Willowra School, Shade Structure, Basketball Court and Playground
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Execution
Outcomes
Case Studies
