When Figurehead took on Clifton Hill Primary School, the project was at 70% completion, but critical challenges remained. Construction defects, delays, and structural concerns needed to be addressed before the school could open its doors to students. Engaged by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA), our role was to rectify outstanding issues, restore progress, and ensure a high-quality, fully operational learning environment.

This was more than just delivering a finished building—it was about ensuring the school was built to last, meeting the needs of students, staff, and the wider community.

The Challenge: Rebuilding More Than Just a Structure

With construction stalled, Figurehead inherited a complex landscape of unresolved issues, the most pressing being significant water damage to the Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure. Timber that should have been strong and resilient had absorbed moisture, jeopardising its integrity and longevity. Left unchecked, this could have compromised not just the project timeline, but the safety and quality of the building itself.

Beyond the physical challenges, the project had also lost momentum. Subcontractors had withdrawn, stakeholders were uncertain, and trust needed to be rebuilt. A school is not just a building; it is a foundation for growth, learning, and community. Every decision we made was with the students, staff, and families in mind.

Our Approach: A Blueprint for Progress

Delivering Clifton Hill Primary School the Figurehead way meant adopting a strategic, solutions-focused approach, balancing technical precision with strong leadership and proactive stakeholder engagement.

1. Restoring the Structural Integrity of CLT

We implemented a meticulous moisture control strategy to bring the timber back to structural compliance. Using industrial dehumidifiers over 12 weeks—including an accelerated works program during the Christmas period—we dried out the timber, ensuring it met strict quality and safety benchmarks.

2. Re-engaging Subcontractors & Rebuilding Trust

Many subcontractors were hesitant to return after the project’s earlier disruptions. To restore confidence, we met with each team individually, revised their scopes of work, clarified project expectations, and established a transparent, collaborative process. With strong communication, clear deliverables, and leadership that put problem-solving at the forefront, we reassembled a committed workforce and regained project momentum.

3. Accelerating the Program Without Compromise

The school had a clear deadline—students were waiting, and delays were not an option. We took a proactive approach to scheduling, increasing collaboration with VSBA, and implementing an accelerated program that saw key milestones met without sacrificing quality.

By working through the Christmas period, increasing on-site resources, and tightening coordination between all stakeholders, we delivered a school that was not just completed—but completed to the highest standard.

The Outcome: A School That Stands for More

Clifton Hill Primary School is now a fully realised, multi-level vertical campus, designed to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings while providing students with a dynamic and forward-thinking learning environment.

With state-of-the-art classrooms, flexible breakout spaces, a rooftop garden, and a gymnasium, the school is more than just a place of education—it is an inspiring environment where students can thrive. Sustainability was embedded into the project, with Passivhaus principles and energy-efficient systems ensuring the school is built for long-term resilience and performance.

This project stands as a testament to Figurehead’s ability to overcome adversity, drive quality outcomes, and deliver spaces that genuinely impact communities.

Because at the heart of every project we build, it’s never just about the structure—it’s about the people, the purpose, and the future it shapes.

Figurehead | Built for the Next Generation.