UQ JK Murray Library Refurbishment

Education
ClientThe University of Queensland
LocationGatton, QLD
Delivery Method Construct Only — Lump Sum
COMPLETION DATE2017
Awards2018 Downs & Western Housing & Construction Award

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Tomkins delivered the refurbishment and extension of the JK Murray Library at the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus. The 1,300m² project revitalised one of the campus’s key academic resources and introduced a modern, purpose-designed 24/7 student study centre. Working for the University of Queensland under a Lump Sum contract, Tomkins completed the works while the campus remained fully operational, navigating active teaching and examination periods throughout the construction programme. The project involved both a full internal refurbishment of the existing two-storey library, originally constructed in 1973, and a new building extension to provide additional student and staff amenities. The completed facility significantly increases the library’s learning capacity and positions it as a contemporary study and research hub for the Gatton community.

The project was awarded the 2018 Master Builders Queensland Downs & Western Housing & Construction Award in the category: Commercial Building $5 million – $30 million.

Working within an active university campus presented the primary challenge for this project. With the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus remaining operational throughout, the Tomkins team managed restricted working hours during semester (7am to 4pm) and a complete cessation of noisy works during examination periods. Close coordination with the University Librarian was maintained throughout, keeping communication open and disruption to students and staff to a minimum.

The scope encompassed a full internal refurbishment of the existing two-storey library, originally constructed in 1973 from concrete, brick and steel, and construction of a new extension to the building’s southern side. Demolition works included existing footpaths, external stairs, bathrooms, office spaces, ceilings and partition walls. In their place, Tomkins delivered new office accommodation, updated amenities, a passenger lift, and replacement heat pumps and chillers sized to service both the new and existing building, along with a substantial package of high-specification furniture throughout.

The existing loggia entry was reconstructed with new stairs, an accessible ramp and a structural steel shade structure with aluminium battens, providing a distinct and welcoming arrival experience consistent with the campus character.

A key construction challenge involved achieving a timber-look in situ concrete feature wall at Stair 3. To produce a clean surface finish within tightly spaced formwork, the team used external concrete vibrators in place of conventional shaft vibrators. This avoided the poor aeration and patchy finish that conventional methods would have produced in this application.

Construction was managed within the constraints of a fully operational university campus, including restricted working hours during semester (7am–4pm) and a complete cessation of noisy works during examination periods. The Tomkins site team maintained close coordination with the University Librarian throughout, keeping communication open and disruption to students and staff to a minimum.

“
Tomkins have shown their ability to effectively manage their workforce to limit the impact of works on the surrounding University community — a professional and proactive team from start to finish.
Bill Boyd-Law
Associate Director Construction, University of Queensland
Exterior view of UQ JK Murray with glazed library facade, brickwork and landscaped surrounds built by tomkins
Open computer lab and study area with green chairs and feature ceiling lighting at UQ JK Murray built by tomkins
Informal learning space with tiered timber seating and red lounge chairs at UQ JK Murray built by tomkins
Entry canopy with accessible ramp and landscaped approach at UQ JK Murray built by tomkins
Side facade of UQ JK Murray with metal cladding, brickwork and landscaped surrounds built by tomkins
Collaborative lounge with blue modular seating and glazed study areas at UQ JK Murray built by tomkins
Library reading area with blue lounge chairs beside full height glazing at UQ JK Murray built by tomkins
Library shelving with sunflower end panels inside UQ JK Murray built by tomkins
Quiet study booths overlooking the computer lab at UQ JK Murray built by tomkins

UQ Gatton now has a library built for how students actually study: flexible, technology-enabled and open around the clock. The refurbished and extended JK Murray Library gives the campus a contemporary academic hub that serves both the day-to-day needs of students and the longer-term growth of the university. Delivered on programme and within budget, the project strengthened Tomkins' relationship with the University of Queensland and led directly to further engagement on the Gatton Campus.

  • 1,300m² refurbishment and extension of an existing two-storey library
  • New 24/7 student study centre
  • Full internal refurbishment of a 1973 concrete, brick and steel building
  • New southern extension including offices, amenities and passenger lift
  • New heat pumps and chillers servicing both existing and new building
  • High-specification furniture package throughout
  • Reconstructed loggia entry with new stairs, ramp and steel shade structure with aluminium battens
  • Timber-look in situ concrete feature wall at Stair 3
  • Delivered on programme within a fully operational university campus
  • Works staged around semester hours and examination periods

"A 1,300m² transformation delivering a modern 24/7 study centre for UQ Gatton without a single disruption to the students who needed it most.

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