Business Name: Abacus Shade Structures
Project Title: Castle Hill Primary School
Location: Castle Hill, NSW
Name Of Fabric: Monotec 370 Supplier: Ricky Richards
Project Description: Supply & install of a 245sqm large shadecloth shade structure using minimal posts in the assembly/ play area of this Sydney school.
The structure is 27m x 9m in size. It is 7m tall.
What is the purpose of this project? The most important criteria was for the structure to provide plenty of shade. The school had a very hot asphalt space as the main play/ assembly area. It is a popular area but not ideal for use for extended time particularly in middle of the day in summer. This was inconsistent with sun shade policies desirable in schools today.
- The client had a long list of criteria we had to meet;
- They wanted shade for the children. In particular, protection from the western sun
- They wanted to minimise posts.
- They wanted a modern interesting design.
- The P& C (Parents and Citizens Association of the school) wanted to be consulted on project design as they had raised part of the funds and as parents were interested in the welfare of their children.
- They wanted to deter vandalism. They did not want people climbing the structure or accessing it from nearby buildings.
- Teachers wanted the structure to be tall so they could supervise the kids under the shade from second floor balconies.
- They did not want disruption or safety risk to the children during school hours.
What is unique or complex about this project? There is a lot of weight on only two posts. Engineering was crucial to ensure loads were correctly calculated and built to specifications. Telescopic mast posts reduced the weight and gave a lighter appearance to the structure. However overall it is a lightweight structure.
The school was emphatic that the structure be built outside school hours or during school holidays. This was a smart move as the structure comprised many heavy components. Posts were 7m tall above ground and there were diagonal posts 12m long. Excavations for footing were 2.5m deep. Overall the work site was a dangerous place for children to be near.
Was there anything different or special about this project? The structure is very unique as it was built on only 2 posts but provides nearly 250 sqm of shade. The scale of the project is deceptive and the huge amount of shade it provides is difficult to see in 2D photos. The photographer taking these photos was awestruck by the sheer size of the cover.
What were the results of the project? There is now a large shaded space in the main outdoor area of the school.
As anti vandal considerations the structure is built 2m from the building to stop access from the building and some nasty looking climbing guards have been placed at 3m high on the uprights, act as visual deterrents.
The structure is tall enough at the front to allow the teachers to supervise the children from the second floor balconies.
Though the project took a little longer than a non school project, as stipulated the work was done outside school hours with minimal disruption or safety risk put on the children.
The school has a very striking and impressive structure of unique design which fits every request made.
There will not be one other structure in Australia that looks like this.
It is totally functional and offers so much usable shade area for the students.
The P&C will be satisfied that it was money well spent for the health of their children.
How did you contribute to the project: I co-ordinated and managed the administration of the project.
This involved preparing quotation, invoicing, client liaison, sourcing raw materials, liaison with suppliers and sub contractors and managing payroll.
I managed Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) including ensuring all trades were qualified, all certificates were up to date, all equipment records are in order and all WHS requirements were met and documents were available as required on and off the work site.
Other relevant information: The structure was installed in the front assembly area of the school at 5 Les Shore Place, Castle Hill.
The shade structure is to be used every single day of the school term during morning assembly, play and lunch times.
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