St Kevin's College
J A Kearney Building
The $8.1 million development at St Kevin's College links an historical 1960s building with a contemporary four-level educational facility comprised of 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.
The interior fit-out includes a lift, mechanical system and active lighting designed to minimise energy consumption and reverse osmosis equipment in the science labs.
Severe site space and vehicular access limitations pose significant challenges for Buxton Construction and, as safety of the students is paramount, 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. Careful planning and coordination is paramount as heavy vehicles are required to enter and exit the school campus during operating hours.