Wilderness School, Early Learning Centre

Structural Steel Redesign

A challenge for the consultant team was understanding the complexity of the building’s existing roof beams, and how they interfaced with the project’s new structural steel supports.

When Sarah’s team removed the ceilings, it was found that the roof structure could not support the additional load bearing as designed.

Sarah worked collaboratively with the engineers and architects on redesigning the internal structures, and by working additional days and reprogramming works were able to minimise delays to the overall program.

Heritage building

The existing building was constructed in 1922, and it was important to Wilderness to maintain its heritage aspects as much as practicable, while creating an environment to support modern learners.

By undertaking extensive protective works, and seeking specialist subcontractors, Sarah’s team ensured that the building’s façade, and internal components including the floorboards, cornices, archways and mouldings were restored or replicated.

In one example, a 102-year-old cornice was salvaged and used to fabricate a custom mould, as these items are no longer used by craftsmen.

Sarah’s team also undertook the covering of all floor surfaces throughout the building to protect the stunning original jarrah floorboards, and sourced additional boards from salvage suppliers for restoration.

Challenging civil design

The project’s original civil design featured extensive retaining walls.  Sarah’s team reviewed the design and determined that several of these structures could be replaced due to other external structures already included in the design.

Modifications were agreed with the school and its consultants, resulting in considerable savings that were returned to the client.

Working adjacent to the little learners  

The building was immediately adjacent to the school’s existing early learning facility, Annie’s House, home to more than 25 little learners and staff.

Construction works were completely separated from the facility with a mixture of solid hoardings and perimeter fencing, and noise generating works were completed outside of school hours/terms.

The project scope also included modifications to Annie’s House, which were completed over the Christmas holiday period.

Good neighbours  

The project site was in immediate proximity to several residential homes.

Prior to works commencing, Sarah undertook extensive dilapidation surveys, and fostered open and transparent relationships with neighbours.

All conversations with stakeholders were documented and relayed back to the school’s management to ensure that all stakeholders were informed of outcomes.

As a result of this collaborative approach, the project was completed with the full support of the community.

Accommodating specialist long-lead items

The project’s program threatened to be disrupted by the redesign of the structural streel, engagement of specialist contractors and procurement of long lead items including roofing materials manufactured in France, with a lead time in excess of 20 weeks.

Sarah’s team leveraged its scheduling expertise and relationships with subcontractors to reconfigure the program and coordinated trades to focus on protection and external works.

Understanding and delivering on project objectives

As a result of delivering several previous projects with Wilderness, Sarah’s team had a detailed understanding of the school’s objectives.

As one of Adelaide’s premier independent schools, Wilderness has a focus on high-quality infrastructure, and Sarah’s ability to maintain the history of the building while creating a modern educational environment was appreciated.

Sarah’s collaborative, honest and open communication style was ideally suited to the school’s ethos, and this approach was integral in quickly resolving design issues or logistical challenges.