arete Australia has completed the extension and refurbishment of the old Student Union Building at Swinburne University of Technology’s Hawthorn campus, creating a new 24/7 Latelab and student hub.
Delivered in partnership with Swinburne and project consultants Kosloff Architecture and TSA Riley, the four-storey redevelopment supports the university’s broader next gen_campus transformation. The upgraded facility provides a new home for student study spaces previously located in the Atrium, which is set to make way for the new Campus Heart development.
The revitalised building offers a range of informal learning and collaboration zones, a café, student kitchen, new lift access and outdoor balcony space. The scope also included the construction of a rooftop extension, structural and façade upgrades, NCC compliance works and new external landscaping.
Located in a live and highly trafficked part of campus, the project was delivered under a tight program and with careful planning to minimise disruption to student life.
The new Latelab officially opened with a ribbon-cutting event attended by Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pascale Quester, Swinburne Student Association President, Sanara Galhenage, and members of the project and student communities.
arete is proud to have contributed to this important milestone in Swinburne’s evolving campus experience.
