Building Smarter Schools Through Sustainable Structural Design
Engaged by builder Hansen Yuncken, Interspan delivered the full Design & Construct post-tensioning solution for the Newcastle Education Precinct redevelopment—one of NSW’s most significant education infrastructure upgrades.
The project includes two major new facilities: a 2‑storey New Learning Hub featuring general learning areas, science labs, hospitality training spaces, a new library, canteen and a covered outdoor learning area (COLA); and a flexible 1–2 storey Multipurpose Facility accommodating a gymnasium, stage, fitness lab, adaptable learning spaces, outdoor courts and end‑of‑trip amenities.
Design Excellence Powered by Advanced PT Engineering
Our in-house engineers used RAM Concept and RAPT to analyse slab behaviour, refine PT layouts and deliver a structural solution aligned with stringent architectural, acoustic and serviceability requirements.
Benefits to the project:
– More efficient slab thicknesses and tendon layouts
– Reduced construction materials
– Improved constructability for a live, restricted-access site
– Enhanced long-term durability and performance
These optimisations directly contributed to the project’s 5 Star Green Star Design & As-Built certification pathway.
A Sustainable Approach to Education Infrastructure
The redevelopment is a Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) registered project, targeting 5 Star Green Star Certification. Interspan’s design choices supported the client’s commitment to Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD).
Material Efficiency Gains (Value Engineering):
– 6.44 tonnes of reinforcement saved
– 0.49 tonnes of PT materials saved
Delivering High-Performance PT Solutions in a Live School Environment
The project involved major upgrades to Newcastle High School—a heritage-listed, fully operational campus on Awabakal Country.
Interspan delivered:
– Tight program milestones during school operations
– High safety standards on a live site
– Quality-controlled PT installation for both the Learning Hub and Multipurpose Facility
– 5,884.97 m² of PT slab systems
– Vertical dowel and Surelok installation (246 dowels, 166 Sureloks)
– D&C post-tension design for two new facilities
Interspan
Interspan uniquely integrates in-house post-tensioning expertise, advanced forensic diagnostics, and cutting-edge strengthening technologies to enable a single-source delivery model trusted by global developers for complex retrofit and reuse projects.
NEW STRUCTURES
The Interspan Group brings unique expertise in post-tensioning, construction methodology, and lifting operations that reduce CO₂ emissions, material usage, and construction program.
EXISTING STRUCTURES
We specialise in helping clients extend the lifespan of concrete structures through advanced repair, strengthening, and carbon-fibre solutions. Adaptive reuse projects are a perfect fit for our expertise, helping to minimise waste while delivering safe, modern outcomes that support community growth.
Over the last decade, the Interspan Group has become a market leader in the application of CFRP-strengthening solutions, with notable projects including the award-winning The Space House in London and the Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney.
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance holds immense significance for Interspan because it impacts the safety of our operatives and future occupants, the long-term durability of our structures, and our client satisfaction and relationships.
Interspan is accredited under CARES APTO1 for the Production and Supply of Post-tensioning Anchorage Systems and is the only post-tension contractor in Australia accredited under CARES APTO4 for the supply and installation of Post-tensioning systems in concrete structures.
Sustainability
Post-tensioning and adaptive reuse are powerful design approaches that reduce material use and embodied carbon—delivering more efficient, resilient, and sustainable structures for the future.
Australia – NSW
United Kingdom & Ireland
