Modern Education – Brighton High School

Fairbrother’s Brighton High School project is a transformative development for southern Tasmania, standing as a benchmark for modern educational facilities and showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology into school infrastructure. Designed by JAWS Architects, the $45 million facility is set to open in 2025, welcoming up to 600 students across grades 7 to 12 from the fast-growing communities of Bagdad, Brighton, Kempton and surrounds.

Construction began in March 2023 and concluded in September 2024, three months ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects meticulous planning, innovative construction methods, and a collaborative approach among Fairbrother, subcontractors, and the Department of Education.

“We split the trade packages between companies, allowing simultaneous work across different buildings,” said Andrew Burns, Fairbrother Project Manager. “This not only accelerated the timeline but also created a healthy competition which drove efficiency.”

Andrew also praised the strong relationships built between stakeholders, adding, “everyone worked towards the same goals, which made it possible to maintain momentum and deliver ahead of schedule.”

At the heart of the school is the “Learning Street,” a landscaped centrepiece designed to encourage outdoor learning and interaction. This innovative space features curved pathways, garden beds, and open seating areas, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Advanced surveying and GPS-guided tools were used extensively to execute this intricate design with precision. Investment in the latest technology, including a handheld GPS Rover for landscape work, streamlined the construction process and ensured accuracy in features like curved concrete paths and outdoor spaces.

The project consisted of five main buildings, each designed with specific purposes in mind, from classrooms and science labs to a multipurpose gymnasium and a fully equipped commercial kitchen. The construction of these diverse spaces required a variety of techniques and resources. The gymnasium features exposed painted steel columns and trusses, in contrast, the classroom buildings make use of more traditional structural steel methods, streamlining their construction and ensuring consistency across multiple similar structures.

A key element in maintaining efficiency was the strategic use of prefabrication and modular techniques where possible. The design of the school, particularly the classroom blocks, was intentionally modular, with two of the buildings being identical. This consistent approach to the classroom buildings allowed the team to replicate successful methods and avoid reinventing processes.

Brighton High School’s design is a showcase of technology integration, demonstrating new standards for educational facilities in the 21st century. The campus features a fully automated fresh air system with heat recovery, ensuring consistent air quality throughout the buildings. Unlike existing schools that rely on opening windows for ventilation, this advanced system maintains optimal oxygen levels and provides a healthier environment for learning. Additionally, a satellite access control system allows staff to unlock doors with programmable swipe cards, a modern solution that enhances both security and convenience.

“It’s like a hotel lock system but fully programmable, and it’s something unique to this project,” Andrew noted.

The technological advancements extend to audiovisual and communication systems, with more than 50 digital screens and a comprehensive Wi-Fi network installed across the site. These systems support modern teaching methods and facilitate seamless digital integration into everyday learning. Hearing augmentation technology is also in place, ensuring accessibility for students with hearing impairments by linking their devices to the school’s audio network. These features underline the state-of-the-art nature of the facility and its readiness to meet the needs of contemporary education.

The buildings themselves reflect thoughtful planning and diverse functionality. Five primary structures house specialised spaces for science, robotics, performing arts, and wood and metalwork, alongside traditional classrooms. The gymnasium stands out with its professional-grade sports equipment and acoustically treated spaces, while the commercial kitchen provides industry-standard facilities for culinary programs. Science labs feature chemical-resistant countertops and fume cupboards, catering to the unique requirements of modern STEM education.

A significant focus on acoustic treatment throughout the project included eco-panel linings and sound-dampening blades in high traffic areas.

“Noise control was a big focus, especially in communal spaces and entryways where large groups gather,” said Andrew.

The integration of sustainability measures was another cornerstone of the project. Advanced stormwater management systems, including a treatment device and detention basins, ensure runoff is filtered and controlled before entering the local drainage system. The campus also supports active transport with secure bike storage and charging stations for e-bikes and scooters, alongside an electric vehicle charging point for staff.

Fairbrother’s construction process demonstrated an impressive ability to manage complexity and scale. The project required extensive earthworks, including the excavation of 26,000 tonnes of material, much of which was reused to level the site. Carpentry and joinery work, including the installation of more than 600 custom-made lockers, was completed with remarkable efficiency despite the sheer volume involved. The use of advanced tools and technologies played a critical role in maintaining this efficiency.

“It wasn’t about any single extraordinary task,” said Andrew. “It was the sheer scale and volume of the work that made this project unique.”

The success of the Brighton High School project also relied heavily on the strength of its team and the relationships built with subcontractors. The project offered invaluable learning opportunities for younger tradespeople and apprentices, while senior staff honed their project management skills.

“Long projects can wear people down, but clear communication and strong collaboration kept everyone motivated,” Andrew said. “It was great to see the results of our efforts and know we were contributing to something meaningful for the region.”

As the school prepares to welcome its first students, Brighton High School‘s cutting-edge design, technological integration, and sustainable features not only meet the needs of today’s learners but also set a benchmark for 21st century educational facilities across Tasmania.

For Fairbrother, the project symbolises the power of teamwork and forward-thinking construction practices.

“This is a school that our families and community members will benefit from for years to come,” said Andrew. “It’s a project we’re proud to have been part of.”