Queensland’s first vertical school, Fortitude Valley State Secondary College (FVSSC), has set a benchmark for vertical learning in the state.

The project has received many award nods since its completion, and has now been recognised on an international scale – taking home the Completed Buildings – School Award at the World Architecture Festival in November. 

ThomsonAdsett was engaged to deliver this landmark project with Hutchinson Builders as the main contractor. Designed by COX Architects, the ThomsonAdsett team worked collaboratively with the Department of Education, School Leadership, and the Hutchinson team to ensure that the outcome aligned with expectations. Along with the building design, ThomsonAdsett were engaged by the Department to work with the school and local furniture suppliers to ensure that the furniture aligned with the school’s pedagogy.  

Commenting on the win, ThomsonAdsett Group Director – Education & Communities Chad Brown said, “This is an amazing achievement by the team – The Department of Education and DCWC for setting and committing to the standard; COX and the design consultants for their vision; Hutchinson and the delivery team for realising this world class facility.”

“For all involved in this project we thank you for your time and willingness to achieve excellence. We are looking forward to the completion of stage 2, the next phase of this excellent school.”

Randal Williams, the Lead Architect on the project said that it was both a privilege and a pleasure to work on FVSSC, the Queensland Department of Education’s first true vertical school, and the first new school to be built in inner Brisbane in over 50 years.

“Architecture is a team sport and this was the key to the success of the project,” he said.

“There was a high level of engagement and enthusiasm by all of the stakeholders in the project. The school’s senior management, students, education department staff, project managers, design and consultant team and the contractor, all worked tirelessly to deliver a successful project.”

This sentiment was mirrored by Blake Challen, another Architect on the project.

“To me the most enjoyable aspect of working on the project was to see the collaboration and passion shown by all involved. The design outcome is a true reflection of a unified team,” Challen commented.

“I am particularly humbled by the way the Department of Education and the school engaged with the process and how the whole team worked with all the stakeholders. The building demonstrates what a unified team can deliver.

“I have nothing but admiration for what educators do and hope, in our small way, we have been able to help build their lasting legacy.”