Catholic Education SA , Mary MacKillop College Tenison Centre

Footing redesign

Low level contaminated soil discovered during early works necessitated a full review of the building’s footing design. Sarah’s team worked collaboratively with the project’s structural engineer and footing subcontractors to amend the design to suit the soil profile.  

Fire rating strategy 

The initial fire rating design was based on use of a specific paint product requiring a lengthy application process. Sarah worked with the architect, adapting the fire rating strategy to include alternative products to suit the structural design with some minor modifications.

As well as mitigating delays to the program, the alternative strategy resulted in significant cost savings.

Reviewing joinery design

When conducting a review of the project’s joinery requirements, it was discovered that several benchtops were discontinued or had long lead times. Sarah’s team modified the detailing and leveraged relationships with quality local suppliers and contractors to offer alternative materials and further cost savings.    

Delivery in an operational school environment

With the project delivered within a fully functional school environment, Sarah’s team focused on logistic planning and construction methodologies to avoid impacts on learning.  

All utility service tie-ins were scheduled during school holidays, and when Year 12 students were on site preparing for exams during the Term 3 break Sarah’s team devised a staged approach to electrical shutdowns to minimise stress on students and staff.  

Deliveries were scheduled outside of drop off and pick up times, all construction traffic was directed away from the main access, and internal access and egress pathways were closed only as required.  

Site facilities and laydown areas were located on top of existing tennis courts, and carefully protected during works.  Sarah demobilised its facilities earlier than planned to return this space to students, working instead from inside the new building.  

Despite the proximity to students and being surrounded by private residences, the project was delivered without stakeholder incident or complaint. 

Managing latent conditions

When civil works commenced, soil investigations revealed low level contaminated soil across the site, and detailed excavations discovered the remnants of an existing cellar structure.    

Further investigations showed that more than 900 tonnes of affected soil would need to be removed from site; a costly and time-consuming exercise. 

While Sarah worked with the school to manage the time and cost implications, and review the footing design, the team developed a method to safely stockpile the spoil on the college grounds and continue excavations, without significant impact to the overall program.

Managing safety and environmental risks

The project’s high-risk activities included deep excavations, working at heights, and working immediately under and around live services, including overhead powerlines and significant underground services.  

All subcontractors and project personnel received comprehensive safety inductions and regular toolboxes reinforced safe ways of working.  

The site featured several significant trees, which were maintained using tree protection zones, and street sweepers were used as required during civil works.   

Value Management Process

During the tender phase, Sarah completed a comprehensive value management process, which was further refined with the client and consultants on award.  

Leveraging Sarah’s knowledge of alternative materials and relationships with suppliers, the project team offered viable options for features including lighting, joinery components, internal and external finishes, and tapware.  

In total, $150,000 was saved, helping offset the additional costs from the latent conditions. 

Best-for-Project Outcomes

Sarah maintained a focus on best-for-project outcomes when interfacing with the client’s stakeholders and subcontractors.  Examples include: 

• Assisting the school to understand and meet the Council’s requirements for crossovers and authority fees for service providers and working with the security contractor to link the existing and new security systems.  
• Sarah’s team leveraged its significant knowledge of education facilities to improve audio visual installations and refine power point locations.  
• Recommending upgrades to the existing fire hydrants and a new maintenance contractor for this critical infrastructure. 
• Advising on permanent stormwater infrastructure upgrades to the existing school site.

Giving Back to the College Community

As visitors in the college community, the team sought ways to enhance outcomes for students and staff and support the school’s charitable initiatives.  

Sarah hosted several site tours during construction where staff were invited comment on functionality prior to completion, and students from the College and external schools learned about employment opportunities in the construction industry.  

The team also supported and participated in the college’s charitable initiatives, including the Vinnie’s Sleepout, where Project Manager Hanan Jamal spent time with the next potential generation of construction leaders.