In 1995 we were commissioned to deliver a new Girls’ Residential as a mirror image of another girls residential built 3 years previously. We were supplied with all the design drawings for the previous project.
The cost of the previous building was $1.3M. We were given a budget for our project 3 years later of $1.5M (based on building index construction cost rises over the period).
Being our first project with Downloads College we sought to demonstrate the value of our professional service. Given that the brief provided no opportunity for innovation in an architectural sense we looked for other opportunities. We found them in the structural design and contract procurement methods. By redesigning the structural system and project managing the construction with a main contracor and a high proportion of nominated sub-contractors, we delivered the project at the same final cost in 1995/6 as the original building in 1992/3. The saving was in the order of $200 000. This was more than twice our professional fee.
Downlands College became a repeat client.
Baker House – 60 bed girls boarding house, Downlands College. View 1
Baker House – View 2
Baker House – View 3
Baker House – View 4