11 Nov 2024
Taking time to reflect before the next big thing! CDU City Campus project through its evolution.
As the first Orientation and intake of students to the Charles Darwin University (CDU) City Campus is soon to commence, and we look towards our next major project, we paused to take some time to reflect.
Begun in 2021 and completed, on time and on budget in 2024, the project was challenging, exciting and unique. A vision for a modern, contemporary building for learning and knowledge sharing, with state-of-the art technology integration and inviting, engaging public spaces, the project became a reality through DCOH’s close work with CDU.
The building not only had to meet the vision for its purpose as a university campus and community precinct, but also had to be able to withstand Darwin’s unique climate and weather as well as cater to the heritage listed, approximately 150 year old Boab tree; a huge Boab that sits front and centre at the Campuses entrance. A feature that optimises the top end and its unique tropical landscape, and the rich, longstanding connection to country and culture of the Larrakia people.
The project saw employment of 173 indigenous Australians, some 12% of the entire workforce of around 1700 people. There were a total of 839 days on site as the team of NT and non-NT residents, permanent employees and contractors worked side by side across two build ups and two wet seasons to produce what is arguably Darwin CDB’s most unique build.
The Campus includes a sprawling outdoor frontage on street level with features for leisure activity such as lawns and benches, exercise equipment and a Basketball Half-Court and ping-pong tables. Underground, across 2 basement levels are 230 parking bays, and on through the buildings front doors a spacious, modern lobby area and Grand Stair Case. The Campus has two levels that are open to the public and house the Northern Territory Library and Archives as well as a CDU Library and an art gallery. There are two levels dedicated to students where teaching will deliver in courses such as Business, IT and Accounting, and a further 2 levels dedicated to CDU staff. There are multiple balconies and alfresco areas with an array of plant life and of course the stunning views offered by Darwin’s surrounds.
The building features the ultimate in sustainable cooling technology, and a 99.75KWp solar system made up of 266 solar panels. Around 1400 tonnes of reinforcement bars and 17000 square metres of concrete were installed across the total 566,190 man hours worked as part of the project.
The final result is a one we are very proud of. Contributing to community through economic and employment opportunity, we also saw 61 apprentices, 6 trainees and 6 school-based workplace learners take part in the project.
We can now stand back, at 54 Cavenagh Street, in the heart of Darwin’s CBD and look on at the building with a sense of achievement and community pride. A project we are happy to be able to showcase, and demonstrate our capability to deliver high-quality, superbly finished builds while supporting local community and ensuring client satisfaction.
📽️ Check out our video that gives you a birds-eye view of the build.
We look forward to our next major Darwin project. Watch this space!
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