Technology meets nature at QUT Education Precinct

Glascott worked with Hansen Yunken to deliver landscaping at Queensland University of Technology’s new Education Precinct. The work involved landscaping the outdoor surrounds and the feature atrium inside the new building, designed by Wilson Architects.

Glascott started in November, working through the heat and extreme humidity to deliver ready for the 2019 academic year.

Effective management was implemented to mitigate damage to the new building while constructing the atrium gardens. This included using a conveyor belt to move the soil in and ‘bagging in’ materials for the contourium garden beds. Over 1,000 plants were installed with mulch and drip irrigation. Gravel swales were created to drain the water and reduce moisture that may affect the technology, including the atrium feature – a five-meter diameter 3D digital sphere that spans two stories.

Outside the building, mature trees were craned into place and a culturally significant fire pit was created. Concrete boulders were installed with decomposed granite pathways on the southern boundary. Soft landscaping included a rainforest with palms and plant, established trees planted on the Ring Road, plus 1,000m² of turf and concreting edging.

Glascott worked alongside many other trades, scheduling and uploading materials around tight access areas. The team completed the work in time for students to commence the year.