Sensum, Stradbroke School Redevelopment

Mechanical re-design: included numerous constraints such as lead times, access to operational building, maintaining existing electrical board capacity and budget. Sarah led the design solution to resolve all constraints and program works around school operations, to minimise disruption.

Structural steel fabrication: is generally a long lead time item affecting the site program.   The Sarah team mitigated this delay by commencing the steel shop drawing process earlier in the  design documentation phase so that steel fabrication could commence  earlier resulting in saving the project 4 weeks on site.

Landscaping contractor:  The original landscape contractor was unable to complete the large package of landscaping, paving and nature play works due to circumstances outside of Sarah’s control. The works were only 65% complete at this stage and a month before handover to the client.  The Sarah team worked quickly to secure an alternative landscaper to deliver the remaining requirements of the project, avoiding delays.

High level communication: given the operational environment with young children, daily coordination combined with regular project updates via photo progress including drone footage and timelapse videos, was greatly appreciated by the client.

Quality of build: Sarah was proactive in site reviews  and trades follow-up, distributing lessons learnt information from previous Government projects and conducting regular inspections well before handover.

Budget constraints: Sarah’s design team took a solution approach and integrated the re-use of the existing building slab to assist budget constraints and limit disruption of inground works close to adjacent existing buildings and foundations.

Proactive material procurement: Covid delays resulted in double the normal lead time for procurement of numerous materials. Sarah’s experienced team managed detailed lead time reviews and proactive procurement processes to avoid significant program delays for the client.

Calibre and capability of trades: Sarah’s strong sub-contractor relationships provided workforce depth of labour resourcing, assisting in minimising disruption and maintaining high quality results within a pandemic affected workforce.

Experience to expediate program: Sarah took the initiative to commence procurement of materials and labour coordination for site mobilisation before formal client approval to commence on site was provided. This saved weeks as Sarah were able to hit the ground running and maintain the construction program for the client.