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St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre

Multi-storey learning centre delivered safely in a complex, live environment

Buildcorp constructed Villanova’s new build multi-storey learning centre throughout the 2019-2020 school year. The building represents the first stage of the school’s masterplan and added 19 classrooms and a 120-seat lecture theatre, providing capacity for the junior school and senior year students.

The project required a range of risk mitigation strategies to navigate COVID-19 restrictions and minimise impact on the school’s operations. This included scheduling works around exam periods and rerouting foot traffic around the site for 1,200 students.

Design, delivery and outcomes

The contemporary 4379sqm suspended concrete structure, incorporating complex brick-and-steel construction, was designed by architecture firm Architectus and developed on a lump sum contract. The tiered building design responds to the site’s topography, and strongly connects between indoor spaces and generous outdoor verandas, completed by a dramatic sheltering roof overhanging the verandas.

Detailed and bulk excavation works were required on the sloping block, including 64 piled foundations, as well as sediment and erosion-control measures. The new building links to the existing Veritas Building through suspended bridges.

Risk management methods included effective tower crane management, traffic management and control, and proactive safety measures to protect the school’s complex live environment, and ensure no lost time injuries.

Client

Villanova College

Architect

Architectus

Contract sum

$16 million

Program

56 weeks

Completion

May 2020