The Project
Build the $2.8 million two-storey Dame Elizabeth Murdoch Centre for historic Braemar College at Woodend, 2400 feet above sea level at an incline of 40 degrees to the horizon.
Integrate three existing sections of the school by providing covered walkways between them - all located at different heights on the site.
Special features
- Exposed pebble concrete paving (requiring special concrete batching)
- Exposed internal timber framing
- Exposed external steel structure
- Extensive use of retaining walls
The Challenges
- Great pressure to complete the project in time for 2004 school year
- Extremely difficult site access and orientation created restrictions on almost all activities on the site
- Freezing temperatures, low cloud and fog in winter
- Provision for bushfire fighting access and evacuation in summer
- Enclosing the structure in extensive complex scaffolding to provide safe access to all work faces
The Outcome
- A spectacular structure, well elevated on the mountain. In keeping with its harsh environment
- Students in on time
- Easy access for students between their other classes
- State MBAV Award winning project
