Factory of the Future: Tonsley Technical College
“ACURA Group has been delighted to work with all the mechanical trades on this excitingly different and unique project. Being right in our neighbourhood, there have been even faster deliveries and a great, super-slick finished product,” says Brad Joyce, ACURA Group CEO.
Demonstrating South Australia’s commitment to excellence, the 4,000 sqm Tonsley Technical College—an initiative by the State Government Department for Education (DfE)—is set to become the state’s first mass timber commercial building. Built with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) from NeXTimber and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, the project enables faster, safer construction while significantly reducing waste.
The facility is designed to replicate workplace environments, providing students in years 10 to 12 with practical learning opportunities. It supports the completion of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) alongside vocational education and training (VET), addressing critical skills shortages in advanced manufacturing, engineering, automotive, energy, and construction.
With over 20 years of expertise, ACURA Group seamlessly adapted to the unique demands of this groundbreaking project. Guided by a commitment to innovation, precision, and sustainability, we provided specialised HVAC and MEP-F materials tailored for timber compatibility, along with high-quality fixings to ensure structural integrity and compliance across the services.
Our durable solutions addressed timber dynamics—such as expansion, contraction, and load management—enhancing the building’s strength and resilience. Additionally, ACURA Group’s technical expertise supported seismic compliance and installation coordination, streamlining processes, reducing labour time, and slashing overall costs.
Through sustainable material options, on-time deliveries, and close collaboration with the site manager, ACURA Group played a pivotal role in bringing Tonsley Technical College’s vision of a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible educational facility to life.
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