A brand new, architecturally designed Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) facility is to be constructed at Indooroopilly’s Brigidine College.
Alder Constructions has been appointed to build the $11.75 million building at the Catholic girls school, adding to its growing portfolio of cutting edge education facilities at schools across South East Queensland.
This the first education tender for a new build in the Greater Brisbane CBD area that the Gold Coast based construction company has been awarded.
Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers says the new four level building is scheduled to open late 2019.
“This project will involve the removal of an existing demountable building and the car park at the corner of Fairley and Campus Streets, making way for a new four level building,” he said.
“The building comprises two levels of car parking, class rooms, science labs, storage rooms, a tiered seminar room, staff offices, student and staff amenities, rooftop mechanical plant and an external amphitheatre. Architecturally, the building is conceived as having ‘bookends’ with classrooms that open up to the open space and street. A solar photovoltaic roof will provide energy to the building, with a naturally-ventilated corridor, and louvred glazing allowing air flow across the building.”
Alder Constructions is working closely with Property and Infrastructure Consultants APP to deliver the project on time and on budget.
Designed by Blight Rayner, the progressive building has been designed with innovative spaces to foster knowledge in STEM subjects.
“There’s been a big push to boost the engagement and participation of girls and women in STEM education, with the federal government committing $4.5 million to the initiative,” Mr Cheffers said.
“Schools are continuously having to set new standards and new levels of innovation, to keep up with constantly evolving technology trends, and progressive learning spaces are imperative to engage today’s students. With such unique design features, it’s important to appoint builders with a strong reputation in the education space.”
Over the past 12 months Alder Constructions has successfully delivered multiple progressive education projects. These include ‘The Pod’ at Coomera Anglican College, The Southport School Multi-Purpose Hall at the preparatory campus, and A.B. Paterson’s new $13 million state-of-the-art learning precinct, currently under construction.
With the official sod-turning ceremony held on 08 February, attended by former Brigidine student and company namesake Chantel Alder, College staff and Stakeholders, construction is now set to commence.