Revitalising heritage at St Andrew’s College one bedroom at a time

SHAPE was engaged by St Andrew’s College to deliver a comprehensive refurbishment as part of its five-year strategic plan, focusing on revitalising 81 bedrooms within the Main Building and Vaucluse Wing across three levels.

The scope encompassed refurbishing bedrooms, installing new underfloor heating, carpets, blinds, curtains, and restoring fireplaces in 12 offices. Additionally, 24 fireplaces were restored in the bedrooms, and custom carpet was laid in the Level 1 & 2 corridors and stairs.

Key features of the project included the adherence to the construction program, enabling timely completion within the allocated eight weeks over the Christmas break.

Environmental initiatives were integrated, with 86% of demolished materials recycled, underscoring a commitment to sustainability beyond client requirements.

Innovative solutions included a bin chute for efficient rubbish removal and a material hoist facilitating the transportation of materials up a three-story walk-up, enhancing operational efficiency.

As the refurbishment took place within a heritage building, unique architectural features such as various picture rails and skirtings, presented a procurement challenge within the project’s time constraints. Through meticulous planning and leveraging pre-construction room photos, customised picture rails and skirtings were ordered and manufactured ahead of on-site works to ensure the heritage characteristics of the building were not compromised.

This project exemplifies successful project management, characterised by collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in overcoming challenges, ultimately delivering a revitalised living environment while preserving the heritage of the institution.