Linden School Re-Roof and Weathertightness Remedial

Project Initiation
The project commenced with a comprehensive remedial report, identifying the extent of weathertightness issues. Our collaboration with QS was crucial in pinpointing cost-effective solutions within the budget. The initial plan to re-clad and re-roof the entire Block2 (4 classrooms, an administration block, and a hall)was scaled down to re-roofing only, due to budget.

Design and Implementation Challenges
The onset of COVID-19 midway through the detailed design stage presented unique challenges and opportunities. Our project team secured additional funding, enabling the replacement of all timber windows and doors to enhance air ventilation, a crucial adaptation considering the building's vintage (1950s) and the pandemic situation. The complex roof structure, featuring additions from different periods, required a multifaceted approach. Solutions included re-pitching areas with risky junctions, increasing pitch to meet compliance, and creating parapet walls at complex junctions for better flashing.

Quality Assurance and Consultant Collaboration
Throughout the design stage, rigorous internal QA checks were conducted at various completion stages, culminating in a WRP (Weathertightness Review Panel) review at 90% completion. Regular site visits with consultants ensured feasible solutions and effective construction sequencing.

Tender Negotiation and Construction
During the tender negotiation period, Catalyst played a pivotal role in clarifying tags from the selected tenderer. The construction phase revealed typical challenges associated with older buildings, especially given the lack of comprehensive documentation from past renovations. Our team adopted a proactive approach to address these unexpected issues. Relevant consultants were promptly brought on site whenever risks were identified. Collaborative discussions ensued, focusing on feasible solutions that were cost-effective while ensuring robust, long-term outcomes. This was essential in addressing the newly discovered non-compliance with building codes and water damage.

Construction was conducted in two distinct stages, designed to enable teachers and students to continue their daily activities with minimal disruption while consents were obtained in a unified process to streamline efficiency. For each stage, a Certificate for Public Use (CPU) was applied for, ensuring both public safety and a well-defined sequence of construction work. During the window and door replacement, unforeseen structural issues were uncovered; some existing structures and bracing were not up to code, and water-damaged framing and cladding needed replacement. Workshops with consultants, including QS, were conducted to devise solutions and make final decisions.

Outcomes and Innovations
The project was completed two months ahead of schedule, a testament to the team's effective management and innovative problem-solving. An innovative proposal to enhance the school's verandah was not implemented but provided valuable insights and experience for the school and the design team.

Conclusion
This project demonstrates how strategic planning, adaptive design, and collaborative problem-solving can overcome budgetary and logistical challenges in school refurbishments. The project's success in meeting and exceeding expectations underscores the team's commitment to delivering quality and value in educational infrastructure.

• Project lead Xin Jiang
• Project team

• Grace Alexander,

• James De Bono,

• Natasha Reid,