Buderim Mountain State School Multipurpose Hall

Tonkin was engaged by Kane Constructions in partnership with the Department of Education, Aspect Architects and Ranbury to provide structural and civil engineering for the new Buderim Mountain State School multipurpose hall. The 1800 metre square building consists of a multipurpose hall, tuck shop, kitchen, amenities, stage and storage rooms.

The project involved heritage elements that needed protection and careful consideration including the existing heritage-listed rock retaining wall. The wall needed to be protected during the works and the new development had to be designed so the wall wouldn't be impacted. To achieve this, the post tensioned suspended ground slab cantilevered approximately 6.5m across the sloping site over the top of the heritage wall, resulting in an impressive 'floating' appearance. 

Additionally, there is a protected nature reserve with significant trees to the north of the site. To reduce impact on the trees, a unique micro-pile footing system was adopted to minimise any excavation in the area from conventional footings, and the walkways were suspended above the ground. 

Tonkin worked closely with the contractor and steel fabricators to design and provide bespoke detailing. Tonkin was able to provide the contractor with unique design solutions to the site-specific conditions that allowed speed of construction, minimising disruption to the school. 

These approaches allowed the character of the school to not only be preserved but enhanced with the delivery of the new hall. Clear communication and coordination between all parties ensured that an agreeable and efficient workflow throughout the project's lifecycle was achieved.