St Catherine’s Junior School  

Project summary

Anne Thompson Eaton, as the Senior Project Manager, led the setup of novated D&C contracts for the $14 million St Catherine’s Junior School project in Toorak. CICG was tasked with constructing a new three-level junior school with a gross floor area of 2,800m2. The building was designed with a mix of materials, including insitu concrete, pre-cast concrete, blockwork, and structural steel, and a stylish façade comprising face brickwork, rendered blockwork, metal cladding, and feature screening and included four STEM classrooms. 

The project aimed to create modern teaching spaces, enhance transparency, and improve accessibility. Although Anne couldn’t see the project through, her work laid the foundation for the successful completion of the school. 

…what Anne did on this project

As the Senior Project Manager for the St Catherine’s Junior School project, Anne Thompson Eaton was responsible for setting up the novated D&C (Design & Construct) contracts and overseeing the initial stages of construction. The project, valued at $14 million, involved the construction of a new three-level junior school with a gross floor area of 2,800m2 in Toorak. 

The construction team at CICG was tasked with creating a modern and functional school facility that would meet the needs of the students and staff. The structure was designed to be versatile, using a combination of materials such as insitu concrete, pre-cast concrete, blockwork, and structural steel. The façade was carefully crafted to exude a sense of style and professionalism, incorporating face brickwork, rendered blockwork, metal cladding, and feature screening. 

One of the key challenges faced during the project was ensuring a high level of accessibility throughout the building. To address this, the team included a bridge that linked St Catherine’s walkways and an external playground, providing the students with a safe and enjoyable space to play and interact. 

An important aspect of the project was the need to construct the new building around the existing one while it remained in occupation. This required extensive consultation and careful planning to minimize disruptions to the school’s operations. The goal was to create a seamless transition between the old and new buildings, fostering a sense of transparency and connection within the campus. 

The new junior school facility also played a crucial role in completing St Catherine’s Walk, the main circulation path on the campus. Additionally, it served as a new entry focus to the north end of the campus, enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of the school. 

Throughout the project, Anne Thompson Eaton worked closely with Croxon Ramsay, the firm responsible for designing and documenting the new facility. Their collaborative efforts ensured that the project aligned with the school’s vision and requirements. 

While Anne was not able to see the project through to its final stages, her expertise in setting up the novated D&C contracts and overseeing the early phases of construction played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the successful delivery of St Catherine’s Junior School.