Willowra School, Shade Structure, Basketball Court and Playground

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The scope for Willowra School included the construction of a new concrete basketball half court with a shade structure, following design drawings and lowering truss seating to 5000mm for better weather protection.

It required the structural design of the slab, shade structure, and footings. Additionally, the project involved supplying and installing a new playground featuring sand soft fall with rubber edges and a barrier to separate the playground from the court to prevent balls from entering the playground area.

Objective

The primary goals and desired outcomes of the Willowra School project were:

  • Improved Play Area

    To supply and install new playground equipment that offered engaging and safe play options.

  • Interpretive Value and Aesthetic Integration

    Design and install seats that blend with the natural surroundings, using materials like Jarrah timber to maintain the park’s rustic and

    natural aesthetic.

  • Safety and Accessibility

    To include features such as a barrier to separate the playground from the basketball court, enhancing safety for the children.

Challenges

  • Remote Location

    The project’s remote location posed logistical challenges, including transportation of materials and equipment, and ensuring timely delivery.

  • Cultural Sensitivities

    Working within a community with unique cultural practices required sensitivity and respect for local traditions and customs.

  • Technical Limitations

    Designing and constructing the basketball half court and shade structure, as well as the playground, required careful planning to meet structural and safety standards.

  • Coordination with Authorities

    Liaising with Power and Water to determine the exact location of a PWC easement and ensuring it was not interfered with added complexity to the project.

  • Design Approvals

    Ensuring all designs were approved by the Principal before commencement required thorough communication and adherence to specific requirements.

Addressing these challenges was crucial to the successful completion of the project, ensuring it met the client’s goals and provided a safe, functional, and culturally respectful environment for the students

Approach

BluedustNT tackled the Willowra School project with a comprehensive and strategic approach to meet the client’s needs.

Design and Construction of Basketball Half Court and Shade Structure:

  • Guided by Design Drawings

    Used the provided court design drawings as a reference.

  • Truss Seating Adjustment

    Lowered the truss seating to a nominal height of 5000mm for better weather protection, following DIPL design advice.

  • Structural Design

    Developed the structural design for the slab, shade structure, and footings, including details on depths, reinforcement, and joints. 

Supply and Installation of New Playground:

  • Design Flexibility

    Ensured the playground design included elements similar to the Kompan Triple Tower Stairs (PCM310921), as per the school’s preference.

  • Safety Features

    Incorporated sand soft fall with rubber edges and a barrier to separate the playground from the basketball court to prevent balls from entering the play area.

Additional Steps and Considerations:

  • Shade Structure Design

    Provided indicative designs for the shade structure, with adjustments to truss seating height for improved protection.

  • Approval and Certification

    Ensured all designs were approved and certified, obtained necessary building permits, and coordinated with Power and Water to avoid interference with a PWC easement.

  • Principal Approval

    Secured approval from the Principal for all designs before commencing construction.

By following these strategies and methodologies, BluedustNT effectively addressed the client’s needs, ensuring a successful and well-executed project.

Execution

BluedustNT executed the Willowra School project with a detailed and methodical approach, addressing both creative and technical elements to meet the client’s needs.

Basketball Half Court and Shade Structure:

Playground Installation:

Additional Execution Details:

By meticulously planning and executing each phase of the project, BluedustNT delivered a high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing gable roof shed that met all the client’s needs and expectations.

Outcomes

These outcomes highlight the project’s success in achieving its goals and positively impacting the Willowra School community.

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