Duncraig Senior High School – Food Tech Centre

Following a funding allocation provided to Duncraig SHS by the State Government in 2020, a scope of work was defined to deliver an upgrade to the existing aged facilities, including small additions to deliver two high standard Food Technology teaching spaces and associated preparation kitchen, staff and storage areas.

The refurbishment presented numerous challenges with regards to delivery of full compliance with the brief provided. Existing spaces were measured and confirmed as being significantly undersized, requiring the footprint of the work to expand beyond the building envelope. The initial focus was to investigate the use of space within the existing adjacent teaching and support rooms but it quickly became apparent that the impact would be significant for DSHS on curriculum delivery; a minor addition was considered (and eventually accepted) for the delivery of the project.

With an appreciation of budget and maintenance minimisation, the construction method for the modest addition was proposed to be reinforced concrete slab on ground with lightweight (steel) wall framing, with a steel framed roof. External cladding was selected to be predominantly horizontal Custom Orb sheeting with a feature gloss painted fibre cement clad entry.