Bethany Christian School Learning Block

Bethany Christian School's Learning Block required the construction of a new, two storey building comprising of 12 general learning areas, teachers’ offices, multipurpose areas, media room, wet work area, gallery and performance space. The structure is concrete with off form exposed surfaces, clear sealed precast, exposed roof structural members and polished concrete.

Stage 1 constited of early works conduits and piping, stage 2 was to build the new two storey classroom block with associated landscaping and stage 3 involved the removal of the existing transportable buildings, stairs and verandas creating landscape for future works.

One of project challenges was working on the boundary of two differing school sites (Temple Christian College & Bethany Christian School) with shared oval facilities requiring student and teacher crossing through the construction site. Further, new services infrastructure was also required and trenched through the centre of the school, including the coordination of two school transformer upgrades, water main upgrade and new fire hydrants. These works were programmed to be performed during multiple school holiday periods throughout the project in order to minimise disruption to students and staff. Another challenge for the team was the placement of a 46,000L stormwater in-ground retention system between new and existing building structures, requiring the design and construction of an undocumented footing system to avoid undermining.

A close working relationship was maintained between Bethany Christian School staff, BELL Achitecture and Mossop Constuction + Interiors throughout the project. Open and honest communication made for a seamless working relationship that greatly assisted with the delivery of successful project. This project was completed 4 weeks prior to contract PC and was on buget.