Caulfield Grammar School Wheelers Hill
A multi-purpose gymnasium complex, the split-level $5 million structure comprises full-size netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts to international standards, spectator gallery, classrooms, a community facility, staff offices and a new reception area for the junior school.
The steeply sloping site required excavation cut to a depth of approximately four metres at one end of the building prior to pouring the concrete raft slab, an insitu concrete wall acts as a retaining wall to this excavation as well as forming an integral part of the structure and an architectural feature. Cladding of the steel-framed building includes environmentally-friendly glazing, timber, pre-finished metal panels and a combination of rendered and exposed blockwork.
The suspended ceiling is constructed of Durra panels for aesthetic appeal and to satisfy acoustic and insulation requirements.
Lighting is electronically controlled while the computerised controls for both the air-conditioning and motorised windows link the automatic activation of each to the ambient temperature for maximum energy efficiency.
Water harvested from the roof is stored in four tanks and used for toilet flushing and irrigation.
Upon completion of the multi purpose building, Buxton Construction were engaged by Land Design Partnership to undertake extensive landscape works surrounding the project including batter rock spalls, soft landscaping, irrigation system and earth mounds.