Benmax was awarded the mechanical services contract for the $28 million expansion of Margaret Hendry School by long-term construction partner Hindmarsh. Established in 2018, the primary school is in Taylor, Gungahlin, one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, and quickly reached its capacity of 600 students. The government funded project aimed to deliver an increase in student capacity – accommodating up to 1200 students - as well as provide new general learning settings and outdoor learning spaces.

The project involved alterations to existing structures, development of two additional car parks, and the construction of a new two-level environmentally sustainable building (Building F) encompassing general learning areas, specialist learning settings including food technology, Science Technology Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM), and small group programs.

The new multi-purpose building is fully electric, including the mechanical HVAC systems, and contains a range of sustainability features including a 150kW solar photovoltaic system and associated battery storage to power the building. Over time, the school is aiming to be Canberra’s first carbon neutral education campus running entirely on renewable energy.

The experience of the Benmax team in delivering major project works in occupied and sensitive settings, and under tight construction schedules, was critical to the success of the project as work was delivered while the campus remained open and operational for existing students and staff.

Benmax successfully handed over the project to Hindmarsh in 2023 with the school able to expand its student intake for the 2024 school year.

Project features

• New construction
• Tight construction schedule
• Occupied and operational site
• Two-level multi-purpose education facility (Building F)
• Specialist learning spaces including food technology, Science Technology Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM)
• Fully electric facility aiming to be carbon neutral
• Electric mechanical HVAC systems
• Sustainability features including 150kW solar photovoltaic system