AUTISM SPECTRUM AUSTRALIA

Aspect Vern Barnett, Forestville

Our team, at Construction Assignments, are thrilled to represent Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). We are privileged to be charged with exercising deep care in our approach to developing project briefs, design standards, and tailored delivery, with the interests of the student’s paramount.

As Client-side Project Managers our role requires understanding, and navigation, of industry specific safety and design principals, and their application to a not-for-profit, non-government, private organisation.

Education State Environmental Planning Policy (ESEPP)
Schools for Specific Purpose (SSP)
Safety in Design (SID)
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is the largest autism-specific service provider in Australia, and one of the largest specialised, evidence informed, schools programmes in the world. Construction Assignments’ scope across the portfolio includes project delivery of light touch freshen ups, additions to existing structures, and new-build schools. Our involvement is an opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of the immediate, and broader, project stakeholders.

Located in Forestville, Aspect Vern Barnett is Aspect’s flagship location and represents the best they have to offer. Construction Assignments have relished the challenge of undertaking major renovations while the school remains fully operational, and the results are proving to be worth the effort. From feasibility to design development, tender, construction and moving students into the beautifully-appointed new classrooms and playgrounds, Construction Assignments have been there every step of the way.

The full scope of construction works was planned in three stages. Structural reconfiguration of classrooms enabled increased footprint, increased natural light, and services upgrades. Custom built joinery houses student calm zones and wet areas that can be closed off when not in use. Significant civil, stormwater, and landscaping work took place in the two BAL FZ bushfire zone playgrounds, with brand new play equipment, water-play, native planting, and a custom built Covered Outdoor Learning Area (“COLA”). A brand-new entry now welcomes visitors on arrival, and a new multi-purpose hall more than doubles the existing assembly area whilst providing break-out rooms for student learning, parent and staff meetings, occupational therapy sessions, and staff training.

Our Project Manager, Victoria, says that ‘walking into these spaces you would be forgiven for mistaking the refurbishment for a completely new build.’ We take our (hard) hats off to the builder, Greenpoint Construction Group, who continue to impress us with their quality and attention to detail. Greenpoint have turned the vision into a glorious reality.