MARY MACKILLOP COLLEGE – ADMIN BUILDING

2013 – Nundah, Brisbane

Architectural Collaborative (operating under Opus Architecture during this project) completed the Joanna Barr-Smith Administration building at Mary MacKillop College, Nundah, which is an attractive and highly visible architectural statement that proudly fronts the college’s main entrance and presents itself to the local community as a contemporary and dynamic educational institution.  The building is a three-level concrete and steel structure containing offices, a staff kitchen and lounge area, an outdoor deck area (with enviable views) as well as a level devoted to learning and practical areas for home economics.

The primary challenges for the design team centred around difficult budget parameters and a tight delivery timeframe. Aesthetically, it was important to provide street appeal to a long facade on the west, and an attractive interface with the interior side of the school on the east. Functionally, the biggest challenge was to maintain uninterrupted operation of the school by staff and students during the construction phase.

To achieve the College’s delivery date, constant forward momentum was essential.  The project team succeeded on this front by listening and comprehending the College’s needs for the building and the site and by regular and effective client communication.  The team also gained efficiencies by conducting the design development, tender management and contract documentation phases virtually simultaneously.  The school’s administration was kept largely operational throughout the process by devoted project management.

Maximum value was added to the design process by proposing multi-function areas and by cost-effective advice on construction detailing. The design also incorporated a number of features that allowed the staff lounge and outdoor deck areas to be easily transformed into training or entertaining areas, enhancing the value and utilisation opportunities for these spaces.

PROJECT TEAM

Jack Coates & Sebastian Brameld

CONTRACTOR
Beech

CONSULTANTS
Civil Engineer – Opus
Structural Engineer – Opus
Electrical Engineer – Opus
Mechanical Engineer – Opus
Hydraulic Engineer – Opus