ACorp Construction was awarded the contract for the Step Up Step Down Mental Wellbeing Facility in Kalgoorlie. The vacant site was redeveloped into 10 wellbeing units, an administration block, and a communal building, complemented by landscaped exteriors, an outdoor basketball court, and steel-framed pavilions. The project featured high-quality materials and architectural specifications, resulting in unconventional finishes.
Before contract award and construction, ACorp collaborated with the architect and client to implement cost-saving measures, resulting in design adjustments. ACorp worked closely with trades to balance efficiency with project requirements, adapting unconventional materials and construction methods to meet specifications.
Careful planning and coordination ensured timely material deliveries and smooth execution. Smaller regional teams allowed early access to work zones and helped streamline workload management.
Construction began shortly before the global pandemic. Despite uncertainties, the project continued with minimal delays, as the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region remained largely unaffected. ACorp’s engagement of a local workforce reduced COVID-related risks. The project recorded zero injuries or incidents, with familiar trades ensuring strong adherence to site expectations for safety and performance. Local trade relationships extended beyond the worksite, fostering trust and efficient problem-solving.
As completion neared, the client requested an earlier finish to allow for an official opening by the health minister and premier. Since the scheduled completion was just after the Christmas break, most work had to be finalized beforehand to meet the revised deadline. ACorp successfully achieved this while also conducting a defects inspection and rectification period.
Siteworks: The site at 13 Davidson Street was previously undeveloped, minimizing latent condition issues. The civil design required significant ground removal and replacement with clean fill to replace natural clay soil.
The drainage system utilized underground channels through sand fill, sloping toward slotted ag pipes that directed water to a retention tank. Overflow was managed by a pump pit, which transferred excess water to another pit along Davidson Street. The site had an average of 1m sand fill depth, compacted to form traditional sand pads for structures.
This design provided natural drainage across the entire site, an uncommon feature in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region, preventing surface water pooling compared to other sites.
Accommodation Units: The project included five structures, each containing two 1×1 accommodation units built with brick veneer and timber framing, topped with metal profile roof sheeting. A proprietary party wall system provided occupant protection.
External verandahs and jarrah screens enhanced privacy, while two buildings featured verandah sleep-outs to accommodate Indigenous cultural needs. One unit was designed for disabled access, requiring a larger footprint and specialized fit-out. Each unit had a distinct color scheme for paint and tiling.
Administration and Communal Buildings: Were constructed using a commercial structural steel framework with timber infill, brick veneer exteriors, and metal profile roofing. Originally designed entirely in timber with complex trusses, ACorp identified steel as a faster, more cost-effective solution. The Administration building includes office and training spaces, interview rooms, storage, first aid facilities, staff tea prep, and an overnight room to accommodate the facility’s 24-hour operations.
The Communal building features a kitchen, dining area, multipurpose and lounge rooms, and larger storage. Given the program’s focus on communal meals, the kitchen was designed to support shared dining, reducing the need for larger kitchens in individual units.
External: The Communal building features a large verandah for activities like arts and BBQs. Two pavilions between the units serve as gathering spaces, connected by paved paths leading from the main entries and accommodation units. The site is landscaped with locally sourced plants and includes a concrete basketball court for residents.
