Modular Construction - University Accommodation

ANU Modular Student Accommodation

As part of the ongoing commitment to provide a residential experience to ANU students, additional residential units are under construction on Blocks 1 and 3, Section 63 Acton. Access to this development, which will be managed and operated on behalf of the university by Ursula Hall, will be from Dickson Road. The development will be known as Ursula Hall – Laurus Wing and Stage 1 opened for Semester 1, 2010. Stage 1A and Stage 2 are due for completion in August 2010.

Artist Impression

Nature of the Project

Stage 1 of the project delivered a 70 unit (self contained) student accommodation facility comprising 42 studio units, 4 accessible studio units and 24 one bedroom units suitable for couples. Supporting the residential accommodation is a laundry, bike parking, computing and common room facilities. Safety, security and resident support have driven the design. Stage 1A will provide another 18 studio units on the southern side of Stage 1 and Stage 2 will form a new arm on the western perimeter of the site consisting of 101 studio units. The existing common room will be extended and an extra laundry will be included in the second stage development. Three extra acccessible units in Stage 2 will make a total of 7 accessible units in Laurus Wing.

Design Intent

The facility is designed to meet the independent living needs of more mature students while offering the opportunity to be engaged and contribute to a community. This development acknowledges and is designed to meet the needs of post graduate students, 24/7.

Design

This project is believed to be a first in Australia – a residential facility whose construction is based on stacked shipping containers. The major benefit of this design is the comparatively short construction time. Containers are purpose built, including interior fit-out, in China, shipped to Australia, transported from port by road and installed on site. Construction of Stage 1 was completed within a six month period.

Floor Plans


Single Studio	One Bedroom (Corridor)	One Bedroom (Courtyard)

Sizes

Studio 22sqm

Accessible studio 30 sqm

1 bedroom unit (corridor) 32 sqm

1 bedroom unit (courtyard) 35 sqm

Common areas 125 sqm

External courtyard 550 sqm

Inclusions

The units are fully furnished for either singles or couples and comprise

Bathroom - one per unit. Accessible units feature appropriately modified bathrooms

Kitchen – under bench oven, bench top ceramic hot plates, kitchen exhaust fan, full size fridge, sink with drainer, stone bench tops

Study area – desk and chair, book shelves, internet connection via the ANU network

Bed – king single for studios, queen-size bed for the 1 bedroom units

Wardrobe – as appropriate to both singles and couples

Security – electronic

Heating - electric panel heating . All units are thermally and acoustically insulated.

Balcony – all units have one balcony – some one bedroom room units have two balconies.

TV – wall mounted, with access to the ANU channel network.

Phones – one per unit

Other Amenities

Lift

Laundry

Large item storage during residence period

Bicycle parking

Outdoor - landscaped courtyard and BBQ area

Small Info Commons facility for residents who do not have their own computer

Construction

Hutchinson Builders is delivering the Project under a Design & Construct Fixed Sum contract. Onsite construction commenced on July 6^th 2009. The Modules are being supplied by Quicksmart Homes. Hutchinson commenced installation of the Stage 1 Modules during September 2009 and completed module installation in October 2009. Installation of Modules for Stage 1A and Stage 2 will commence early May 2010 for completion in August 2010.

View the Project Summary