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Case Study

Damascus College

At Damascus College in Ballarat, a bold vision for senior learning has come to life. The school’s newly completed senior learning precinct is more than just a building, it’s a future-focused environment designed to empower students as they transition into tertiary education and the workforce. Central to this transformation was a carefully considered school furniture fit out, delivered in collaboration with VE Furniture and Law Architects.

Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture

The Project Brief: From Concept to Collaboration

In late 2024, VE Furniture joined forces with Damascus College and Law Architects, led by Chris Cogdon and Hansi Hettikanda, to bring a new senior learning environment to life. The partnership kicked off with a face-to-face meeting in November at Law Architects’ Melbourne office, setting the tone for a collaborative and purposeful project.

The brief was clear: create a warm, modern aesthetic that balances comfort, functionality and future-readiness. The goal was to blur the line between traditional classroom furniture and tertiary-style spaces, preparing students for life beyond school.

This wasn’t just about furniture, it was about shaping environments that support independence, collaboration and adaptable learning styles.

Architect

Law Architects

BUILDER

AW Nicholson

Photography

Dianna Snape Photography

Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct Fly-through by Law Architects
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
"This was a true collaboration between VE Furniture, Law Architects and Damascus College. The guidance and input provided - from design and layout, to selection was next level. The contrast between inside and outside the classroom is exceptional."
Brett Holloway
Finance & Operations at Damascus College
Design Inspiration & Product Highlights
Inspired by the native landscapes surrounding the school's Ballarat campus, the interior scheme featured warm tones, tactile finishes and a deep connection to the natural world. Earthy upholstery, natural timber laminates, and soft accents tied each space back to the local environment while maintaining a clean, modern edge.

At the heart of the fit out were Shinto benches and tables, selected for their blend of elegance, flexibility and durability. Their refined frame and minimalist form made them a standout choice for collaborative zones, classrooms and breakout spaces.

To enhance adaptability across the precinct, many pieces of classroom furniture were fitted with castors, enabling staff to quickly reconfigure layouts for group work, independent study or presentations. This flexibility was a key component of the project’s success and central to the school’s pedagogical goals.
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture
From Vision to Reality
The Damascus school fitout was delivered smoothly and on time, no small feat for a large-scale senior precinct. The experience was shaped not only by strong project coordination but by the confidence Damascus College had in VE Furniture’s capabilities.

That trust had been earned earlier, when members of the college visited Avila College, another VE Furniture project. Impressed by the warmth of the finishes and the quality of the loose furniture, the team at Damascus knew they were in good hands.
The Result: Spaces That Support Student Growth
Since completion, the new precinct has been embraced by both staff and students. The spaces feel calm, collaborative and carefully considered, exactly what the college hoped for. One teacher likened it to a coworking hub: open, connected and buzzing with possibility.

Students love the freedom to rearrange their environment to suit different learning tasks, while teachers appreciate how the school furniture supports lesson delivery without getting in the way.

The result is a dynamic, adaptable precinct that reflects the college’s values and supports modern pedagogical approaches. Every setting, from quiet study zones to open collaboration areas, feels tailored to the way students learn best.
Damascus College Senior Learning Precinct by VE Furniture

Looking to bring your school’s learning vision to life?

Talk to our team today about how VE Furniture can help you design an environment that empowers every learner. 

The school furniture fit out at Damascus College showcases how thoughtful furniture choices can elevate learning experiences. With a design that feels both grounded and forward-thinking, this senior learning precinct furniture solution sets a new benchmark for schools across Victoria.