A Tour
How To Enrol
How to Enrol
Enrolment Application
Transition
Fees and enrolment costs
Scholarships
Enquiry
Book a Tour