Aurecon

The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre forms part of the Brisbane Girls' Grammar School. The school’s master plan, recognises that creative arts will play an important role in the current and future curriculum of the school.

Aurecon provided the structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and lift engineering services for the learning centre.  Aurecon faced challenges including demanding site constraints, coordination across all disciplines, and integration with the existing infrastructure.

Key engineering features included:

• Signature, four-storey, 'K'-shaped concrete columns on the building's east side
• Extensive use of off-form concrete and galvanised steelwork
• Innovative, continuous zigzag lighting to classrooms and dimmed lighting
• Theatrical lighting and sound reinforcement systems for band, choir and strings rooms for student productions
• Central circulation space and expressive lighting to highlight the building’s form
• The choice of natural ventilation, overhead fan or air conditioning for each classroom
• Extensive use of economical, fabric ductwork providing architectural creativity, draft-free air distribution and acoustic control
• Direct digital control system with air conditioning economy features such as CO2 controls, site-wide shut down times, economy cycle and lighting control
• Provisions for a future rainwater harvesting system
• Efficient solar/gas hot water systems.

The new facility provides a flexible learning environment for the creative arts, including music, dance, drama and visual arts.