Akela’s first Award Winning Project
Akela Constructions won a competitive tender to design and construct new amenities at South Currigee Campgrounds for City of Gold Coast. The South Stradbroke facilities are surrounded by virtually untouched native bushland and bordered by 22km of surf beach and calm waterways. The brief was to design and construct simplistic and functional amenities appropriate for a remote, nature reserve with minimal impact to the natural landscape. To achieve this, Akela needed to carefully evaluate design and build strategies and develop innovative environmental solutions that were both achievable and practical for an island-based construction.
Akela Constructions devised a variety of design and construction strategies to meet the objectives in the EMP and optimise the functionality and amenity of the built structure. Akela moved from the anticipated prefabricated block structure, to deliver a custom build honouring the natural surrounds and requiring lower ongoing maintenance. Key features included:
- Composite piles made from recycled plastics were used for the sub-floor (instead of deep concrete footings). This method was less-intrusive given the large native trees (with intricate root systems) in close proximity to the build. This also eliminated the need to commission large-scale concrete pours onsite.
- A disability-compliant ramp was constructed with a mesh deck surface to reduce the amount of sand entering the building.
- Akela proposed and obtained approval to install Rhino linings to the floors and shower walls instead of tiles and grout. This product provides a waterproof membrane and results in an impressive, maintainable finish. A fleck in the lining was used as a feature on the shower walls. This finish is superior for cleanliness and hygiene (tiles can be difficult to clean and grout will often develop mould over time).
- Initial scoped plans for skylights were sidelined due to overhanging tree branches and the risk of potential damage.
- Bondor insulated ceiling/ roof panels were utilised for improved build efficiency, thermal properties and insulation.
- Invisiguard screens allowed for natural light and air to flow through the building.
- Akela maintained a strict schedule of material deliveries to site. Incredibly, barge trips with heavy materials were limited to 2 major trips for the project. This included the removal of all rubbish from site to minimise construction footprint.
- Materials from the demolition of the existing amenities were separated for recycling and returned to the mainland.
- Akela removed the showers from the old amenities block and repurposed old weatherboards to construct a storeroom facility at the campsite.
