Remarkable STEAM building welcomes students
Works have wrapped up on a new high-tech learning facility for Brisbane Grammar School.
Constructed by BESIX Watpac, Brisbane Grammar School’s new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) achieved project completion in late 2023, ahead of the commencement of the 2024 academic year.
The STEAM Precinct is poised to help shape future leaders amongst its students, preparing them to tackle complex global challenges and prepare for jobs that haven’t even emerged yet.
The multi-storey building is a dynamic education space that includes 15 co-laboratories, 14 general learning areas, five design areas, art studios and a 300-seat open auditorium.
The project has faced considerable challenges – like many projects that commenced during COVID. The project team was able to turn these challenges around to deliver a remarkable new facility for the school.
The building’s main feature is its expansive atrium that is framed by three learning pods that each extend across multiple levels.
The three learning pods underwent rigorous planning to ensure safe and efficient installation. There were seven structural rings in total to create the three pods. The rings were lifted into position using a dual-lift system over a two-week period.
Senior Project Manager Brenden Cartwright said 12 months of planning went into preparing for lifting the pods into place.
“Initial methodology had the pod structure installed with the tower crane prior to the roof structure. Given resource constraints and the risk of the pod structures delaying the roof structure, the project team implemented an alternative installation method to mitigate delays which proved successful,” Brenden said.
“Numerous meetings were held to plan for the safe installation, and we also collaborated with our engineer Projex Partners, the steel fabricator Sencova, and the installer, Mulherin, to achieve a great outcome.”
The pods are suspended from the roof structure using precision-engineered hangers. Each pod ring contains approximately five cubic meters of concrete and is finished with either full-height glazing or stainless-steel mesh and balustrade.
BESIX Watpac is proud of the project team’s focus on delivering a quality outcome for the school which has left a positive legacy for the school’s students who will be able to enjoy the very best there is to offer when it comes to STEM education.
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