Whyalla Secondary College

A Steel Backbone for the Next Generation

Nestled in between the UniSA and TAFE campuses, a new $100 million state-of-the-art secondary college will complete an education hub which provides students access to more resources. The new Whyalla Secondary College will replace Whyalla’s 3 existing high school campuses and will accommodate 1500 students from year 7 to year 12, including 48 inclusive places for students with disability.

Steel has played a major role in the local Whyalla industry, providing direct and indirect employment in the community for decades, so finding a structural steel stud supplier was an important decision. Enter Studco Building Systems®.

An Ongoing Relationship Becomes Stronger

Exclusive Linings were active in involving Studco in this project, with Studco’s service and availability being a key pillar in the successful relationship with Exclusive Linings. Around the clock support, advice and product solutions, site visits and on-site quality reports are all part of the service and support they have come to expect from Studco as this relationship has grown in strength.

Engineered for Durability

Studco’s steel Stud and Track Framing Systems have been used throughout the buildings at Whyalla Secondary College. The high-quality steel and engineering that has gone into the design of Studco products means that these facilities will be able to weather conditions for years to come. Studco steel frames feature across each building in this project at every level. Studco worked with Exclusive Linings’ engineers to ensure the most effective and straightforward solutions were developed. The enhanced strength of Studco Steel Studs was particularly important, meaning they were safer and more reliable for load bearing over multiple stories.

One feature of the new Whyalla Secondary College is the bespoke wooden panelling within the gymnasium. Both wall and ceiling systems were provided by Studco for this building, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. Studco’s framing was designed to incorporate this design into its system for an impressive feature that does not compromise on quality.

On site during construction stage

Simple, Structurally Sound Ceiling Solutions

In much the same way Studco’s stud and track framing was used throughout this project, Studco Concealed Ceiling Systems were present throughout construction. Both Studco’s suspended and direct fix concealed ceilings are designed for easy handling and can be easily clipped together to form gridwork. These are key elements of Studco’s products and are an effort to ensure installation is not unnecessarily complicated on-site, structurally sound and met industry standards through collaboration with Studco.

Studco’s Concealed Suspended System sit above the school’s classrooms and learning spaces. These systems allow for the housing of internal services which enable learning spaces to be an accessible and comfortable environment. The design of Studco’s system also provide a level grid for the easy installation of building board with a flush finish.
The Concealed Direct Fix System is most prominently used within the gymnasium. Studco’s system is engineered to meet an array of loading options and ceiling spans, which became a critical factor of the construction of this gymnasium. Not only does this system serve a functional purpose, but by remaining exposed it also lends itself to the architectural vision of bare steel in a nod to the Whyalla community.

Studco is proud to have played a role in this educational project that focuses on teaching skills that have real world applications whilst catering to students with disability.