Case Study S. 18

Dungog High School

Design, construction, and installation of a custom covered outdoor learning area for Dungog High School in Dungog, New South Wales.

Sales Consultant: Joshua Wiggins

Project Manager: Brad Murray

Photography: Lionel Allpress

The Client

<a value="https://www.ariaddc.com.au/" label="" type="url" href="https://www.ariaddc.com.au/" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://www.ariaddc.com.au/">Aria DDC</a> is a building and construction company with over 40 years of combined experience in the industry. With a strong presence across New South Wales, Aria has spent the past decade specialising in public sector projects, providing construction services for various government departments. Their reputation for reliability and delivering to strict compliance and quality standards has made them a trusted partner for <a value="https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/" label="" type="url" href="https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/">Infrastructure NSW</a>. <a value="https://dungog-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/" label="" type="url" href="https://dungog-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://dungog-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/">Dungog High School</a>, located in the Hunter Region of NSW, was the beneficiary of this partnership, looking to upgrade and revitalise its outdoor learning and recreational spaces with the addition of a new shade structure over its existing courts.

The Brief

In early October 2024, Aria DDC reached out to Steelcorp seeking a design and construct (D&C) proposal for a custom shade structure that would support Infrastructure NSW’s goal of transforming outdoor spaces at the school. The brief was to deliver a vibrant, weatherproof space that could facilitate learning and play all year round, with custom bird-proofing measures integrated into the design. Steelcorp was awarded the contract at the end of the month, tasked with managing the entire project, from initial site investigations through to steel erection. With the builder looking for a streamlined solution, Steelcorp’s end-to-end delivery model offered clear value, reducing risk and simplifying contractor coordination for Aria.

The Scope

Steelcorp’s turnkey delivery model covered the full project lifecycle. The pre-construction phase included site survey, a geotechnical report, and custom structural design and certification carried out by Eren Engineering. The construction phase included the preparation of shop drawings, supply and installation of concrete foundations, structural steel, roofing, and soffit lining. The final product was an L-shaped, 850m² Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), incorporating underside cladding and truss infill to meet bird-proofing requirements. Throughout the build, Steelcorp worked closely with Aria DDC to identify design and cost efficiencies that would maintain quality while maximising value for the client.

The Result

The completed structure has significantly enhanced the school grounds, transforming the courts into a modern, multipurpose space that can be used in all weather conditions. For the school, it’s created a safer and more engaging environment for students and staff alike. For Aria DDC, it was a smooth delivery experience, with collaborative planning, responsive support, and high attention to detail from Steelcorp’s team on the ground. The project was delivered largely on time and exceeded expectations in terms of finish and functionality. The strong working relationship between the Steelcorp and Aria teams was instrumental in overcoming on-site challenges and ensuring a seamless construction experience. An Aria DDC spokesperson said, “We had the pleasure of working with Steelcorp on the fabrication and construction of a high-quality COLA at Dungog High School. From the outset, the relationship was highly collaborative. Steelcorp’s General Manager <a value="https://au.linkedin.com/in/joshuawiggins" label="" type="url" href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/joshuawiggins" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://au.linkedin.com/in/joshuawiggins">Josh</a>, Project Manager <a value="https://au.linkedin.com/in/benmgreenland" label="" type="url" href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/benmgreenland" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://au.linkedin.com/in/benmgreenland">Ben</a>, along with their design and installation teams, were all proactive, responsive, and solution-focused throughout the process. Together, we developed an alternative design that not only enhanced the final outcome but also delivered significant value for the school. The end result is a well-executed and durable structure that the school community can enjoy for many years to come. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Steelcorp again and would happily recommend them for future projects.”

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