First look at new STEM building

Construction is powering ahead on the $11.75 million Science, Technology and Mathematics facility at Indooroopilly’s Brigidine College.

The four-level architecturally-designed building, being built by Gold Coast-based Alder Constructions, is expected to be completed early 2020. The internal fit-out on levels two and three are currently underway, with facade works about to commence.

Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers says the facility is yet another addition to the firm’s growing portfolio of state-of-the-art education facilities at schools across South East Queensland.  “The project signifies the first education tender for a new build in the Greater Brisbane CBD area that Alder Constructions has been awarded and we are proud to be working on yet another cutting-edge educational facility,” said Mr Cheffers.

“This progressive building has been specifically designed to create innovative spaces that will not only be enjoyable to learn in for decades to come but will foster a love, interest, and knowledge in STEM subjects.  The building features many considered design elements including a solar photovoltaic roof to provide energy to the building, naturally-ventilated corridors, and louvered glazing allowing for increased natural ventilation across the building.”

The purpose-built facility offers a rooftop mechanical plant and external amphitheatre along with classrooms that open up to the local streetscape and surrounding open spaces. Two levels of car parking space, classrooms, science labs, storage rooms, a tiered seminar room, staff offices, along with student and staff amenities are also included in the design. Brigidine College collaborated with Blight Rayner to design the building which is set to be one of the most outstanding STEM learning resources in South East Queensland.

The project, which commenced in February involved the removal of an existing demountable building and the carpark at the corner of Fairley and Campus Streets.

Over the past 18 months, Alder Constructions has successfully delivered multiple progressive education projects including A.B. Paterson’s new $13 million state-of-the-art learning precinct, ‘The Pod’ at Coomera Anglican College, and The Southport School Multi-Purpose Hall at the preparatory campus.

Alder Constructions is continuing to expand across South East Queensland with the firm completing the refurbishment of the Oaks Lexicon Apartments facade in Brisbane City earlier this year. Work is currently underway at the Energy Queensland Stafford Depot where earthworks, underground infrastructure, and services installation have been completed, and the ground and level one slab concrete pour is expected to be completed by Christmas.

Published: Gold Coast Bulletin 29 Nov 2019