A Steel Backbone for the Next Generation
Nestled in between the UniSA and TAFE campuses, a new $100 million state-of-the-art secondary college will complete an education hub which provides students access to more resources. The new Whyalla Secondary College will replace Whyalla’s 3 existing high school campuses and will accommodate 1500 students from year 7 to year 12, including 48 inclusive places for students with disability.
Steel has played a major role in the local Whyalla industry, providing direct and indirect employment in the community for decades, so finding a structural steel stud supplier was an important decision. Enter Studco Building Systems®.
Back to School! Studco is Up to the Challenge
Studco® is proud to have played a role in the construction of this community facility. As one of their major suppliers, Exclusive Linings reached out to Studco to supply their Steel Stud Systems and Concealed Ceiling Systems. Studco’s experience with seismic requirements, in addition to their proactive and collaborative approach to project solutions, made them the ideal supplier for the new Whyalla Secondary College. For a project of this scale, having a supplier on hand with experience in supplying projects in the Education sector added to the value Studco brought to the project.
A project of this scale naturally faces many challenges, however the isolated location of the new school brought additional logistical requirements with it. Having collaborated previously, Exclusive Linings were able to rely on Studco to help meet these challenges head on. A critical component to the completion of Whyalla Secondary College was the availability of building supplies and Studco’s national reach made them one of the most qualified to service this project. Adelaide Plasterboard Centre (APC), a partner of Studco, were able to provide forecasts ahead of time and through this collaboration, Exclusive Linings were in a great position to complete this project on time. Harnessing the strength of both Studco and APC’s service, supplies were on site when they were needed, where they were needed.
An Ongoing Relationship Becomes Stronger
Exclusive Linings were active in involving Studco in this project, with Studco’s service and availability being a key pillar in the successful relationship with Exclusive Linings. Around the clock support, advice and product solutions, site visits and on-site quality reports are all part of the service and support they have come to expect from Studco as this relationship has grown in strength.
We pushed for Studco… Studco was our supplier of choice due to being extremely accommodating, proactive and innovative in collaboratively working with us to achieve project solutions.
John, Exclusive Linings.
Engineered for Durability
Studco’s steel Stud and Track Framing Systems have been used throughout the buildings at Whyalla Secondary College. The high-quality steel and engineering that has gone into the design of Studco products means that these facilities will be able to weather conditions for years to come. Studco steel frames feature across each building in this project at every level. Studco worked with Exclusive Linings’ engineers to ensure the most effective and straightforward solutions were developed. The enhanced strength of Studco Steel Studs was particularly important, meaning they were safer and more reliable for load bearing over multiple stories.
One feature of the new Whyalla Secondary College is the bespoke wooden panelling within the gymnasium. Both wall and ceiling systems were provided by Studco for this building, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. Studco’s framing was designed to incorporate this design into its system for an impressive feature that does not compromise on quality.
On site during construction stage
Facilities at completion stage (image credit: Exclusive Linings)
Simple, Structurally Sound Ceiling Solutions
In much the same way Studco’s stud and track framing was used throughout this project, Studco Concealed Ceiling Systems were present throughout construction. Both Studco’s suspended and direct fix concealed ceilings are designed for easy handling and can be easily clipped together to form gridwork. These are key elements of Studco’s products and are an effort to ensure installation is not unnecessarily complicated on-site, structurally sound and met industry standards through collaboration with Studco.
Studco’s Concealed Suspended System sit above the school’s classrooms and learning spaces. These systems allow for the housing of internal services which enable learning spaces to be an accessible and comfortable environment. The design of Studco’s system also provide a level grid for the easy installation of building board with a flush finish.
The Concealed Direct Fix System is most prominently used within the gymnasium. Studco’s system is engineered to meet an array of loading options and ceiling spans, which became a critical factor of the construction of this gymnasium. Not only does this system serve a functional purpose, but by remaining exposed it also lends itself to the architectural vision of bare steel in a nod to the Whyalla community.
Studco is proud to have played a role in this educational project that focuses on teaching skills that have real world applications whilst catering to students with disability.
Have a dynamic project with technical demands? Contact the Studco team for specification and technical assistance at 1300 255 255.
Studco Products Used:
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Bottom Track
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Expansion Joints
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Furring Channels
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Locking Keys
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Nogging Brackets
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Noggings
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Slotted Deflection Track
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Spring Hangers
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Steel Stud
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Suspension Clips
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Suspension Rods
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Top Cross Rails
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