Tight timeframe met for 25,000m²
two school build on a single busy site

Illustration

Project Summary

• Sector: Education
• Project Name: Providence Central Primary School and High School• Location: Ripley, QLD
• Project Total Cost: $88 million• Developer/ Principal: Plenary Schools Consortium/Queensland Department of Education• Builder: Watpac• Architect: Wilson Architects• Engineer: Glynn Tucker Consulting Engineers
• AFS Project Team: Nick Addison, Construction Manager; Kurt Muncey, Site Manager; Jed Burgess and Nathan Schulz, Design Team Leaders• Project Goal: To deliver two schools on one site with 25,000m² of structure.• Principal AFS Products: Wall framing, structural framing, roof trusses, ceiling panels all made from TRUECORE® steel, and other structural steel beams.• Complete Project Timeframe: 6 months.

Providence is a master-planned community covering 700+ hectares in the heart of the Ripley Valley. The developer’s, Okeland

Communities, vision is to create a thriving neighbourhood with 7,000 new homes, complete with an educational precinct, health and wellbeing hub, sports grounds, water park, and town centre.

Ripley Valley State Primary School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College are the first stage of the education precinct to open, with two additional high schools planned for the future on the community’s east and west perimetres.

This dual school build forms part of the Queensland Department of Education’s plan to construct ten schools in rapidly developing areas in south east Queensland, over five years.

The schools feature administration buildings, canteens and resource centres, a multipurpose hall, and oval.

Watpac has engaged AFS to provide framing solutions on numerous schools, often simultaneously. The long standing collaborative partnership enables high quality project delivery ahead of schedule.

Challenges

    The project had a very tight construction schedule. School enrollments were full and classes were due to commence. If the school was not handed over in time, this would result in significant liquidated damages to the builder and impact their reputation.
    Complex logistics - the schools were constructed simultaneously by two project teams from a single builder. There were around 300 trades on site daily.
    A design and construct challenge required AFS to engineer a unique light weight framing solution that was both functional and met architectural intent.
    The dynamic building schedule required AFS to scale-up production and supply materials as requested.
    Watpac required assistance at the end of the project that was not part of the AFS scope of works.
    It was essential to meet the Queensland Department of Education requirements including employment of trainees, licences and safety legislations.

Consultation and Collaboration

Over many years, Watpac has engaged AFS to deliver school framing solutions. With a history of working together successfully the partners have confidence in each other’s processes and procedures.
Early in the design phase, AFS identified areas for improvement and collaborated with Watpac and other parties to provide a solution that would meet all requirements.
The project had multiple work-fronts which required significant consultation and close communication to manage logistics, coordinate installation crews and manage quality control. AFS stationed a Site Supervisor on site to oversee delivery.

The Solutions

AFS engineered a light weight framing solution for the 25,000m² floor area that allowed the school buildings to function as intended by the architect.
The solution utilised light gauge steel in place of applicable structural steel that increased efficiencies both speeding up the build and financial gains as less trades, cranes, and other on-site costs were required.
To ensure an exceptional project outcome, AFS allocated resources exclusively to the project including a Site Supervisor who was posted on site.
AFS holds all relevant licences and its employment strategy enabled all government requirements to be met.

Outcomesand Results

AFS delivered the two schools on time, in budget, and with zero variations to the original scope. There were no defects and students were able to begin school in the expected semester.
AFS scaled-up to supply materials as required and scheduled deliveriesaccording to Watpac’s demand, avoiding stockpiling and ensuring installation crews were ready for the deliveries.
The Site Supervisor coordinated 212 trucks delivering multiple drops per day. They also kept all stakeholders up-to-date and managed seamless installation.
At the end of the project, Watpac requested assistance to complete additional metal works that were not part of the original scope. AFS built andinstalled balustrades, screen supports, and gates to help the builder finaliseconstruction.

People, Partnerships & Progress

People & Experience

Our team has developed framing methods that deliver more large-scale projects simultaneously than any other company in the country.
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Partnerships Built On Trust

We believe trust goes further than the stability of the frame, it's also about the company that’s delivering it - that’s why our promise is to be consistent on price, quality and always deliver.

Progress & Vision

We are driven by a deep passion for our industry. We have fostered a culture hinged on an attitude - always show up and never give up.

We Partner With

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