CAROLINE CHISHOLM MULTIPURPOSE HALL
Client
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS)
Architect
Branch Studio Architects
Design & Construct (D&C)
Education
Technology
Live Environment
Caroline Chisholm Catholic College is a lively campus of 1500 students in the heart of Melbourne’s booming western suburbs. The Multipurpose Hall was an important step in the modernisation and upgrading of the existing campus.
Project Summary
Client Requirements
Build within a Live Student Campus – Demolition and construction had to be conducted in the middle of an operating school campus. Restrictions on site access (traffic and pedestrian management). Noise restrictions during exam periods meant non-working days were required. Removal of latent asbestos had to be removed outside school hours with rigorous safety protocols. Student safety was paramount.
Maintain Live Services – Existing critical infrastructure ran through the building site and needed to be maintained during demolition and construction.
Design & Construct – Several building elements were non-proprietary products, meaning project-specific engineering was required to deliver architectural intent while ensuring safety in execution.
Delivered Solution
Management of live campus – Construction methodology and safety plans were coordinated in consultation with school management. Daily coordination with school management on scheduled deliveries, high-risk activities or school events. All workers required “Working with Children” clearance.
Live Services – Thorough dilapidation and services location surveys were conducted before any works commenced on site. Design of foundations was altered to isolate and minimise required works around live services.
Engineered Design Solutions – Builder and architect worked together to develop an innovative design for two non-proprietary external cladding systems. An independent engineer was then engaged to review and certify the safety of these systems. The outcome was a unique architectural feature that no other client has possessed.
