A high profile location on campus and a key milestone in the progression of the school’s masterplan, CHAC D Block forms an interconnected space amongst the college for a wide variety of functions, events and learning experiences. Receiving a commendation in the 2023 National AIA awards for Educational Architecture , the building was designed to embrace the existing landscape and is framed by a canopy of trees. Bligh Tanner was engaged as the Structural and Civil engineers from the design to construction phase of this development.
Winner of the AIA Qld Chapter Jennifer Taylor Award For Educational Architecture and recipient of the 2023 National Commendation for Educational Architecture.
Jury citation
Centrally located at the intersection between senior and middle schools, D Block delivers a vibrant new dining and learning precinct through a sophisticated and poetic response to its bush setting.
The long, thin building is surrounded by mature eucalypts and is a comfortable and sensitive response to landscape, topography, and climate. Soft curves and round columns continue the language of the surrounding bush, and the white brick becomes a backdrop for nature’s shifting shadows.
Roof apertures draw light in at key nodes and are complemented by a palette that is again drawn from the landscape—soft greens, pinks, and greys are contrasted with the vibrant yellow of wattle.
Moving through and around the building is a delightful and memorable journey of framed composition and sensory moments. Together, light and colour enhance wayfinding and bring a joyful lightness to the building.
This development brings new legibility, critical connection, and soul to the campus. It exemplifies and demonstrates the benefits of an investment in quality, sustainable design that will nurture generations of students and stand the test of time.
Client | Cannon Hill Anglican College |
Architects | Reddog Architects In Association With Blueline Architecture |
Structural Engineer | Bligh Tanner |
Image Credit | Christopher Fredrick Jones |
"This was a really important project for Lat27 and Bligh Tanner’s collaborative approach to working with us to deliver an outstanding new educational spine for UQ Gatton’s campus was invaluable. The civil and structural team at Bligh Tanner helped us create a new piece of public realm where a sensitive, minimal and seamless outcome was fundamental to the success of the project. The unseen elements of their designs are testament to how smart engineers can provide expertise that complements the presentation and functionality of these projects."
"You have normal engineers, and then you have Bligh Tanner. They enjoy being challenged. They are the “architect’s engineer”."
"The benefit of working with Bligh Tanner is the attention you receive from their senior people and their continuity through the project. Their attitude, responsiveness and rigour of documentation, distinguishes them."
"Bligh Tanner's structural design processes ensured project cost and operational requirements were achieved while maintaining the Architect's aesthetic parameters for the buildings structural elements. The department have found Bligh Tanner's project engineers to be professional and proactive at all stages of the procurement of the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre and the Gold Coast Suns Administration and Training Facility."
"I have been thoroughly impressed by Bligh Tanner's commitment to collaborating with multiple stakeholders during the delivery of the Advancing Queensland Schools programme of works. Bligh Tanner’s expertise in education work has proven to add value toward successfully addressing DET Standards and quickly resolving technical issues in a coordinated manner. Bligh Tanner’s easy to read 2D and 3D documentation allowed for high levels of collaboration among stakeholder’s, quick identification of value-for-money solutions and achievement of the project objectives on time."
"Since 2013 we have been working with Bligh Tanner on a variety of projects. They are our now our first point of call for all Structural matters. The Bligh Tanner team have always demonstrated an understanding of the challenges associated with retail projects. They have been flexible, and have proved a willingness to work with the whole project team to find the best outcome for the project."
"Bligh Tanner’s research, testing guidance, analysis, and can-do attitude, has enabled Ozone Panel to develop appropriate technical information and guidance to confidently share with our clients, be it builders, building surveyors or structural engineers. The team at Bligh Tanner are passionate about what they do, great to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending Bligh Tanner for your next project. "
"Our site project staff and myself have worked with Paul and his team, and have found they are flexible and adaptable in their approach to engineering issues and solutions. We find them to be easy to work with, very approachable and proactive in assisting with any site issues encountered."