The team at Laing O'Rourke have experience with all elements of the education sector, from tertiary institutions to high schools, in the private and public systems, and in urban and rural locations.
We have strong links with many of Australia's leading universities and understand the unique requirements of this sector, including working in an operating institution and the increasing complexity of sophisticated data and communication systems. Our innovative construction methods and careful staging allow projects to be timed to minimise interruptions to teaching and students.
SQIT ‘B BLOCK’, TOOWOOMBA CAMPUS, Queensland
B Block is a large academic building built on the Toowoomba Campus of SQIT. The works involved a major extension to the existing administration building that primarily provides teaching space. Other facilities provided under the scope included increased library space, administration extensions, new refectory facilities, child minding and carparking.
The three-storey structure features natural finishes of local concrete masonry and brickwork.
FEATURES:
The design objective was to achieve sustainability through the adoption of a number of ESD principles including:
- rainwater collection, storage and re-use for non-potable uses
- meters installed for measuring water and better monitor and manage consumption
- day lighting was enhanced through the use of refractive glass blocks, clearstorey lighting and sun-control louvres
- energy reductions were achieved through automatic turn-off devices for lighting and air conditioning when spaces are unoccupied
- the procurement of energy efficient light fittings and equipment.
BENEFITS:
The facilities accommodated within the building required a high level of service coordination. Laing O’Rourke became involved in extensive, ongoing discussions with user groups to ensure that the finished product met each group’s needs.
Prior to Laing O’Rourke undertaking the contract, the project had been on hold for six to nine months due to the original contractor liquidating during the early contract period. Laing O’Rourke worked through the subsequent issues with the client, undertook certain defects, and re-engaged nearly all of the original subcontractors to provide some level of continuity in the construction process and finished product.
CLIENT: Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts
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