Tenison Woods College Stage 2 Development
Client:
Edge Architects
Location:
Mount Gambier
Project value: $16m
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Inspiring spaces designed for today’s learners. Tonkin delivered comprehensive civil and structural services for Stage Two of Tenison Woods College's transformative redevelopment, bringing contemporary vision and practical excellence together.
What we did
Tonkin was engaged by Edge Architects to provide geotechnical, structural and civil engineering services for Stage 2 of the Tenison Woods College masterplan development.
The project challenged traditional educator-centred models by enabling the design and delivery of the new building, along with integrated outdoor landscaping and play spaces that enhance learning, connection and wellbeing.
As part of the College’s adopted master plan, Tonkin delivered a new Year 1 – 6 learning facility designed to support open and flexible education environments. The development comprised construction of the largest building on the site with the delivery of new two storey learning facility with an approximate footprint of 2,500m2 at each level, designed to accommodate Year 1 –6 students, along with associated supporting works. External infrastructure included retaining structures, integrated stormwater management and the provision of landscaped outdoor areas and play spaces surrounding the building.
The building layout was informed by the College’s educational vision of “communities within communities.” The floor plan was organised into a series of workstation and studio wings, connected by a central open-plan breakout space that supports collaboration, flexibility, and a strong sense of connection across the learning environment.
The project challenged traditional educator-centred models by enabling the design and delivery of the new building, along with integrated outdoor landscaping and play spaces that enhance learning, connection and wellbeing.
As part of the College’s adopted master plan, Tonkin delivered a new Year 1 – 6 learning facility designed to support open and flexible education environments. The development comprised construction of the largest building on the site with the delivery of new two storey learning facility with an approximate footprint of 2,500m2 at each level, designed to accommodate Year 1 –6 students, along with associated supporting works. External infrastructure included retaining structures, integrated stormwater management and the provision of landscaped outdoor areas and play spaces surrounding the building.
The building layout was informed by the College’s educational vision of “communities within communities.” The floor plan was organised into a series of workstation and studio wings, connected by a central open-plan breakout space that supports collaboration, flexibility, and a strong sense of connection across the learning environment.
Scope of works
Tonkin’s scope of work included geotechnical investigations, structural and civil engineering designs including site stormwater drainage and water-sensitive urban design measures. Working collaboratively with the broader project team, Tonkin provided practical, best-for-project solutions that contributed to an integrated and efficient delivery of the project.
How we made a difference
Tonkin’s engineers worked closely with the College and the architect to develop structural solutions that enabled the facilities to have flexibility to support current and evolving pedagogies.
Clear communication and coordination between all parties ensured that an agreeable and efficient workflow throughout the project’s lifecycle was achieved.
The complex floor plan geometry required critical thinking and creative solutions by our engineering teams to ensure functionality and form was maintained whilst also providing robust engineering solutions.
Tonkin developed a detailed 3D structural model to help bring the complex geometry to life. The 3D model provided a visual representation to the engineering team that highlighted complex structural detailing to overcome before construction commenced.
Clear communication and coordination between all parties ensured that an agreeable and efficient workflow throughout the project’s lifecycle was achieved.
The complex floor plan geometry required critical thinking and creative solutions by our engineering teams to ensure functionality and form was maintained whilst also providing robust engineering solutions.
Tonkin developed a detailed 3D structural model to help bring the complex geometry to life. The 3D model provided a visual representation to the engineering team that highlighted complex structural detailing to overcome before construction commenced.
Problems which arose and resolution achieved
The complex build required additional effort to overcome construction issues to ensure alignment of structural and civil elements. Tonkin’s local presence enabled prompt attendance at site when issues or clashes arose which avoided delays and impacts to the overall delivery.
Innovations & value for money
An efficient and quick method of construction was required to ensure the impact to the College was minimised during construction. Tonkin working closely with Architect developed a structural solution that enables large elements of off-site construction such as precast wall panels for majority of the walls and precast concrete floor planks for the suspended flooring, minimising propping and speeding up construction of the second level floor from conventional methods used in the region.
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