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Goddard Building University of Queensland

St Lucia Campus

Striking features, high-quality finishes, superior products, with an extreme difficulty level at every phase of the build. These are a few of the highlights from our latest high profile project – the Goddard Building roof extension at the University of Queensland (UQ), St Lucia campus.

Buildcorp Queensland embarked on this exciting and innovative project requiring demolition and new work for a fifth-storey addition to an existing building, while it remained fully occupied. This extension was designed to incorporate new offices and teaching spaces, a large kitchen and breakout zone, outdoor recreational areas and an animal holding facility for the School of Biological Sciences.

The remarkable Goddard Building is part of the heritage-listed Great Court complex within the University of Queensland and is protected by a strict conservation plan. This added an especially challenging element, which Buildcorp managed confidently, offering expertise and innovative solutions to adhere to these heritage protection guidelines.

At Buildcorp, we pride ourselves on handling exceptionally difficult projects with professionalism and care – both were required for this building and client. The greatest challenge was the highly sensitive matter of taking over from a builder who had started the project but was forced to withdraw due to bankruptcy. We inherited full certification responsibilities for all previous and new installations, requiring in-depth analysis and investigation in every facet of the job.

The University of Queensland highlighted this complexity and the associated growing cost as being their most pressing issue with the project. The change over of builders was a very stressful and expensive set back for us. Buildcorp Interiors ensured our costs were kept to a minimum and on target, managed by a GMP contract, with all major issues noted up front. This provided great relief for us.

The client was impressed by the professional, meticulous methodology and programme presented by Buildcorp, which reassured them that their high expectations and critical deadlines would be met. Buildcorp has proved to be a reputable contractor highly valued at UQ, delivering the project on time and on budget.

We place great importance on open and honest communication between our client, architects, consultants and workforce and ensured this line of contact was always accessible which has been praised highly by our clients, and why they repeatedly engage Buildcorp for future projects.

Designed by Conrad Gargett, the completed project is spectacular. The perforated copper screen that wraps the facade of the rooftop is a striking and innovative building feature that showcases the new construction as a modern addition distinct from the original sandstone building it rests on while complementing it perfectly.

The quality continues inside with the full-height glazed sliding doors used throughout the office space, allowing the abundant flow of natural light and fresh air to the work areas. These doors lead to the pre-cast platform walkway, which runs the full length of the facade, making the external contemporary design an interior feature. This detail is cleverly highlighted internally through the choice of superior materials including copper clad joinery, and Rosewood timber feature doors, frames and trims.

This project, along with our diverse portfolio is a testament to the strength of our business model. Our success is evident in our superior performance on high profile buildings, and the long-lasting relationships we have with our clients. Our ability to solve difficult situations, and our focus on communication, attention-to-detail, and superior quality, ensure every project is delivered on time, on budget while providing a stunning end result.

Client

University of Queensland

Architect

Conrad Gargett

Contract sum

$10.5m

Program

10 months

Completion

February 2014