Tag Archives: Collaboration

Community, Education

Successful Delivery Of Large Scale Education Projects In South Australia

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The start of a new school year is always exciting, this year the South Australian Department for Education experienced even higher levels as it welcomed students to two brand new, purpose built “birth to year 12” (B-12) schools. Located in the ​​outer metropolitan areas of Adelaide, the Angle Vale Riverbanks B-12 College and the Aldinga Payinthi College, the schools were delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project. Following a comprehensive procurement process, TESA Education comprising Tetris Capital, Dutch Infrastructure Fund, Sarah Construction and ISS Services was awarded the $240 million contract to construct and maintain the two schools, and the outcome is truly world class.

Deb O’Riley, Director New Schools at Department for Education, said, “our working relationship with Sarah Constructions through the TESA partnership has been one of ease and professionalism. The Department engaged Sarah to build 3 of the new schools opening in 2022, as well as a number of capital works projects in our existing education sites across the state. The teams we’re working with, across multiple sites, are dedicated to delivering the projects on time and in a friendly and professional manner.”

The high level logistical and management requirements to simultaneously construct two B – 12 schools, in two separate locations required sophisticated resourcing, operational, financial and project management. Underpinning Sarah’s successful delivery of these schools and at the same time also managing large education projects at Whyalla Secondary College and Murray Bridge High School, are three core areas: resourcing, communication and supply chain management. Sarah’s skill and commitment across these areas resulted in world class Educational facilities delivering modern pedogeological outcomes.

Aldinga Payinthi College Completion Fly Through

Resourcing – the right people for the job

Sarah Constructions have a long history delivering Education projects and are experts in this field. Sarah’s experienced internal resources created a strong project management team and the ability to partner with the best subcontractors to deliver across both sites.

Sarah’s PPP Project Director, Ben Layley, said “Sarah’s collaborative approach, not only with the project team members and the Department throughout the design and build phase but also with wider market partners to ensure that supply chains and subcontractor availability and resourcing would be sufficient, was critical in our ability to provide surety around delivery.”

The advantage of putting emphasis on people first in commercial construction is that it builds the foundation for mutually beneficial business relationships. Sarah CEO, Adrian Esplin explains “our business is purely about people. We don’t make products; through our team of experts we manage advanced problem processing. We’re a business that consists of people who are highly motivated to achieve great outcomes. Working with the people within the Department of Education and bringing together expert people from our design partners, we have delivered unique world class campus style educational facilities that will stand the test of time.”

Communication – actively building strong relationships

With a focus on mutually successful relationships, differences of opinion and challenging conversations were expertly managed through Sarah’s relationship first and solutions based win/win outcomes approach, which resulted in the enviable outcome of a dispute free PPP engagement.

Navigating the complex PPP contract structure required high standard, effective communication to deliver all parties objectives. “Working with numerous stakeholders each with differing measures of success, required close and active management. Building strong relationships within the project team and creating a collaborative project ethos was instrumental in the cohesion achieved within the project and the outcome that satisfied all of the different objectives” said Mr Layley.

For Alison Colbeck, Principal at the new Aldinga Payinthi College, Sarah’s strong communication and relationship building approach enabled “a thoughtful approach to pedagogy. As teachers we understand that the best learning environments are collaborative and not just within four walls, and working collaboratively with the Sarah team, that’s what has been designed and built. I’m excited and thrilled to see this sort of investment in this diverse and creative community. This school will be beneficial, from the level of education we will deliver through to the positive outcomes for the community.”

Supply Chain Management – foresight and knowledge to avoid delays

With two sites building effectively the same buildings at opposite ends of Adelaide, at the same time, strategic subcontractor selection, package breakdown and allocation was essential to ensure adequate resources were available to achieve program. Key subcontractors were awarded packages across both sites where efficiencies existed, for example services and structural framing trades.

Even though SA was relatively sheltered from the lock downs and larger effects of COVID until November 2021, throughout 2021 there were increasing supply chain constrictions, and additional requirements on site operational functions for hygiene, density and tracing requirements.

“Sarah’s processes and agility allowed us to embrace new ways of doing things with minimal impact on the delivery of the project. For the Education department, surety of delivery in a market stressed by constrictions and supply chain shortages, provided significant reassurance.”

Sarah approached the PPP as a delivery partner rather than just a builder. We place high value in the relationship we have with the State and Department for Education. The project team was committed to approaching the design and delivery of these schools with a best for project mentality. Educational outcomes were at the forefront of all design decisions and the overriding determinate during challenging design or delivery situations. We are proud of the facilities that have been delivered and with the relationships fostered during the project” said Mr Layley.

Following the success of these projects, Sarah Constructions has recently been awarded the build of Morialta Secondary College, A new public secondary school to cater for 1200 students from year 7 to 12.

To learn more about our capability or the SA Schools PPP project, contact us today.

Still photography by Sam Noonan.

Aldinga Payinthi College done footage by Scott Berwick Creative. 

Angle Vale Riverbanks B-12  drone footage by Stray Creative. 

Sarah Safety
News, Safety

Safety in Construction: Developing & Maintaining A Positive Safety Culture

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By Dena English, QHSE Manager

At Sarah Constructions, safety is a core component of successfully delivering projects – and it’s become a passion of mine.

As QHSE Manager, ensuring the safety of everyone who works at or with Sarah Constructions is my job but I’m not alone in taking responsibility for these outcomes. Sarah Constructions’ approach to safety comes from the top-down. It permeates from our directors and senior management through all levels of the business.

What is Sarah’s approach to safety in construction?

Here at Sarah, our safety motto is, “think about it, talk about it, care about it” and talking about it is central to the positive safety culture we’ve cultivated.

We are an open, communicative business. Collaboration is one of our core business values and where safety is concerned, it couldn’t be more important. We engage and communicate with stakeholders, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure a safer workplace. We always report transparently to stakeholders and authorities. We encourage all workers to ask for advice when they’re unsure, to report all issues and make sure we’re learning and improving all the time.

Developing a procedure and blindly following it is not how we work. We are continually improving our safety practices with innovative thinking. For example, we use state-of-the-art electronic systems designed to get personnel out of the office and on to site safely. We have also started collaborating with universities for safety research purposes. This is an exciting new area for us and I look forward to the results derived from these partnerships.

Sarah PPE

Focus on education and putting people first

We also began the Sarah Trainee Safety Officer program in 2020. This was a new initiative to offer a structured pathway for individuals who are seeking to build a career in safety. It is often difficult to find an entry level position within safety, but our program gives participants that all-important foot in the door.

Trainees learn the fundamentals of site safety management over the course of 12 months while working with a Safety Officer mentor on a construction project. The program has been hugely successful, with both 2020 trainees being promoted to Safety Officers in 2021. We currently have 4 trainees who began the program in 2021.

Our commitment to safety aligns with our commitment to people. Safety is all about people, and our people-first approach means it’s therefore a part of everything we do. It’s part of every training program; from Cadets and Graduates to Trainee Supervisors and Trainee Safety Officers. It’s an agenda item at all meetings.

We can’t escape the systems and paperwork that are an inherent part of safety management, but it’s our people that make sure we are safe. It’s our people’s approach to safety that drives our positive safety culture and ensures it’s not just a ‘tick and flick’ exercise.

Ensuring safety is a passion, not a chore

“Without passion safety can be compromised. Passion is observing the system working. Passion is helping and observing peers grow in their profession.”
Jeremy Elvin (QHSE Advisor) 

Like a lot of people I know, I fell into working in safety. It’s not something I saw myself doing but I genuinely love it. I get huge job satisfaction through helping others, educating and solving problems. Our passion for keeping our workers safe makes Sarah a business a leader in this space.

What underpins this passion is the belief that all workplace injuries and incidents can be prevented. So everything we do is designed to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety—and of course we have the certifications to support this approach. Sarah has a comprehensive Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS) certified to ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, and accredited under the Federal Safety (OFSC) Accreditation Scheme.

To find out more about Work Health & Safety at Sarah Constructions, contact the team today.

Sarah Energy Pod
Education, Innovation, News

Sarah Solar Initiative: Saving 10 Tonnes of Co2 Per Year

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At Sarah Constructions, we continually look to make positive progress. Innovation is at the heart of our business. That’s why our staff have access to a range of in-house development programs, which encourage outside-the-box thinking and the trial of new business initiatives. It was through one of these programs that Project Manager, Melisha Willington, developed the concept for a site solar energy pod to improve sustainability on construction sites.

She said, “It’s a cliché but the driver was to make a difference, even in a small way to help the environment. The construction industry still has so much potential when it comes to sustainable initiatives and innovation and I know Sarah Constructions have more in store.”

What is the Solar Energy Pod?

Shipping containers are common on building sites and provide the ideal base for mounting solar panels – key reasons why Melisha’s idea was feasible. The dismantled frames and solar panels can be packed away inside the container on custom racks, enabling relocation to the next site. Once assembled, the free space within the container can be used as additional secure site storage or as a site office space.

The shipping container also provides opportunities for environmental awareness and the use of solar energy. At the Whyalla Secondary College construction site, where the first solar shipping container has been located, this translates to reaching large numbers of the local community and visitors to Whyalla, numerous subcontractors and stakeholders.

Bringing the idea to life

Sarah partnered with another South Australian owned company, NRG Solar, to bring the idea to life. Melisha said, “NRG were professional, passionate and couldn’t do more in sharing their knowledge and experience. NRG really understood the brief and were instrumental in delivering a fit for purpose solution.”

“What excited me about this project,” said Eddy May, NRG Solar Managing Director, “was working with an innovative company who are putting sustainability at the forefront of their projects. It’s a lofty but rewarding goal to want to build in a carbon neutral way. A big first step in achieving this goal is delivering a portable solution to allow the Sarah Constructions team to be self-sufficient for their energy needs. We have thoroughly enjoyed the collaborative process and we look forward to continuing this partnership with Sarah Constructions to create sustainable solutions together.”

It was late in 2020 that Sarah Constructions invested in implementing the idea. Melisha worked with NRG Solar to transform the initial concept design into a final engineered product, which involved the creation of an engineered tripod mounting system for the solar panels on the exterior of a 40ft shipping container. The design is engineered for wind region A terrain Category 1, meaning it can go almost anywhere in South Australia and withstand all weather conditions. It’s suitable for 1, 2 and 3 phase power connections.

The first operational solar shipping container located on-site in Whyalla has an 11.88kW system and is providing power to help run the large site office of the $100M school project.

There are 36No photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with 60m2 of surface area over two separate frames; one on the roof and one on the side of the container. Two inverters are installed within the container to convert the solar power generated into standard AC power.

Melisha is proud that her idea has been backed by the business and brought to fruition. “To have your idea supported in such a big way and see the finished product out on site is very encouraging,” she said.

The benefits of Sarah’s Solar Energy Pod?

The Sarah Solar Energy Pod will generate 16 megawatt hours of power per year or around $5K of savings per annum in power costs.

As for benefits to the environment, the container will save 10 tonnes of Co2 per year. This is equivalent to planting 150 trees.

An online/app dashboard is provided, displaying real time solar power production each day, along with other key statistics. On bright sunny days, the solar panels, which were largely paid for by government solar rebates, are in use up to 90% and more of their capacity. There is also scope to add solar battery storage.

The local high school students in Whyalla have been provided with a practical learning opportunity to visit the site, where Sarah team members explain how the solar container project works and its sustainability benefits, educating the community and inspiring the next generation of sustainability advocates.

“The students have had the opportunity to gain real world experience on an important community project that is relevant to their life and future,” said Andrew McLean, Design & Technology Teacher at Edward John Eyre High School. “The students’ learning at school becomes relevant through the observation of skills and knowledge in action on site”.

Here at Sarah, we’re all extremely proud of Melisha and everyone involved in the collaboration. “This project marks the start of our focussed sustainability journey,” said Terry Tsapaliaris, Sarah’s Operations Manager. “We will utilise our graduates to monitor energy use and continue to develop the technology whilst reviewing other sources of sustainable technology.”

You can read NRG Solar’s article on the project here.

To find out more about this project, Sarah’s sustainability or any of our other development initiatives, contact us today.

How Can We Help?
Careers, News

People At The Centre Of Sustainable Growth

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Over the past five decades, Sarah has maintained deliberate and strategic growth. This growth has been built on the foundation that if a business is made up of skilled, well-developed people, it will foster a well-developed and sustainable business. A business with longevity. With the right people and the right core structures in place, Sarah continues to deliver excellence for its clients.

From delivering the $52 Million Carmelite Aged Care Facility and $80 Million Minda Masterplan Development in 2018 to most recently successfully securing the $230 Million South Australian Schools PPP project; over recent years, Sarah has taken deliberate and strategic steps to increase its capability in the size and complexity of the projects it delivers.

Building a framework for developing the best people

For Adrian Esplin, winning the PPP job is the outcome of four years of foundational work. “We’ve created a structure at Sarah that can support, mentor, empower and develop the right people. For a business that has around 170 on the ground staff, you need the structures in place to organise resources in the right way, that will not only train them but also help sustain them” Adrian explains.

“One of the key strategies for me over the past three to four years has been bolstering our senior management strength. Since I initially started at Sarah, we now have a much more robust and sustainable senior management structure” says Adrian.

Attracting and retaining future talent

Alongside the improved management structure, Sarah has also successfully implemented Graduate, Site Supervisor and Safety Officer Training Programs.

Adrian takes a big picture approach to developing a Graduate Program at Sarah. “For me it’s about sustaining the industry. We need to take more of an establishment view, a view of the greater good; we can’t always be picking off the tree. Sometimes you’ve got to fertilise it, water it and grow it for the greater good of the industry. Developing graduates regardless of if they will stay at Sarah, will always reward the industry as a whole, like nurturing plants because you end up with more fruit,” explains Adrian.

With the success of the Graduate Program, the Site Supervisor Program was then developed. “The new program has been a resounding success,” says Adrian. “Participants include a range of people from different backgrounds, typically from a trade background but wanting to do something different. They’ve been in the industry but not as a building foreperson or supervisor. So at the end of 18 months in the program, many have benefited from significant professional development and are now working as Site Supervisors.”

There’s also no shortage of replacement participants in Sarah programs either. HR Manager, Stefan Popovic, explains:

“We know people love working at Sarah, because we get so many referrals from our staff. We don’t need to run an internal referral program; people just really enjoy the culture and opportunities we provide. Our strong referral network coupled with our increasing reputation as an employer of choice in the industry, means that we are constantly meeting with capable and talented individuals, looking to get involved.”

“This provides us with a unique opportunity to blend career progression and development with the onboarding of new talent into the business, the outcome of which is more jobs for South Australians. A great outcome for all,”  explains Stefan.

Future Focused Career Fulfilment

Ongoing learning and development is high on Sarah’s agenda, says Stefan. “We run graduate, trainee supervisor and trainee safety officer programs for those looking at getting into the construction industry. We also run a professional development series and training calendar for existing staff, aimed at knowledge sharing and addressing common areas of interest.”

“Wherever possible, we look at ways for our senior employees to pass on their knowledge to those just starting out in their careers.” The unique Sarah Constructions culture is at the heart of this supportive and collaborative learning environment.

“Our culture is our source of competitive advantage,” says Stefan. “It’s underpinned by our values and our belief that relationships are key to a successful construction business. We make sure that all new employees share in this belief before they join us and we continue to embed these values throughout the employment lifecycle. It starts with the way we treat each other, our clients and our contractors. This begins at the top and is championed at all levels of the organisation.”

Sarah’s Management team is committed to the ongoing development of Sarah’s people and, in turn, the strategic sustainability of the business. Adrian Esplin explains, “that’s one of the biggest drivers for me. I’m motivated by thinking, what do I need to be putting in place now so that in three years, our people can be having as much professional development and career fulfilment as they are now?”

If you’re looking to take that next step in your career, contact the Sarah HR team today at hr@sarah.com.au.

Community, News, Our Values, Residential

Building a ‘House of Respite’ for Families Affected by Autism and Cerebral Palsy

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Living Without Limits Foundation (LWL) is an incredibly worthy charity with in-depth knowledge of some of  the toughest challenges faced by South Australian families. For those parents or primary caregivers looking after children affected by Autism or Cerebral Palsy, it’s “hard yards – for life,” according to the not-for-profit, which was established in 2012.

For the majority of these families, there is simply no respite. They have little to no break from their 24/7 around-the-clock caring role and limited time (or money) for a holiday. Sarah Constructions wanted to help change that.

Building the ‘House of Respite’ team

Steve Maras, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of LWL, is also President of the Property Council. He said, “We found through our journey that the money people spend on therapy for their children often means there’s little left for anything else, let alone a holiday. 

“It’s so important for families to have a break and re-connect, especially with their other children, and this is exactly what we wanted to offer them in the form of a ‘House of Respite’.” 

As Vice President of the Property Council, Chief Executive Officer Adrian Esplin became aware of the opportunity to offer the company’s services in support of the good cause. “It was an easy decision to make,” he said. “At Sarah Constructions, we live and work by our values, one of which is to put people first. Not only did getting involved in the House of Respite mean we could help South Australian families in need, but it also gave us an opportunity to give our graduates valuable hands-on construction experience working for a valuable cause.”

With Adrian Esplin on board, it was time to assemble the team that was going to bring the ‘House of Respite’ to fruition. Operations Manager, Terry Tsapaliaris, followed by Construction Manager Salem Tredrea, who manages the Graduate Program at Sarah Constructions, saw the project as the ideal opportunity for graduate involvement. Michael Kilmartin, Design Manager at Sarah, said, “It’s been a great opportunity for our graduates, not only to give back but also to be involved in a front-line, hands-on, construction project. They have all thrived throughout the process. It’s given them greater autonomy and exposure to the entire build process.”

Donations of time, expertise and goodwill

From May of this year, Michael Kilmartin has been heavily involved. The House of Respite will be professionally serviced, managed and maintained by Novita, one of the State’s leading providers of disability services; they provided the project brief. 

“Novita provided us with a brief around what they thought would be the ideal result. I then went through Sarah’s detailed design review process, as I would for any client. The graduates got involved in the procurement process, engaging the trades and negotiating what could be donated,” he said.

“Some materials had to be bought but a lot of the trades’ time and all of Sarah’s time was donated.”  

Nick Palmato is one of the graduates involved in the project. He said, “It feels great to be able to give back to the community and support such a fantastic and worthy cause – not only through the donation of Sarah’s time but also by leveraging the strong relationships we have within the construction industry to ensure we can add as much value to this project as possible, ensuring Living Without Limits gets the best result.

“Since our initial visit, Sarah has taken on the role of driving the conceptual design process, acquiring development approvals, actively seeking out further support and donations from the industry and coordination of the building process through to handover.” The house, which is being built on a block of land in Goolwa, is set to open in December in time for the Christmas break.

To ensure the house provides a safe, relaxing space for children with physical access needs, specific and detailed plans were developed. Chydem Ayik, an integral part of the Sarah team, was tasked with the responsibility of developing the house plans, in consultation with LWL. “Extensive documentation that included drawings of every component, detail and selection was developed in order to meet the significant compliance requirements for the house. This allowed the graduates on the job to have a very clear understanding of the compliance requirements for the build.”

Investing in the community and in Sarah’s people

By supporting LWL and its service users, Sarah Constructions is also developing community-minded, solutions-focused construction professionals of the future with invaluable, hands-on experience.

Graduate Nick Palmato explained that, by being given responsibility to drive the project and make it their own, the graduates have been able to learn valuable lessons. Graduates have learned first hand the importance of the design phase, cost management and procurement, through to onsite collaboration with subcontractors and consultants to identify and implement creative solutions to the challenges they have faced. “This process has driven my own professional development,” he said, “and prepared me well for the next step in my career.”

For LWL and the hundreds of South Australian families that will benefit from the House of Respite every year, the support of Sarah Constructions and all of the involved trades has been gratefully received. “If it wasn’t for the support of Sarah, and all the superb trades and suppliers, this project would still be sitting on the drawing board,” said Steve Maras.  

“We are absolutely thrilled with the support of Sarah. They have been truly magnificent and it’s been a pleasure to work with their passionate and dedicated team to get this all-important project off the ground.”

To find out more about the House of Respite, follow Living Without Limits Foundation on Facebook. 

 We would like to expressly thank the following wonderful contributors to this project: Revolution Roofing/ Nexteel, International Ceramics, Maka Plasterboard, Supaloc, Proform, Glow Heating and Cooling, Chris Henderson Electrical, LA Concrete, Drew Rudd Engineering, Bluescope, Next Gen Flooring, Advanced All Energy, SA Commercial Blinds, Hindmarsh Plumbing, Filips Roller Doors, Bianco Reinforcing, Aluco, USG Boral, ADX, PGH Bricks and Pavers, Spence Doors, Fletcher Insulation, G and G Tiling, Astec Paints, Harvey Norman Commercial, Adelaide Marble Specialists, Direct Mix, Chris Hart Earthworks, Roofmax, Dulux, Katnich Dodd, Priority Earthworks, South Coast Excavations, Ranieri Bricklaying and Developer Direct Online.

Sarah Contributors:

  • Sarah Graduates (Nick Palmato, Elvio Sinopoli, Paul Schultz, Matt Grimwade, Tyson Rogers, Luke Barbon, Paul Constantine)
  • Salem Tredrea/Terry Tsapaliaris (Project Management)
  • Steve Blackmore (Site supervision/Management)
  • Ian McKnight (Site supervision/ Management)
  • Bill Stevenson (Site Assistance – Services)
  • Dave Hiley (Site supervision/ civil works management)
  • Dena Van Zyl  (Safety/QHSE)
  • Emily Lawson  (Safety/QHSE)
  • Chydem Ayik (Design and Project Development)
  • Michael Kilmartin (Design and Project Development)
Sports-courts-the-lights-community-centre
News, Recreation

Construction Collaboration Brings The Lights To The Community

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By Rob Maiolo – Project Manager

In my role as a Project Manager for Sarah Constructions, I manage multiple priorities, people and timeframes. Within this role, I get to work side by side with specialists across a multitude of fields, as we collaborate to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. Delivering the Lightsview Indoor Recreation Hub ‘The Lights’ for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council is a good example of how bringing a team of experts together achieves impressive results. The $21.7 million project comprised 2 stadiums, 5 court areas with retractable seating, function spaces, community room, storage and viewing areas.

Collaboration is in our DNA at Sarah, it’s part of the Sarah way. Our team takes great pride in working through a project from design to delivery with input from multiple stakeholders, including the client as well as architects, engineers, suppliers, contractors and consultants.

The successful construction of The Lights façade, was a great example of teamwork between multiple different organisations, managed by Sarah, to deliver a statement finish to this sporting facility and achieve the client’s vision. 

External cladding to deliver The Lights

As a community recreation hub, The Lights project was built to deliver a vibrant and inclusive place where all people, from a diverse community could interact, participate and engage. 

As part of this community focus, the centre was to be branded as ‘The Lights’ Community and Sports Centre. It needed a facade that reflected the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s project vision, and something that connected with the modern, up-and-coming area of Lightsview.

Architects, Studio Nine, conceptualised an intricate, multicoloured facade of ASKIN Performance Panels with 13 different colour selections, to provide a tangible representation for the lights of Lightsview.

As a leading insulated, fire rated, architectural panel system in Australia, the ASKIN product provided not only the visual impact the design required to bring the vision of ‘The Lights’ to life, but also met the robust safety performance requirements for the project.

Teamwork (and a prototype) to make the dream work

The Sarah project team collaborated with both Studio Nine and ASKIN to conduct a detailed review of the design details and method of installation to confirm the facade not only provided a vibrant point of difference, but was also compliant and watertight. 

To ensure quality delivery, Cladding & Roofing Contractors were awarded the contract to undertake installation works. With previous experience and as the approved installer for the ASKIN product, combined with the ability to resource the project appropriately, their expertise provided a valuable asset to the installation. 

To ensure the ASKIN cladding was robust and watertight, our team constructed a prototype, comprising of 8 cladding panels. The prototype was 30m2 in area, 2 panels wide (7.5m) and 4 panels high (4m). The panel arrangement was reviewed giving particular attention to junction details at the base of the wall, horizontal and vertical joints, fixings, sealants, sundry flashings and trims. 

Together with Studio Nine, our team reviewed the shop drawings and samples, then developed a prototype to provide a robust quality assessment of the final outcome, before installing across the entire building. The ASKIN facade solution comprised multiple different panels and joints. Establishing the prototype and review by all parties, including the material supplier, installer, our team, the architect and client, was essential to ensuring the final installation satisfied the design and watertight performance requirements. 

Installing the panels in the exact and precise layout as designed was vital to achieve the visual impact of the facade. As multiple panels in different shades were specified, the location of each colour was vital, in order to achieve the design intent. As head contractor, we worked closely with the architects and the installing contractors to ensure each panel was exactly where it was supposed to be. A sign off sheet was developed and utilised by the project to verify colour and location of each panel as part of the project teams quality control during completion of the facades.

Rounding off the team effort required for the facade installation, was the involvement from ASKIN themselves. Representatives from ASKIN travelled from NSW to review the finished prototype and then again during installation, to provide ongoing support given their valuable product expertise. 

Eye-catching end result

The successful project delivery of The Lights is modern and eye-catching; a talking point that reflects the city’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing. 

The theme of “the lights” was successfully represented throughout the build, from the facade to the artistic murals and café splashbacks. The development successfully delivers on the Councils desire to create a place for the surrounding community to gather and lead their active and healthy lifestyles.

This impressive result was achieved through the collaboration lead by Sarah Constructions, working closely with all project stakeholders, to create a unique community focal point that’s as functional as it is inspiring.

Pembroke-School-New-Middle-School
Education

Education Construction: Delivering On the Cultural Philosophy of Pembroke Middle School

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– With Paul Marino, Senior Project Manager

The delivery of the Pembroke Middle School Redevelopment was achieved through a truly collaborative design and construction approach. This education construction project involved a dynamic and engaging redevelopment; architecturally, it pushes the envelope, with its geometric styling and 15 metre high concrete ‘shard’ feature facade. 

As Managing Contractors on a project with such unique architectural features, Sarah Constructions implemented a progressive and innovative approach to construction, with thorough and detailed pre-construction reviews. “I believe it’s Sarah’s core value of a solutions focused approach and our positive problem solving strategies that helped bring this vision to life” said Paul Marino, Senior Project Manager. 

Grieve Gillett Andersen (GGA) successfully infused Pembroke School’s learning and cultural outcomes into the architectural design, with the school’s philosophy reflected in both the functional layout and the bespoke details of the project. 

“Through an incredibly collaborative process from the outset, and with the integration of highly skilled and motivated subcontractors, we succeeded in constructing a building that delivers on the schools progressive vision. In terms of the construction process, this was one of the most innovative projects I have worked on,” said Marino.  

Visualising Cultural Aspirations 

In 2017, GGA developed a whole-of-school Masterplan to visualise a long-term strategic direction for Pembroke School. When the opportunity arose to purchase the adjacent Shipsters Road property, the Middle School Redevelopment brief was considered within the context of the School Masterplan and overall vision for the school. 

Dimitty Andersen, the project architect, said that, “As the project brief developed, it became clear that the organisation and architectural expression of the project would need to take up the challenge of the contemporary integrated learning aspirations.” 

These culture and learning aspirations were based around a dynamic learning community, which encourages in its students: self-management, curiosity, intellectual rigour, enjoyment, innovation and the exploration of each individual’s potential.

“Consequently, the design team embraced the opportunity to design a facility that celebrated design innovation,” said Andersen. “We worked to create flexible and interconnected indoor and outdoor areas for learning across three levels of the building.” The stimulating colours and out of the ordinary finishes were designed to support students’ individuality, creativity, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

“The architectural shapes of the Middle School building are irregular and most items within the building itself are non-standard,” said Andersen. “So when it came to drawing and detailing the building for construction, it had a high degree of complexity. Even with gravity defying concrete, webs of steel and triangulated windows, the Sarah team managed to deliver the construction detailing we hoped for and worked collaboratively with the school and GGA to manage costs, time and quality execution.” 

Bringing The Vision To Life 

The Pembroke Middle School Redevelopment’s location on an unusual triangulated piece of land inspired some interesting architectural theming, which required high level, collaborative planning to construct within the physical site parameters. 

“At Sarah it’s part of our job to make dreams or visions a reality, in the most time and cost-efficient way, and to also deliver the best outcome for the end user,” said Marino. “This requires understanding what the client and/or architect is trying to achieve and then making sure this can happen within a constructibility and affordability context.”

In this instance, the Sarah team provided expert constructibility advice in relation to how and why to build things in a certain way, providing cost efficiencies based on the team’s technical knowledge and experience to streamline the transition from design to construction. 

Sarah also involved specialist subcontractors to add value to the design and ensure all features and requirements were met, as efficiently as possible while achieving the required high level of detail and quality. An example of this was the complex joinery package throughout the atrium and learning spaces. A difficult part of the central atrium was the balustrade design. The Sarah team needed to problem solve how to integrate the balustraded into the concrete slab to meet structural integrity and safety, and at the same time, meet the brief in terms of aesthetics and visual impact. 

“At the end of the day, we make it happen. We’re problem-solvers; it’s what we do,” said Marino. 

“It was important to the client that the design helped support their educational values and foster a positive learning environment. So our job was to ensure that the design intent was achievable. We spent a lot of time during the tender phase suggesting alternative products and construction solutions, which delivered a range of cost savings upfront. This meant the client was able to achieve things they weren’t expecting to.” 

One of the most striking construction elements of the Pembroke Middle School Redevelopment is the concrete shard, which provides earthquake restraint to the majority of the building as well as an architectural feature to the façade. Standing at 15m high with vertical raking angled walls, it was a challenging element of the structure to complete.

A collaborative approach with the architect, consultants and subcontractors during the design phase ensured construction of the shard, to the required detail and quality standards, was achieved.  As the shard was a unique element to any project within South Australia, subcontractors were selected based on their skill with optimum vigilance. Sarah worked closely with Liftform and LA Concrete, going to great lengths to cut and perfectly position the sections of formwork, with high precision and accuracy, to achieve an exceptional finish. A detailed sampling and quality assurance plan was implemented which enabled us to set a bench mark on the required finished product. This care and attention to detail lead GGA to leave much more of the concrete shard exposed internally, in appreciation of the raw material and skill in creating the structure.

Attention to detail, refined methodologies and a positive attitude ensured the successful delivery of this landmark feature, which will attract interest from both the school community and the general public. 

A major aspect of the theme of connectedness can be seen in the wide pedestrian bridge installed over Shipsters Road, which provides safe pedestrian access for staff and students at First Floor level between the new Middle school and the existing campus. 

The prefabricated bridge design and construction required a hands on approach, from 3D design and structural modelling, to costing, building logistics and expert fabrication. This is an exceptional example of teamwork delivering results, as it was the collective input from GGA, CPR Engineers, Specialised Solutions and the Sarah team that enabled us to bring this together.

A Landmark And Legacy

A very challenging project, it was also incredibly rewarding. “This project stands out, as it was one that pushed everyone involved to think outside the square” (including the Year 6 students!) said Marino.

“Being able to execute quality solutions in response to such interesting challenges has made the Pembroke Middle School Redevelopment particularly rewarding for me. I’m not alone in thinking this; our subcontractors were extremely inspired to be involved with such unique construction. I take pride in the fact that I was able to bring this talented team together and deliver a great result for the school.”   

This project provides a tangible celebration of the school’s education agenda for the Pembroke Middle School cohort. It successfully displays that Pembroke School is progressive, vibrant and innovative, and allowed Sarah to demonstrate their collaborative, forward-thinking approach to construction management.

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Recreation

Construction And Architecture Deliver Excellence at Campbelltown Memorial Oval

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The relationship between construction and architecture is intertwined, yet requires give and take, to bring a client’s vision to life. The architect draws the vision. The builder then constructs the physical version of the vision, on time and within budget.

Along the way, there are often “buildability” issues, where the design as it’s documented isn’t feasible in reality. Or the materials and methods required to construct the design, fall outside of the client’s budget.

This is part and parcel of the construction process; it’s rare to have a project where there are no design changes. That’s why at Sarah Constructions, we actively encourage early collaboration with architects on a job. Together, we can approach these issues on the front foot.

Our approach is to pool our expertise and collaborate to come up with the best possible solutions for our client’s.

Teamwork makes the dream work

For us, the architect is part of the project team. We welcome them on site and look forward to working together. A harmonious joint partnership culminates in a better end result for the client, every time.

The same goes for subcontractors and consultants too. We believe that when you’re part of the project, you’re part of the team. Your expertise is valued and welcomed. The Campbelltown Memorial Oval Sports Hub project was the perfect example of this.

A joint venture between Campbelltown Council and the Australian Government, the Campbelltown Memorial Oval was transformed into a modern sporting and community hub. Designed by Hames Sharley, the Memorial Oval Sports Hub was built by Sarah Constructions and our subcontractors.

From the outset, the approach on site was one of genuine teamwork and joint responsibility.

Hames Sharley and Sarah Construction worked well together due to our shared professional and collaborative spirit, we both promote the idea that we’re all on the same team and able to just get on with the project.

The key to collaboration is communication

A critical part of any relationship is communication. The Sarah team used the Aconex system to manage documents and communications. This proved to be highly effective in tracking the history of decision making and cost management. Being centrally located, the system was transparent and inclusive.

Anthony Rigon, Project Administrator at Sarah Constructions, said that open and regular communication is really important to a smooth running project. “We always try to create a ‘how can I help you’ approach to working with others on site. At the end of the day, we want to produce a fantastic outcome for the client. That’s easier to achieve if we all work together.”

“If everybody feels responsible for the project, they make it a priority. The client comes first, always.”

Bringing solutions not problems

Of course, this doesn’t mean the project was all plain sailing. Construction management is all about problem solving; there are always issues to resolve. But when those issues inevitably arise on site, the Sarah team adopts a solution first focus.

To manage any buildability issues, the Sarah team approached the architect with a plan in mind. Instead of just discussing problems, Sarah addressed the issues with potential solutions instead. There was always an attempt to resolve the issue, matched with a willingness to work together to ensure that the build balanced with the architect’s opinion.

There was always a harmonious balance between respecting the design intent and making sure it could work in terms of constructability.

Collaboration creates better client outcomes

The Memorial Oval Sports Hub is a safe, accessible and highly functioning destination, providing quality sporting and recreational facilities for local sports clubs and the wider community. It’s also an example of how the community can come together to create something of incredible value for everyone.

The Sarah team’s collaborative approach extended beyond the project team and consultants to the end user sports clubs, who were given site access during the build, to ensure end requirements for community use were met.

Sarah Constructions, Hames Sharley, Campbelltown Council and the community have created something special, that will live on and add value to the lives of its users for years to come. It’s a powerful example of the excellence that can be achieved when construction and architecture align. Where there’s a willingness to work together, there’s a way to deliver extraordinary construction outcomes and lasting legacies.

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Our Values

Collaboration To Grow Our People & Deliver Better Construction Outcomes

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With Steve Blackmore, Senior Site Manager

Potential employees and clients frequently want to know, what’s the culture like at Sarah Constructions? “Honestly, when I first joined,” says Steve Blackmore, Senior Site Manager at Sarah Constructions “I thought it would be the same as at any other construction firm — where there is talk about a culture that didn’t always match the daily reality.” At Sarah, he insists, it’s different.

Our people pride themselves on working together collaboratively; with our colleagues, clients and contractors. It should come as no surprise that we believe collaboration drives success is one of our core business values. But what is surprising, says Steve, is how deeply that value runs throughout the whole company culture.

“It’s much more team orientated here than at other construction companies. There’s lots of support and everyone works together; there’s never too much of a burden on one person’s shoulders.”

Collaborating Internally To Nurture Staff And Develop Skills

Most companies promote the idea that they have an “open door” policy. But at Sarah, management delivers on this promise. And it starts at the top. Adrian Esplin, Chief Executive Officer, is a driving force behind the open, collaborative approach that permeates throughout Sarah Constructions.

“When you have an infectious leader like Adrian, it filters down,” explains Steve. “I feel totally comfortable to talk to management about anything here. That’s different to other places I’ve worked. No matter what your title, everyone at Sarah is treated as an equal. We all matter. And everyone is willing to share their knowledge to help others.”

This knowledge sharing is a core component of Sarah’s collaborative approach. Staff members, subcontractors, consultants and clients are all encouraged to share their expertise, so that there’s greater success for everyone. However, it’s not just about creating an environment that’s conducive to sharing. For those with less experience, it’s also important they feel able to ask when they don’t know the answer. “At Sarah, there are no stupid questions”, says Steve.

“If someone doesn’t know something, they ask someone else. It’s about the team putting their heads together to come up with a solution.” In fact, at Sarah, learning is part of daily life. With a workforce of over 150 people, with an average age of 38, this focus on collaboration has created a thriving company culture of continuous professional development, career growth and opportunity.

“There’s been massive growth at Sarah since I started,” says Steve, “but the culture is strong because we’re hiring the right people. Then we invest in our people, so they’re taught the way we do things. The ones that are willing to learn thrive in this environment.”

Collaboration On Site To Deliver The Best Outcomes For Clients

Steve was a senior member of the team of 11 that worked on the Sarah Constructions $52 million Carmelite project. Of course, such a high profile job with 210 on-site workers presented various complex challenges. Through a focused team effort, the high quality project was completed ahead of schedule. It stands out to Steve as a perfect example of we believe collaboration drives success — in action.

“Carmelite was a daunting job for many. As the most experienced person on the team, I spent a lot of my time mentoring others. So in effect, instead of just one person on the project with my knowledge and experience, there were many.

“It was a long project with a lot of collaboration internally and externally, plus considerable input and problem-solving with the architects. What was really satisfying for me was seeing the younger members of the team grow and develop throughout the program. By the end of the job these guys were confidently running their own site meetings.”

It’s not only Sarah employees and clients that benefit from this collaborative approach. Everybody involved in a project gets the chance to learn and improve as a result. For example, subcontractors on the Carmelite project were upskilled by working through the detailed problem-solving approach with Sarah.

Personal Reflection On Collaboration

For Steve, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword. It’s something tangible that improves his work environment and facilitates his career success.

“I couldn’t do this job without collaboration. Sharing knowledge and experience is more rewarding for me now than the construction process alone. It’s about recognising and celebrating the team effort, and watching the younger generation develop into fantastically talented, skilled professionals.”

At the end of the day, collaboration is a business necessity, not a nice-to-have. It’s not just about making everyone feel good and growing their skillsets, it’s about open communication in order to get the job done.

“Unless you have open communications with all players on the job, you can’t build,” states Steve. “You’re always going to get road blocks, so you need to work through them constructively as a team to find solutions so you can keep building. If you don’t resolve issues and avoid work stoppages, everyone loses money and nobody wins. Collaboration really is the smartest approach for everyone.”

At Sarah, collaboration means open communication and teamwork to deliver the best construction outcomes. We share our knowledge and experience, nurturing talent to improve our people — our most precious resource.

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Education

Pembroke School – Environmental Sustainability and the New Middle School Building

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Successful construction is ultimately about delivering end user satisfaction while ensuring best practices are used to maximise the lifecycle and sustainability of the building. What better way to achieve this outcome than to engage with the end users themselves – the students who will move into the space next year!

Sarah Constructions are currently building Pembrokes New Middle School Building and have engaged the Pembroke Y6 students – who will be the first to occupy the building – as consultants during the construction process. This innovative addition to the curriculum saw Project Manager, Paul Marino, and Design Manager, Michael Kilmartin, work with the students over 3 workshops to answer the question:

‘How can we build a sustainable building within a residential area?’

The students were required to analyse the build in order to develop suggestions and alternatives for potential inclusion into their new building and provide feedback to us – the builder – in order to increase the overall sustainability of the project.

The task was set to choose a focus topic from a range of options across Design & Post Construction (Water, Energy, Material, Surroundings, Functionality) or Pre-Construction & During Construction (Project Environmental Management Plans, Dust & Material Tracking, Air Quality, Traffic, Erosion, Chemicals, Noise, Vibration and Rubbish etc).

Providing a different dimension to their usual curriculum, this exercise enabled the students to adapt their skills in alternate ways. Care was given to ensure the students were able to ‘think outside the box’ to find their own solutions; they were guided in the right direction, not led, and this approach produced some fantastic results. We received well researched, engaging presentations on their chosen focus topics –Native Planting, Water Wastage and Management, Energy Usage, Solar Power, Optimising Functionality, Sustainable and Local Materials, Recycled furniture, Recycling, Composting and Climate Change…just to name a few!

A real understanding of some complex topics was shown. Many groups identified real-world cost impacts; understanding buying in bulk to reduce unit pricing, calculating initial costs vs. ongoing costs, and balancing them with the environmental benefits of their chosen subject demonstrating an understanding beyond their years.

We only realise the value of water after the source runs dry. The importance of water and rainwater collection was clearly demonstrated, with a highlight being Layla’s working model of a rain water tank and sump pump. Not only were the practical benefits made clear, it was cost planned too – it doesn’t take long for a rain water tank to pay for itself!

We also learnt that the initial cost outlay for replacing the school’s standard taps with sensor taps would be well worth it in the long run for both the environmental benefits and the reduced water bills -thanks to Ty and Max!

 “Our students were so excited to take part in this project and have found this experience invaluable for future investigations.” Nicola May, Teacher – Pembroke School

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Pembroke Students Laila and Charlie present their working sump pump and rain water tank model

 Our Future vs. Aesthetics. What is more important?

The undercurrent of the day was the understanding that small changes really can make a difference; there was a realisation that our decisions and the choices we make can have a far-reaching impact and an understanding that our actions have value – just because it’s the way it has always been done, doesn’t mean it’s the way it should always be done. Stewart, Zachary and Rory’s presentation reminded us that even though we are a small part of the world as a whole, ‘we can still save the world with small sustainable changes.’

 “I think all the ideas were fantastic. A majority of the suggestions will be incorporated within the building in some shape or form which demonstrates how well the students undertook their research. In particular I liked the ideas of having compost bins for the removal of any fruit or vegetable scraps students would throw away which gave the school the ability to use as fertilizer etc. Also, the real demonstration of how a rainwater tank could be utilized within the building was impressive!”
Paul Marino, Senior Project Manager – Sarah Constructions

All of the students were confident in their approach and had a great understanding of their subjects. Innovative ideas were raised – many of which are already being included in the project – and they all demonstrated a fantastic ability to work as a team.

The manner in which the students presented and the level of detail and understanding shown was a credit to Pembroke and their collaboration with the Sarah team in the implementation of this program.

Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they managed to bring suggestions to the table that we had not yet heard of! Ashcrete, for example. A more sustainable alternative to concrete (which creates up to 5% of the worlds CO2 emissions), is made from 97% of recycled materials and is carbon neutral!

Sustainability is a growth sector for a number of commercial markets and an area of future education and potential employment for the students.

Through the delivery of this program we hope that we have sparked some interest in our industry – and inspired some of our future construction leaders! With some students already focusing on optimising the functionality and use of space within their new building, Architecture and Design may well provide a potential career path. This process has been a two-way journey whereby the students have learnt from us, but equally, we have learnt from them. Project Manager Paul shared that seeing the excitement on their faces, and knowing he played a small part in creating this amazing building, has provided him with personal and professional satisfaction. “This project with the students got me out of my comfort zone but it was such a rewarding experience.”

We look forward to seeing what changes Pembroke look to implement across the School as practical completion and handover draws closer, such as the suggestion for composting bins and new recycling initiatives.

The success of this project, and the value provided to both the School and to our team, has inspired us to encourage other clients – which could extend beyond the education sector – to utilise their construction projects as an opportunity for engagement and education.

We hope that participating in this project will not only provide the students with a greater connection to their new learning space, but that this process has made an impact on the way they approach building and sustainability in the future.

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Pembroke Students Lucy and Emily Presenting Green Futures
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News, Residential

The Minda Inc Master Plan: Delivering Stage 2 + 3

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Completion of Stage 2 + 3 of the Minda Master Plan at Brighton is a significant achievement for all stakeholders. Construction spanned over 18 months with extensive prior planning, to successfully culminate in the delivery of a high quality, integrated, affordable, sustainable urban village.

President of the Board of Minda, Susan Neuhaus, says the Minda Master Plan is the biggest project in their 120-year history. “Stage 2 of the Master Plan represents a $90 million commitment and includes our lifestyle precinct which offers a range of learning and lifestyle programs. Accommodation in Stage 2 includes 18 single-storey houses and two three-storey residential apartments buildings that combine the comforts of home with leading-edge technologies and a contemporary model of service delivery”.

The successful delivery of large scale projects require careful planning, budget management and an innovative construction approach but most importantly, it is the people behind these processes that drive success. Collaboration and commitment to working together to achieve outcomes makes all the difference when working with large site teams of up to 250 people. At Sarah Constructions, a commitment to people first and a serious focus on robust communication channels to support this, is at the core of how we do business.

People at the core of construction

Ben Layley, Sarah Constructions Senior Project Manager, has worked in senior roles on other larger projects, however Stage 2 + 3 of the Minda Master Plan was the largest project that he has managed. “My leadership and management skills have developed over the two years managing this project. It was a transition for me to step back and manage the big picture, not the day to day running of the site. A key to this was delegating to other key players, releasing the reins and trusting they will deliver. As a leader you want to be approachable but not a pushover, and through regular communication maintain positive relationships with a client focus” said Ben.

Sarah committed a large project team to manage the complexity of this project. Spreading across 100 acres, works were located across a large physical area and across many different fronts at once. With 250 trades people on site at the height of construction, across 25 individual buildings, the Sarah project team peaked at 30 staff to manage this. “Procurement was well planned and regularly reviewed to ensure the correct engagement of trades throughout the project. We held regular site meetings, to collaborate across the team in order to ensure we weren’t overloading certain trades or certain people” said Ben.

Stakeholder Communication To Build Positive Relationships

A key driver for Minda Inc in Stage 2 + 3 was to ensure positive stakeholder relations were maintained through regular and informative construction updates. Located in a residential area, close to schools and other community spaces, it was important that local residents and the wider community were updated on potential impacts due to the construction process.

“A specific client requirement was that we implement a Communication Management Plan, with a focus around external communications. This included how we would filter and receive feedback as well as how we would respond. Internally Minda set-up a communication working group, with a set focus to distribute building updates to their community and stakeholders. The Sarah team attended these meetings and proactively provided information. We had a strong focus on ensuring that the client interface was managed well” said Ben.

Considering potential impacts on the local community was paramount even before construction began “As well as planned communications, we also very carefully considered our approach to how we would build. We took a long time to consider traffic, in and around the site. As it was surrounded by residential streets, we couldn’t have a mass of concrete trucks parked on the streets, to manage this, we created new internal road so that trucks could park internally, on the site” said Ben

Another important stakeholder group were the residents living in the Stage 1 facility of Brighton Dunes. The Sarah team initiated conversations with the residents early in the construction process to explain how the building works would unroll and impact them. “We made sure that the Brighton Dunes residents felt like they were involved in the construction journey. We had continuity of people working on site, the residents have gone on the journey with these people, they were faces they recognise and people they could talk to if they needed” said Ben.

More Than Just A Project: Involving Minda Residents

Adrian Esplin, Chief Executive Office for Sarah Constructions said “For us, it is more than just a project, and although we’re excited by every project, the Minda Master Plan holds some special significance. Being able to see the positive impact a project such as this has on South Australians with disability is fantastic and very satisfying.”

The project is part of a strong relationship that has been built between Sarah Constructions and Minda Inc. In collaboration with Minda, Sarah ran a program to employ residents in the construction process. From an initial work experience group of 15 people, 4 Minda residents were employed by Sarah for nearly 1 year. This experience helps residents to access future employment opportunities, through demonstrated work capabilities. Even after project completion, Sarah’s commitment to Minda and their outcomes for residents continues, with 1 resident from Minda offered contract work with the team at Sarah Constructions Head Office.

“Minda are a great organisation; what they stand for and what they want to achieve is fantastic. It has been an honour to play a part in delivering the most advanced disability support hub in South Australia” said Ben.

The scope of this project covered construction of multiple different buildings including residential apartments, houses and community spaces, supported by a range of infrastructure and landscaping. For full details on the project, including outcomes delivered, click here for the project summary.

We thoroughly enjoyed building a great relationship with Minda and are truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves; improving the lives of those with disability.

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St-Johns-Performing-Art-future-of-education-construction
Education

Collaboration And Long Term Planning, The Future Of Education Construction

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By Jon Anderson, Construction Manager

As a specialist in Education Construction, and on-site Construction Manager at the University of Adelaide, I take a keen interest in the future of education construction. In recent years, I have witnessed the education landscape being reshaped by globalisation and the digital revolution.

Students are increasingly conducting their lives through social media and online services and they now expect educational institutions to communicate with them online too. Education infrastructure of today therefore needs to not only include state-of-the-art equipment for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects; education spaces must also be updated to accommodate contemporary trends in delivery.

Governments are investing millions to upgrade and build new educational facilities to match these changes; and savvy education institutions are adopting a collaborative approach with master builders, including long term planning to future-proof their property.

In order to capitalise on this investment, we need to understand that Infrastructure is interconnected; each building upgrades impacts stakeholders and operations from one facility to the next. If construction experts are involved in the early stages of planning, the impacts can be taken into consideration long before any works begin.

It’s about collaborating to give the client the right advice to future-proof for the next wave of technology.

The future of education construction

Long term planning

With a dynamic and forward facing approach, the University of Adelaide (UoA) also looks to be at the leading edge of education construction. UoA has a Masterplan, a vision for the future of their institution up to 2035. By adopting sequential long term planning with early involvement from Sarah Constructions, UoA infrastructure upgrades can be mapped out as a programme of works, not just as individual projects.

This approach delivers a streamlined process and ultimately saves money. With foresight and planning, we’re able to add value to the design development process by proposing constructability improvements and future-proof efficiencies.

With a commitment to facilities that allows students to learn and grow, St Johns Grammar Performing Arts Centre provides another example of success through early planning. Sarah had considerable input into the design and worked closely with the architects from the beginning, researching and coordinating affordable design solutions that remained faithful to the overall vision.

It was due to this close collaboration and expert cost management that savings could be made and redistributed to afford what other builders deemed impossible within their budget: A light, open plan learning centre, complete with top of the range equipment and the “wow” factor of a spectacular atrium.

Collaboration

Education institutions, by their very nature, are all about the future. They’re in the business of nurturing our next inventors, politicians, teachers and builders. It’s important to recognise that life now is a little different to back when we were in school. The internet, computers and mobile technology have changed the world we live in, almost beyond recognition.

Personally, I believe this evolution has largely been for the better. As globalisation and IT has developed, we have become more connected and therefore more collaborative. Processes have been made faster and easier; we can do more and so we expect more. The future of education construction needs to reflect these changes and leave room for further development.

With the Margaret Ames Learning Centre at Immanuel College, a key requirement of the brief was to foster collaboration. To encourage students in original thinking, the learning centre included open plan learning areas, interconnecting classrooms plus first class IT and AV capabilities. Immanuel College has embraced future focused thinking; their new centre was the first secondary teaching space of its kind in South Australia.

Similarly, the new Common Teaching Area and breakout space in the Barr Smith Building at UoA showcases the kind of flexible learning environments that are needed to be future-ready. Multipurpose rooms suitable for classes in anything from Japanese Language to Forensic Science, coupled with an unconventional, open plan breakout space, keeps UoA at the cutting-edge of education and maintains appeal within their target markets.

Welcome to the future

It’s not just collaborative learning environments that pave the way for the future. It’s collaborative business operations too. At Sarah Constructions, we enjoy less contractual, more collaborative relationships, because we understand that we’re all experts in our respective fields.

Delivering great outcomes requires input from experts across industry which is why we take a collaborative approach with our consultants. In the same way as it benefits the client to involve us as early as possible, it benefits us to involve our consultants and sub-contractors as early as possible as well. We believe that the sooner people come on board and become familiar with your operations, the better.

Taking a long term planning approach to Education Construction means you can map out a pragmatic and proactive process for realising your vision in the most efficient, cost-effective way. With early involvement from construction experts, you’re beginning that process of growth and transformation on the front foot, armed with the practical expertise of a team that specialises in turning visions into lasting legacies.