Framing and Finishes That Enhance Educational Spaces

Animal Commercial Carpentry delivered precise framing, carpentry, and internal linings, creating durable, high-quality educational spaces.

Animal Commercial Carpentry

Education infrastructure projects demand durable and functional, high quality finishes. At New Schools Bundle B, Animal Commercial Carpentry contributed key carpentry and framing works across the multiple campuses, supporting the delivery of the contemporary learning environments.

Animal Commercial Carpentry’s scope included light gauge steel framing and a comprehensive general carpentry package, covering doors, skirtings, sanitary hardware, and internal architectural finishes.

These early-stage contributions, while largely unseen once construction is complete, are critical to the overall performance and durability of the building.

The interior fit-out particularly within the gymnasium areas involved the installed OSB board linings; a compressed woodchip product with a pre-coated finish, delivering a clean, durable aesthetic specifically suited to active learning and sporting environments.

The finishes combined robustness with visual appeal, reflecting careful material selection and precise installation to meet the demands of high-use educational spaces.

The team initially worked across two of the three schools, expanding to cover all three campuses as the project progressed, demonstrating both capacity and flexibility in delivering complex, multi-site education infrastructure.

With a workforce of around 50 and more than 16 years operating in the sector, the company has developed a strong foothold in education construction. “We’ve definitely found a home for ourselves in the education space,” said Mike Sanders, General Manager and Owner. “Our reputation speaks for itself.”

Through consistent delivery and collaboration with tier-one builders, Animal Commercial Carpentry continues to play a key role in shaping high-quality educational facilities across Australia.

For more information contact Animal Commercial Carpentry, 1/27 Peninsula Boulevard, Seaford VIC 3198, phone 0417 114 462, email hello@animalcarpentry.com.au, website www.animalcarpentry.com.au

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Transforming School Spaces Through Operable Acoustic Design

Lotus Doors delivered operable acoustic wall systems enabling flexible, sound-controlled learning spaces across three new Victorian primary schools.

Lotus Doors

Modern schools are increasingly designed to support flexible learning environments, where classrooms can adapt throughout the day to suit different teaching styles and activities. On the Victorian School Building Authority’s 2026 New Schools Bundle B, Lotus Doors contributed specialist acoustic solutions that enhance both functionality and spatial flexibility across three new primary schools.

Working with Hutchinson Builders, Lotus Doors supplied and installed a combination of operable wall systems and acoustic sliding doors designed to support collaborative learning while maintaining high levels of sound control.

The Lotus 100S/45/CD2 Series Operable Wall, featuring an acoustic rating of Rw45 and finished in Autex Composition, was installed within library and staff lounge areas, allowing spaces to function independently or open into larger shared environments when required. Across the three schools, three operable wall systems were delivered to create adaptable areas suitable for presentations, group learning, and school gatherings.

Within the general learning rooms, Lotus installed Chorus Solid Acoustic Sliding Doors with glazed viewing windows, providing an acoustic rating of Rw39 while maintaining connectivity between classrooms. Nineteen of these systems were installed throughout the schools, enabling teachers and students to move easily between learning spaces without compromising acoustic separation. The doors incorporate Lotus’s Smart Adaptive Floor Seals and SABS Active Safety Braking System and are designed to meet stringent accessibility requirements under AS1428.1.

“Through close communication with the builder and project teams, detailed shop drawings and strong coordination with our manufacturing team, we ensured all systems were delivered and installed in line with the construction program,” explained James Smallwood, Lotus Doors Regional Manager (Sales & Specification – Victoria).

By combining acoustic performance with adaptable design, Lotus Doors’ systems help create learning environments that evolve throughout the day, supporting collaboration while maintaining the quiet spaces essential for effective teaching and learning.

For more information contact Lotus Doors, 20 National Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175, phone 1300 22 68 78 42, email
vic.sales@lotusdoors.com.au, website www.lotusdoors.com.au

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Getting the Details Right Where It Matters Most

Interface Tiling delivered high-performance tiling and waterproofing at 88 Leveson under tight access and sequencing constraints.

Interface Tiling

On tightly programmed residential towers, tiling and waterproofing sit at the intersection of multiple trades, compressed sequencing, and zero tolerance for failure.

At 88 Leveson, Interface Tiling was engaged to deliver technically robust, high-finish outcomes across bathrooms, kitchens, and rooftop terraces, under a programme and site environment that demanded precision, coordination, and disciplined execution.

Interface Tiling played a key role in delivering the refined, high-performance finishes across 88 Leveson, contributing complete bathroom and ensuite tiling, kitchen splashbacks, rooftop terrace tiling, and all waterproofing works throughout the project. Under the direction of David Pike, the team brought both technical expertise and detailed craftsmanship to site.

“88 Leveson had its fair share of logistical hurdles — tight access, limited parking, and restricted delivery windows kept everyone on their toes,” David said. “We also needed crane lifts to get materials up to the rooftop terraces. Our approach was always collaborative, working closely with site management to keep the programme flowing smoothly and ensure we weren’t impacting other trades.”

A critical component of the project’s long-term durability was Interface Tiling’s use of ATECH’s premium waterproofing systems. The rooftop areas were treated with ProtectoWrap sheet membranes, a solution selected for both performance and longevity. “The system gives exceptional durability and is backed by long warranties, which allowed us to deliver the kind of long-term performance the project needed,” David explained. “Our team genuinely enjoys using ATECH products. They’re consistent, user-friendly, and help us maintain a high standard of workmanship.”

Beyond systems and scheduling, the strength of the delivery lay firmly with the people on site. “Honestly, it comes down to the team,” David said. “Everyone took real pride in their part of the build. Our grout girls once again nailed the finishing details, they’re a huge reason our projects stand out.”

The finished result reflects Interface Tiling’s commitment to communication, collaboration and quality.

For more information contact Interface Tiling, E11 Hallmarc Business Park, 2A Westall Road, Springvale VIC 3171, phone 1300 468 371, website www.interfacetiling.com.au

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Delivering External Cladding Under Restricted Access

Delko coordinated external cladding delivery at 88 Leveson, managing access, weather, and sequencing during a high-risk construction phase.

Delko

As urban residential projects continue to tighten access and sequencing windows, external cladding scopes are increasingly required to absorb risk rather than pass it on.

With a combined 50 years of industry experience, Delko, a partnership between Adrian De Amicis and Lee Delcus, formed a model with a multitude of services to ensure the right level of quality and production in a demanding environment

At 88 Leveson, Delko’s approach demonstrates how disciplined co-ordination and site-level decision-making can stabilise delivery during one of the most exposed phases of construction.

Delko’s works included the installation of polystyrene panels, Hebel cladding, full rendering, external membrane paint systems and detailed caulking, a package that formed a critical part of the building’s visual and weatherproof performance.

Restricted site access defined the early challenges of the project. “Without lifts or Alimaks, all materials had to be handled manually. That naturally slowed efficiency, but our appointed trades navigated through it with professionalism and a strong commitment to meeting the builder’s timeframes,” General Manager Adrian De Amicis said. At peak delivery, Delko co-ordinated up to 20 active contractors onsite.

Weather, access equipment hire costs and sequencing pressures further complicated delivery. To maintain programme momentum, Delko implemented overtime and weekend work as needed. “While weather did affect us at times, we found ways to navigate through it,” Adrian said. “Access equipment on hire meant we had to install, render, paint and caulk without hesitation.”

“With constant communication and on-site coordination, we completed our scope without creating delays for following trades. I’m proud of the efforts of every contractor who contributed to delivering a product we all stand behind,” Adrian says. “At Delko, we aim to execute with trust and provide a hassle-free service.”

“Developing sound relationships with both Daniel Perna and David Grady gave us clear visibility of timelines and allowed us to plan each stage with confidence,” Adrian said. “A massive thank you to David Grady for maintaining a steady and safe working environment throughout.”

For more information contact Delko Pty Ltd, phone 0401 330 642, email adrian@delko.net.au

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Flexbrick® Brings Strength, Speed, and Sustainability to an Urban Landmark

The new Ringwood Carpark for Maroondah City Council showcases how architecture, sustainability, and efficient construction can come together in a single cohesive design.

LOHAS Australia

Supplied by Lohas Australia, the Flexbrick® Terracotta Mesh System wraps the 1,890m² façade in a warm gradient of tones, creating a monolithic and visually distinctive exterior.

Lightweight and durable, Flexbrick® allowed rapid installation using 197 prefabricated panels, typically achieving 10–15 panels or 150–200m² per day. Panels arrived pre-assembled on pallets,
lifted into place with a forklift and winch, and fixed directly to the subframe.

The carpark’s curved façades and shifting levels required a system capable of adapting to complex geometry. Flexbrick®’s flexible textile structure provided smooth transitions around corners and changes in elevation. “Flexbrick allowed us to softly curve around corners as the façade wraps the building,” IBC notes.

Lohas Australia delivered flexible, prefabricated Flexbrick® façades enabling rapid installation and seamless curvature across complex geometry.

Façade System: Flexbrick®
Installer: Tensile
Products Used: Flexbrick® – Terracotta Colours: Blanco, Tenere, Venecia, Salmon, Rojo
Project Size: 1,890m² façade coverage

Sustainability is embedded in every stage. Flexbrick®’s creamic tiles are manufactured using biogas as the main fuel source, preventing CO2 emissions. Lightweight, compact shipments reduce transport impact, and the dry-joined system allows full recyclability and straightforward replacement of individual tiles.

Lohas Australia supported the project with shop drawings, panel modulation, installer training, and early onsite supervision. Working with CO.OP Studio, Lohas also developed the five-colour gradient façade that blends from Blanco to Rojo, reflecting the site’s urban character.

With its speed, sustainability and sculptural presence, the Ringwood Carpark stands as a benchmark project demonstrating the architectural and environmental advantages of Flexbrick® in modern urban design.

For more information contact Lohas Australia, phone 02 7259 1054, email info@lohasau.com, website www.lohasau.com

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