St Mary's College

Client

St Mary’s College

Location

Ipswich

Completion Date

2019

Sector

Heritage

The challenge

In early 2012, Box & Co was commissioned to undertake the building
refurbishment of St Mary’s College – a Catholic secondary school for girls
that was founded in 1863.

The project consisted of three sections – Mercy House, Chapel First Floor and
the Doro Building. As the Chapel First Floor and Mercy House are both 150
years old, it was critical Box&Co retain the heritage of the original buildings
whilst ensuring they were structurally sound, and the college was keen to
incorporate construction methods that could capture ‘the layers of time’.

The solution

The building refurbishment also included the creation of doisabled access and the relocation of staff to a new administration area. Services provided included:

Reconstruction of the balustrades and columns to match the original style.
Repair and reconstruction of the timber decking on the wrapping verandahs.
Complex timber and glass enclosure to the lift and stair core.
New doors to match originals.
New timber threshold ramps.

Reconstruction of the balustrades and columns to match the original style.
Repair and reconstruction of the timber decking on the wrapping verandahs.
Complex timber and glass enclosure to the lift and stair core.
New doors to match originals.
New timber threshold ramps.

The Outcome

Box & Co delivered a refurbishment that was notable by the standard of quality features involved, with stunning spotted gum timber used throughout. The finishing carpentry on this project is now a stunning feature, with particular emphasis on the external verandahs surrounding the building. Internally the finishes were delivered in a modern style, with craftsmanship befitting the era in which the buildings were originally constructed. New plasterboard and veneer ceilings, designed to complement the heritage features, were carried throughout. Quality workmanship is also evidenced in the refurbished external sandstone to this stunning heritage school building, as well as the meticulous paint finishes.

Winner of 2013 QMBA Award and Ipswich City Council Award for Excellence.