Doonside Technology High School

<p class="rteBlock">Royal Contractors is a Sydney-based family business focused on delivering construction and infrastructure projects for the <a type="url" href="https://www.steelcorp.com.au/education-structures" data-runtime-url="https://www.steelcorp.com.au/education-structures">education sector.</a> </p><br><p class="rteBlock">Royal Contractors approached Steelcorp to help deliver a design and construct project for Doonside Technology High School in Sydney’s west: a high-quality shade structure that would transform two existing basketball courts into a protected all-weather learning area.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">Our team worked alongside Eren Engineering to design a large shade structure of approximately 1680m2. Critical to this project was the inclusion of adequate weather protection to increase the usability of the area, so our design included functional dropped eaves to keep rain from encroaching into the space. </p><br><p class="rteBlock">Skylight inserts provided plenty of natural light; an important feature that contributes to <a type="url" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019336347" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-runtime-url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019336347">reduced anxiety and stress</a> and creates a bright and enjoyable space. Natural filtered light also improves the aesthetics of the overall structure, as well as allowing for heightened visibility during sports activities. </p><br><p class="rteBlock">Additionally, to discourage birds from nesting in open truss sections, we designed a fully clad underside for the sports cover which sealed off the rafters, preventing birds from perching and nesting.  </p><br>

<p class="rteBlock">Our scope for this project was for a complete <a value="education-structures" label="" type="page" href="/education-structures" data-runtime-url="/education-structures">design and construct package</a>. Steelcorp handled the initial design, <a value="https://www.steelcorp.com.au/the-guts-of-a-steel-structure/" label="" type="url" href="https://www.steelcorp.com.au/the-guts-of-a-steel-structure/" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://www.steelcorp.com.au/the-guts-of-a-steel-structure/">structural engineering</a>, shop drawings and kit manufacture, and our professional team also looked after the installation of the structure and placement of hold-down bolts. Structurally engineered to balance both strength and efficiency, the final sports cover design measured 42m x 40m. </p><br><p class="rteBlock">By including as many elements and trades as possible into our scope, we ensured that Royal Contractors could deliver the project quickly for their client without the friction and delays that can occur when dealing with multiple subcontractors. </p><br>

<p class="rteBlock">Working through the Christmas and New Year period, we encountered some seasonal site delays, completing this project in March 2023 after an October commencement date. </p><br><p class="rteBlock">Despite the best-laid plans, once the crew and the machinery are on site there are often new surprises to address. In this case, underground services were discovered in a different position to the location that was marked on the site plans, resulting in a redesign of the footing layout once excavation had begun.  </p><br><p class="rteBlock">Additionally, building over the existing sports court area (complete with basketball rings and a handball wall in the centre) meant our team had to prepare a detailed installation plan to accommodate restricted access. We also limited heavy-duty machinery that was allowed on site, with ‘heavy lifting&#x27; days completed during school holidays with the team partially building bays on the ground. This ensured a more efficient installation and reduced the working at height requirements for the team.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Overcoming site challenges and delivering to tight deadlines is our strength, with the final structure completed to a high standard and with minimum disruption to students. </p><br>

<p class="rteBlock">The new structure offers a highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, all-weather learning and play environment over the school’s well-used basketball courts. </p><br><p class="rteBlock">Feedback from Project Manager Sina Vodjdani confirms that the school is “over the moon with the sports cover and really happy [with the end result].”</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Sina also notes that Steelcorp’s strong execution of the building process and ability to keep the project moving to minimise delays is one of the most important aspects of delivering <a value="education-structures" label="" type="page" href="/education-structures" data-runtime-url="/education-structures">projects for the education sector</a>. </p><br><p class="rteBlock">“In general, it was all smooth sailing working with Steelcorp. The job did extend past the intended completion date however this was due to issues out of our control such as inclement weather and minor material delays. The Steelcorp team continued to move ahead, which is the main thing,” adds Sina.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">“Essentially, Education Department projects are all about getting in and doing the job without fuss.”</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Doonside Technology High School has nearly 60 years of history in the community, and the new sports cover represents an important piece of infrastructure to support the school’s future growth. </p>