Case Study /

Northern Rivers Schools Cluster

Northern NSW


Architect: Pedavoli Architects
Construction: ADCO/Modscape
Developer: NSW Department of Education
Products specified:
• Legge 991 Mortice Lock
• Legge 500 Series Plate Furniture
• Briton 2700 Series Cam-Action Closers
• Briton 370 Series Panic Exit Devices
• Legge accessories - hinges, door stops, auxiliary products
Background
In 2022, the Northern Rivers Schools Cluster was damaged from devastating floods, requiring extensive rebuilds for multiple schools in the region. Pedavoli Architects created designs which have the abilitity to withstand future flooding with state-of-the-art features. In 2024, after nearly two and a half years of off-site education, Wardell Public School and Empire Vale Public School welcomed back their students. The success of the two rebuilds has revitalised what were once community hubs for both districts.

The rebuild of Broadwater Public School and Blakebrook Public School have begun construction and will continue the Northern Rivers Flood Recovery Program.
The ongoing support and responsiveness of Allegion is exactly what an architectural team needs on these types of projects.

Sam Rigoli, Partner at Pedavoli Architects
Providing industry knowledge with technical expertise
Pedavoli Architects’ design included raising the classroom and other core facilities o the ground on a steel structure. They used resilient materials throughout and designed downstairs amenities that are easy to clean and restore if submerged under water. The space beneath the school structure serves as a versatile area that maximises land use by providing a sheltered environment for students. By using this space eectively, the school not only enhances the recreational experience for students but also ensures that every inch of the property contributes to the overall functionality of the campus. This thoughtful design fosters a dynamic and adaptable environment that supports both play and learning.
Photo credit: Schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au
Pedavoli Architects needed door hardware to comply with EFSG Schools Standard, AS1428.1 and the National Construction Code (NCC). They wanted to balance these technical requirements with a simple and clean aesthetic for both buildings, which is often a challenge for government education projects. With extensive backgrounds in Education and Government projects, Allegion had the industry knowledge and technical expertise to navigate Pedavoli Architects’ requirements and vision for the rebuild of both schools through their broad range of compliant hardware.
Allegion’s technical expertise was essential in overcoming issues specific to government education projects.

Sam Rigoli, Partner at Pedavoli Architects
Providing best-in-class compliant hardware
Tried and tested over many projects, Allegion's commercial range of products are highly durable with an extensive range to fit any project. The Allegion team were able to specify and supply compliant hardware for the various requirements and standards to both Government and Education projects.

The EFSG Schools Standard requires the door hardware which can address the unique needs of educational facilities. For these schools, this included flood resilience, secure access points and being able to withstand high usage with potential security threats. AS1428.1 specifies that door hardware is accessible to all individuals, including children and those with disabilities. Allegion specified products that allow smooth traffic flow, ensuring all students and staff can move freely and safely throughout the schools.

The NCC stipulates door hardware must comply with fire safety, durability, and functionality requirements. This compliance means that the hardware is not only built to last but also capable of performing effectively under various conditions.
Streamlining specification
Pedavoli Architects were able to speed up the specification process through the use of Overtur, Allegion’s door hardware specification software. Overtur was able to provide integration into the Revit platform, allowing data to be extracted eciently while minimising the coordination time between Pedavoli, contractors and Allegion.

Overtur is a digital collaboration platform designed to streamline the complex process of managing door hardware specifications in architectural projects. By providing a centralised hub for project data, Overtur significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of architectural planning, coordination and execution.
Photo credit: Schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au

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