Buxton Construction meets the challenge at St Kevin's College
An $8.1 million development at St Kevin's College Heyington links the historic 1960s J A Kearney Building – the original structure on campus – with a striking contemporary educational facility designed by Melbourne architect Baldasso Cortese.
Consisting of four levels, the new building comprises five science laboratories, a state-of-the-art design technology facility for woodworking activities and student study centre.
Construction consists of post-tensioned concrete slabs and pre-cast panels with a steel-framed metal deck roof. A combination of perforated decorative metal screens and a glazed curtain wall create the building's unique facade, reinforcing its bold design statement.
The interior fit-out includes a lift, mechanical system and active lighting designed to minimise energy consumption, replaceable recycled carpet squares and reverse osmosis equipment in the science labs.
Severe site space and vehicular access limitations pose significant challenges for Buxton Construction. Safety of the students is paramount and extreme care is exercised by the on-site team at all times.
Each day more than 1,000 of the College's 1,200 students move to and from the Heyington railway station – on the boundary of the college grounds – in close proximity to the restricted construction site. This requires careful planning and coordination as heavy construction vehicles are required to enter and exit the school campus during operating hours.
“We narrowed the tender process to two builders but Buxton had done their homework thoroughly and understood the characteristics of the site, indicating that they would react positively to our concerns, especially those involving student safety,” said St Kevin's College bursar Ray Tyrrell.