A Sustainable Construction

We’re almost ready!

We are getting close to the finish line! 

In our last construction blog post we outlined our approach to a sustainable design and deconstruction.

As we near the end of the construction of the Preschool, we wanted to highlight how material choices and building practices can be more sustainable too. 

Reuse and Recycle

We endeavoured to reuse and recycle as much material as possible and blend it in with new materials when required. 

While treated timber is convenient and fast to build with, currently the treatment process disables the ability for it to be recycled at the end of its lifecycle.

Our preference has been to use recycled hardwood. Some of which has been recycled from the existing building structures on site and some we have brought in. Where we haven’t had enough recycled hardwood, we have had to purchase new hardwood. Overall, it is a great material to work with and when considering the environment, it’s our preferred material as it won’t eventually add to landfill.

Our approach toward timber is the same approach we have toward all building materials, starting with reusing everything we can.

Sustainability – “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” – Brundtland Commission, 1987

Maintaining our Ecosystem

To ensure minimal impact to our ecosystem during construction, any tree that was removed, was relocated in other areas of the land. Larger trees which were impossible to move have been replaced with native variations throughout the preschool site.

The preschool has become a member with Lake Macquarie’s Backyard for Wildlife which supports our plans to add more native plants to the environment which will support the wildlife that inhabit the area.

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