Structural
St Agartha’s Primary School Clayfield
Address: Lot 136 Sunset Dr, Caloundra QLD (Moreton North / Sunshine Coast – A2)
Client: Northbuild Constructions
Completion: 2008
Value: AU$22,000,000.00
Work Category: New Facility/ Addition
Services Activity: Structural Engineering
Commission Type: Design, Documentation & Inspections
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A new multipurpose Performing Arts Centre complete with open air performance space, tiered audience seating, backstage dressing and prop rooms, sound and lighting room, music store room, café and retractable stage. This new building was nestled on the side of an embankment, within a small building envelope between a school and church, and needed to seamlessly connect with an existing 4-storey brick building. Additionally, the restoration of a bell tower and the construction of cantilevered concrete walkways were completed.
SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS
Through the strategic placement of support columns the two storey buildings utilised a highly efficient and economical structural system that maximised internal open areas and allowed for significant flexibility in future upgrades. Additionally, the use of timber wind trusses fixed above the ceiling line allowed the architect to create clear open plan classrooms and work areas without walls impeding. Using timber helped to minimise trade packages and help prevent construction bottlenecks.
SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS
The restricted building envelope meant the structural design needed to be closely coordinated with the architect and builder to ensure construction was possible. For example, an elevated walkway was located over an existing rock faced embankments. Propping or strutting off the embankment was not possible so bored piers were needed to anchor cantilevered steel beams that projected out over the rock face. Bondek was then laid between the beams and a concrete walkway was created that allowed safe pedestrian access adjacent the driveway.