Design and Construct.
Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, the campus provides an environment where character-building skills, teamwork and bushcraft can be learnt, while staying connected to classrooms in Sydney.
After a competition amongst architects, Andrew Burns’ aesthetic was selected as the desired design solution for the campus, capturing the breathtaking escarpment backdrop. We worked closely with him to convert his vision into reality, enhancing the natural valley amphitheatre while still meeting the tight budget constraints set by the client. The use of iron, timber and blockwork with attention to detail in the finishes makes this modern project a homage to the early Australian sheds.
With only seven months allocated, from the initial design to completion, the timeline was always going to be tight. Due to the location of the campus, more than two kilometres off the Wolgan Road, and the property having both steep and wet terrain, it was essential to push the road into the site early to begin construction. We achieved this while still respecting the special environment and following the natural contours of the land.
While the roadwork was being carried out, machinery was walked in to construct the building platforms for the accommodation blocks, kitchen, camping pads, service buildings and tanks. The initial stage consisted of two accommodation blocks for students and staff, four camping pads, a commercial kitchen, external dining table and a $50,000 pizza oven, all laid out in a crescent to accentuate the stunning landscape.
Despite the remote location, the campus is connected to the main power grid and via fibre for communications, services and security. Water is also sourced, captured and treated on-site, while waste is dealt with using an Automated Wastewater Treatment system, resulting in an environmentally sustainable facility.
Students can now continue their studies via video conferencing from the bush, linking to the Bellevue Hill campus in real time. In addition, students foster their own stewardship of the land and are responsible for acting in their class community to operate components of the campus, from cutting wood for hot water to completing outward-bound activities offered in the local woodland and forest reserve.
The awards and recognition that Hines Constructions received for this job are testament to the hard work and innovation showed by the team at every stage of this unique project.
Project Awards;
2018 MBA Award for Best Use of Timber
2018 MBA Award Commercial Projects $5 Million – $10 Million
2018 MBA Award for Student Accommodation up to $7,500,000
