Built on the site of the demolished Ginninderra District High School (Block 1, Section 48 in Holt, ACT), the West Belconnen Regional School project formed part of a government policy aimed at updating and improving the delivery of education in Canberra. The school is designed to function as an integrated Pre-school to Year 10, providing a linear progression in curriculum & development for students.

The scope of the project included the construction of a library/resource centre, general study areas & classrooms, science & design technology facilities, visual & performing arts, physical education facilities and state-of-the-art synthetic sports oval, school canteen and eating areas, plus administration and support facilities for the complex.

Manteena was able to achieve several savings in both cost & time. For example, by splitting key trades such as structural steel & brickwork and engaging multiple contractors, works were accelerated. Also, through the selection of alternative building products, such as Klip-lok roof sheeting, cost savings were realised. These actions resulted in the project being completed under budget and ahead of schedule–with a significant portion of the project budget returned to the client.

The school includes a number of sound Ecologically Sustainable Development principles such as: rainwater collection from each roof & storage in two 115,000 litre underground rainwater tanks which is then used for landscaping irrigation, toilet flushing & other non-potable water uses; solar panels installation to provide hot water; and each building is constructed to maximise natural sunlight & ventilation through the inclusion of clerestory windows to provide natural indirect sunlight in each building whilst sun screens & extended eaves prevent direct sunlight shining into classrooms. Glazed airlocks have been installed to the entry points of each building, to maximise efficiency of heating & cooling systems.