Project Profile

Key Participants

Builder

Schiavello - www.schiavello.com.au

Architect

BVN Architecture - www.bvn.com.au

Engineer

Bligh Tanner - www.blightanner.com.au

GRC Manufacturer

Satu Bumi - www.satubumi.com.au

Project Background

QUT (Queensland University of Technology) is a major Australian university that provides real world graduate skills and has nearly 50,000 students.

The Oodgeroo Unit is QUT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success centre which promotes a higher level of participation in tertiary education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Schiavello Group were contracted by QUT to develop computer teaching labs and a dedicated office facility for the Oodgeroo Community Unit at QUT's Kelvin Grove campus.

Schiavello were heavily influenced by indigenous culture in the design elements of both the inside and outside of this project.

An example of this influence is how the communal outdoor meeting areas reflected the importance of gatherings by incorporating a circular design around a ceremonial fire pit.

Satu Bumi’s Involvement

Satu Bumi was engaged by Schiavello Construction QLD to supply a range of GRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete) planters and GRC outside furniture to suit both the practical and stated sensitivities of the project.

All the planters and bases for the outside benches were manufactured with high commercial grade GRC using Satu Bumi's CityScape technology.

The timber bench seat tops were made of weather resistant spotted gum hardwood with brushed stainless steel fixing frames and the benches also included USB charging stations and concealed lighting, all of which ensured that the planters were aesthetically attractive, robustly functional and in alignment with the project's design intent.