Ipswich West Special School – Additional Accommodation

About this project

To accommodate the increase in student numbers, Ipswich West Special School required extra teaching and administration space. The already congested campus included the original heritage listed school building, located at the centre of the site. Even the demolition of two current teaching blocks did not provide sufficient space for a building that met the Client’s brief.

Working closely with heritage authorities, the principal consultant developed a design that not only met the Client’s brief but also enhanced the overall campus. To accomplish this, the existing heritage building was cut in half, rotated 90 degrees and relocated to the perimeter of the site, which resulted in a large central courtyard for the School. This approach provided additional play space, created a focal point for the School and celebrated the heritage architecture.

The project also demanded careful staging of works to allow the School to remain operational throughout the construction phase. This was achieved in part through the provision of temporary hire classrooms on the adjacent oval. Close liaison with the principal ensured the new building met the special needs of the pupils.

After an initial delay due to the need to obtain heritage approval, the project was completed on budget by the revised contractual completion date in August 2018.