Education

Curtin University - Midland Campus

The Curtin Midland campus was designed to reflect the look and feel of the Historic Midland workshop precinct, whilst demonstrating an unmistakable link to the Architectural scene of exposed board form concrete, seen at the Curtin Bentley Campus. The building comprises of complex structural forms which include intricate cantilevered concrete elements, making construction challenging. The intricate face brickwork with Flemish bond, impressive raking walls and Brise Solei sections, contributes to the distinctive Midland surrounds. The brickwork was completed to the highest standard, exceeding all expectations of the design intent. The building consisted of aluminium windows and doors, Colorbond roofing and cladding as well as an impressive Curtin wall with Aboriginal art spanning over 3 levels. The hard and soft landscaping further compliments the building and general surroundings with Interpretive rails to commemorate the Historic scene of the Midland Rails workshop precinct, which included artwork, landscaping and signage to reflect the strong connection to the Wadjuk Nyungar people. This involved extensive coordination between various stakeholders to bring to completion. Level 1 provides 4 collaborative learning spaces accommodating 30-60 people per area. Learning rooms 1 and 2 are separated by a central operable wall, which when open, can accommodate up to 180 people. These are equipped with the latest ‘state of the art’ audio visual equipment allowing remote access to teaching and learning. Additionally, Level 1 consists of open student areas, with a modern fit out, providing a welcoming atmosphere for flexible and informal discussions. The facility offers bike storage, change rooms and lockers, contributing to the 5 Star Greenstar rating achieved on this build. Level 2 includes four simulation suites, known as FILM rooms, designed to depict real life healthcare scenarios, for learning and training. Each suite includes a separate collaborative pod with a one-way glass wall, allowing for observation and monitoring whilst the medical student perform their procedures. Level 2 has a range of relaxed informal learning spaces, collaborative pods and balconies, overlooking the Historic Rail precinct. The medical school’s accommodation is located on level 3. The open design, with operable workstations, and views provides a comfortable workplace for the faculty’s personnel. The accommodation has several quiet rooms a large meeting room and kitchenet. The informal student space on level 3 provides an array of lounges, café style furniture, student break-out area, kitchen and balconies. CLIENT: CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECT: LYONS
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Carine Senior High School Expansion

PS Structures achieved an overall performance score of 86.67% from the Department of Finance for this project. The build consisted of 3 Separable Portions, split into refurbishment and new works. The project ran over a 14-month period and consisted of the following: New Works

STEM block with Auditorium/Lecture Theater
Learning block
Food Technology block
New fire ring main and fire pump

Refurbishment Works

2 Cookery classrooms
9 Science laboratories in 2 different blocks
Toilet, shower and changeroom facilities

The works included all associated hard and soft landscaping. The new build consisted of in-situ concrete frame structures with structural steel frames with extensive brickwork infill façades. The STEM building is a double storey with the Lecture Theater built on an incline. Demolition work consisted of asbestos removal that included friable asbestos which was supervised during school holidays. The construction was carried out on a live site, consequently it was imperative PS Structures kept the subcontractors and school administration informed of all upcoming works throughout the project. PS Structures planned, where possible, disruptive works to be carried out during school holidays. Access was constricted, with the sloping site making construction more challenging, this was overcome with careful planning and communication between all parties involved. A large 15 tonne art sculpture had to be relocated on the school premises. “Overall a highly successful project and an enjoyable one. PS Structures were efficient operators, excellent communicators, respectful and easy to work with. The project was finished on time and the management of variations was thought to be a fair and reasonable process without the requirement for lengthy discussions or negotiation.” - Belinda Taggart - Senior Project Manager, Department of Finance - Building Management Works CLIENT: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE - BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKS ARCHITECT: WITH ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
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Christ Church Grammar School - Preparatory School

The development is located on the site of the existing sports courts directly adjacent to the junior oval and western site boundary with the neighboring Methodist Ladies College. A new 3 storey preparatory school and associated external works formed the basis of the contract works, with a number of provisional items that were added to the scheme as works progressed. Construction consisted of the following elements:

In–situ concrete frame incorporating “bubbledeck” slabs.

Pre-cast column and wall elements “white”.

Structural steel roof frame and external façade support framework.

Load bearing cavity filled blockwork, external and internal coloured face blockwork.

Equitone façade cladding incorporating aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling.

Full service installation including new SMSB installation, sewer connection to Sterling Highway, fully integrated security and AV installations.

High level internal finishes including but not limited to acoustic baffled ceilings, integrated teaching wall joinery fixtures, feature wall cladding in timber, aluminium, steelwork, stainless steel “millennium” cladding to tech hub, natural stone cladding to main entrance area and tiled walkways and washroom areas.

Full turnkey FFE supply and installation.

Hard and soft landscaping including feature play equipment and secure play deck to the northern aspect.

Externally expressed structural steelwork support framing carried a bespoke perforated and folded screen that ran the entire length of the eastern elevation, this was supported by a stainless-steel wire carrier system, so effectively giving the impression of a “floating” element. Access was afforded through the existing school entry and student movements were carefully managed with a duel gate arrangement to ensure risks during busy periods were mitigated. Close relationship with the school facilities department was required as many of the new systems were to be integrated into existing operational elements. This process was managed though open communication channels, regular meetings and collaborative design discussions to ensure all items were captured prior to install. Re-instatement work to the oval and associated external works, additions of a new visitor car park and feature seating, hard landscaping and planting completed the second phase of the project. The demolition of an existing teaching block was required following completion of the main building which was required to facilitate the second phase completion. CLIENT: CHRIST CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL ARCHITECT: WITH ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
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Yanchep Secondary School Stage 1 - Main Works