Rohrig and TIGS shape sustainable future with Hoskins Building

A landmark project is taking shape at The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) in Wollongong, NSW, and the Rohrig team is excited to share an update on a building set to redefine sustainable education.

The Hoskins Building, a state-of-the-art sustainable learning centre, is a design and construct project the Rohrig team has been working on, alongside MostynCooper and architects Betti and Knut, which aims to showcase future-focused, PassivHaus standard design in an educational setting.

After an intensive design process, construction is now underway and the Rohrig team has completed the first phase of this exciting project with the ground floor slab. This was done in two stages, encompassing 885sqm and forming the foundation for the incredible facility.

Our team now focuses on the construction of the mass timber structure, with the cross-laminated timber (CLT) now on site. The building is quickly taking shape, as our team places the CLT panels on a series of columns installed into the concrete slab. Over the coming weeks, work will continue at pace as the CLT walls and roof panels are installed.

Once the structure is in place, we will move onto the facade works, internal fit-out and finally landscaping, as this incredible learning centre is born.

“This project is world-class, and watching the structure come together so quickly on site is incredibly rewarding,” said Rohrig Construction Manager, Dane Malone

“Seeing the first CLT panels arrive on site was a huge moment for this project, as it meant the building was going to begin to take shape. It’s a privilege to be bringing a building to life that is so aligned with the future of both construction and education.”

The Hoskins Building at a glance

The Hoskins Building embodies the prestigious school’s vision to provide world-class facilities that inspire the next generation of educators and students as they embrace a greener future.

Designed to meet the international PassivHaus standards for sustainable buildings, the two-storey learning centre will utilise leading sustainable construction methods and materials, while complementing the surrounding environment.

In adhering to PassivHaus standards, the building will be constructed from mass timber – with a mix of cross-laminated timber and natural timber cladding to be used – offering a structure and facade that will store around 1,200 tonnes of CO2.

Atop the learning centre a green roof will enhance biodiversity while enhancing the campus’s connection with nature. The vegetation atop the green roof provides various benefits, ranging from water management to thermal insulation, as well as improving the air quality at the campus.

Through thoughtful material selection and construction, the building will use around 90 per cent less energy for heating and cooling compared with current campus buildings, offering both financial and environmental benefits.

Once completed, the learning centre will house a 150-seat lecture theatre, dedicated Junior School library, modern Junior STEM lab, four Junior learning spaces, and six Senior classrooms, within an inspiring environmentally-friendly setting.

At Rohrig, we are passionate about building innovative educational spaces that inspire future generations. The Hoskins Building at TIGS is a perfect example of this commitment, showcasing how sustainable design and cutting-edge construction can create truly world-class learning environments.

We look forward to sharing more updates as this exciting building progresses.