Sensum completes first project as part of $1.3bn schools program

A specialist project manager brought in to support the state government’s $1.3bn schools program expects modern building technologies to disrupt the local industry.

Fusco Constructions director John Fusco, Oneconstruct director Vince Cosmai, Sensum SA managing director Daniel Rosato, Oneconstruct director Dino Gallina and Paul Nardinocchi from Centina Modular at the old GMH site in Elizabeth. Picture: Russell Millard

Specialist project management company Sensum has completed work on its first project in South Australia as part of the state government’s $1.3bn investment in city and country schools across the state.

A new modular building has been completed and installed at Balaklava High School, comprising general learning areas, breakout spaces, art rooms and teacher preparation areas.

Together with demolition of ageing infrastructure at the school, the $4.3m project is the first of 28 school upgrade projects currently being overseen by Sensum.

The modular construction specialist was brought in by the state government last year to support the delivery of school upgrades across the state following a history of similar work in Victoria.

Sensum SA managing director Daniel Rosato said the company had since formed close partnerships with local builders Sarah Constructions, Ausco Modular, Fusco Constructions, Centina and Oneconstruct to help deliver the projects.

Victorian company Fleetwood was also working with Sensum locally, Mr Rosato said, after establishing a new facility in Para Hills West.

Fusco Constructions director John Fusco, Oneconstruct director Vince Cosmai, Sensum SA managing director Daniel Rosato, Oneconstruct director Dino Gallina and Paul Nardinocchi from Centina at the old Holden site in Elizabeth. Picture: Russell Millard

“Modular has been used by some manufacturers in South Australia but it hasn’t really been tested here until now,” he said.

“What Sensum has done is assist its evolution, and the schools program has enabled everyone to do their research and development for continued growth.

“We’ve been talking to industry, talking to the Master Builders Association, talking to the Property Council - trying to really be advocates for modular.

“Sensum’s role here is as an enabler, to really grow what we call modern methods of construction, and modular is just a part of that.”

As head contractor, Sensum has worked with local firm Das Studio to design the first 12 of 28 school upgrade projects, nine of which are nearing completion.

The second stage, comprising a further 16 upgrades, are in design development stage, with construction due to start before the end of the year ahead of completion in the middle of next year.

Oneconstruct directors Dino Gallina and Vince Cosmai at the former Holden site where they have established a modular construction base. Picture: Michael Marschall

Centina and Oneconstruct are both building from new sites at the former Holden factory in Elizabeth, while Sarah Construction has opened a new factory in Regency Park.

Mr Rosato, who joined Sensum in August after eight years as a development manager with Southern Cross Care, said the company was also investigating opportunities to apply modular construction locally in other industries outside of education.

“There’s digital innovation, there’s 3D printing, there’s all sorts of things going on at the moment to support modern methods of construction,” he said.

“There’s opportunities in health, there’s opportunities in social housing, there’s opportunities in aged care - we’re already talking to these agencies and aged care providers.

“Building in a controlled environment where there’s less wastage, greater safety - it’s a no brainer. It’s about people getting out of that conservative nature and starting to embrace it.”

Oneconstruct director Dino Gallina expects modular construction to expand in South Australia following early success in the schools program.

“Looking at Mitcham Girls High School for example, that would have been a nine to ten month build - that was done in 20 weeks,” he said.

“Time is critical and that’s probably why modular has been accepted as the best alternative for this type of work.

“Modular building in the eastern states has been going on for a lot longer and it’s more accepted in the eastern states compared to Adelaide. There’s always been trepidation here but Sensum has brought modular to the fore.

“Architects are now starting to look at modular as an alternative to traditional bricks and mortar and the schools program has given companies like us the opportunity to do something different.”