The learning spaces in Catherine McAuley College’s new arts centre in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, reflect a collaborative approach and invite students to share their thinking with peers and teachers. Internal and external spaces have been designed to accommodate various modes of learning, music and drama performances, art exhibitions and community functions. Corridors work as gallery spaces for use by the college and the broader community. The plan provides opportunities for breakout/reflection areas, and the ground-floor spaces open directly onto outdoor learning areas, including an amphitheatre. The centre’s design includes sustainable initiatives that focus on the health and wellbeing of the students while minimising the impact on the immediate environment. Positive solar orientation makes the most of the northern aspect and provision of natural light to internal spaces. Internal finishes were selected to minimise life-cycle costs and limit negative impact on the indoor air quality. A 60-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system has been integrated into the building management system for the display of energy consumption and generation.