ACorp Construction were awarded the contract for JPC Stage 16b (new performing arts) in
Kalgoorlie. The site located at an existing carpark within school grounds comprised of a new
building housing the auditorium, green and dressing rooms, classrooms, offices and
amenities. Throughout the building specific methods of construction were used to keep
acoustic leakage at minimum – being that between classrooms and build-to-building.
Prior to construction, ACorp liaised with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (CKB) council to
generate noise and dust management plans due to the proximity within the school. architect
and client to undertake significant cost saving measures. Due to the size of the project and
site, the project was split between construction site and laydown area which was on the
school oval. This meant movement in and out of school boundaries on Lionel St to move
materials. The proximity of the building to adjacent “live” buildings meant for a challenging
build with minimal space to move materials and machinery. Structural steel cranage involved
moving large steel over existing buildings. Site coordinated between the school and riggers
to move steel safely and without personnel within the buildings.
With construction undergoing within an active school environment, there was a requirement
to safely operate around children. This meant sometimes working outside of normal hours to
complete higher risk activities. The use of time when school was inactive was vital in
completing several tasks unimpeded.
The commencement of construction began in 2021 whilst COVID-19 restriction were in
place. Facing uncertain measures and unforeseeable issues, the project was able to
continue throughout the pandemic and had little delays. The Kalgoorlie-Boulder region was
largely unaffected during this period and ACorp’s engagement to a significant local
workforce meant that there was less chance of the COVID virus affecting the project. The
project also had 0 injury/incidents throughout its entirety. ACorp’s continued use with familiar
trades means there is a greater understanding of ACorp/site expectations for work
performance and safety. With many local trades, the relationships extend past the worksite
that allows for a deeper relationship which keeps work honest and problem solving simpler.
Siteworks:
The site at 44 Lionel Street is within the current school grounds. A CKB easement was
located within school boundaries which was uncovered during earthworks. The survey plot
for the easement had incorrectly set out the easement which mean the building encroached
on CKB exclusions zones. The building was redesigned to avoid the exclusions zones with
minimal disruption to overall function and form of the building.
Auditorium:
The core middle section of the structure housed the auditorium area. The auditorium
consists of suspended concrete seating, a bio box of projectors and lighting controls and a
sprung floor stage. The entirety of the auditorium area was painted black for minimise light
reflection during productions.
Classrooms and Offices:
All classrooms and offices consisted of acoustic ceilings and Autex sound deadening panels
to prevent noise leaking out into neighbouring areas. Being performing arts, the building
constantly has musical instrument being played. To further achieve the acoustic rating, walls
extended to the underside of the roof and acoustic insulation was installed.
External:
The external hard landscaping consists of over 670m2 of exposed aggregate paving with
limestone seating encompassing garden beds. Due to previous flooding of the school site
from Davidson street, there was serious consultation and design into creatin “overland” flow
through the school site surround the new building. To achieve this, all levels of paving were
precise to allow for water flow away from buildings but through the school the other side
whilst also being considerate of disabled slope requirements.
