Argall

Santa Maria College S1 & S2

The second phase of Santa Maria College’s campus redevelopment continues the transformation of this historic Northcote site. Following the removal of the Marion House—originally built in 1974 for retired sisters—the college sought to create a new, future-focused facility for Year 9 and 10 students. The new three-storey building sits sensitively within the site’s hilly topography, cutting into the western slope to form a partial basement and undercover carpark. This level also acts as a podium, integrating seamlessly into the landscape before stepping into the upper levels, which house flexible, modern learning spaces that prioritize collaboration and innovation.
The structure is built on a combination of pad and raft foundations, designed to accommodate the site’s highly variable soil conditions. A hybrid vertical system of in-situ concrete columns and walls, precast elements, and isolated steel columns supports the building. Levels 1 and 2 feature post-tensioned reinforced concrete slabs, while the roof and canopies are framed in structural steel. Precast concrete panels fixed to the structure form the striking façade.

Architect:

Year:

Construction Budget:

Challenges:

Williams Ross Architects
2024
$17.85M (approx.)
The site’s steep slope and varying soil conditions required a flexible foundation approach. A pad and raft system was used to avoid piling and manage differential settlement. To maximise space and basement access, eastern shear walls were replaced with RC moment frames, and slip joints were added to the western retaining wall for seismic performance. Nearly 10-tonne precast façade panels were fixed with flexible connections, allowing seismic movement and improving structural efficiency.

Architect:

Williams Ross Architects

Year:

2024

Construction Budget:

$17.85M (approx.)

Challenges:

The site’s steep slope and varying soil conditions required a flexible foundation approach. A pad and raft system was used to avoid piling and manage differential settlement. To maximise space and basement access, eastern shear walls were replaced with RC moment frames, and slip joints were added to the western retaining wall for seismic performance. Nearly 10-tonne precast façade panels were fixed with flexible connections, allowing seismic movement and improving structural efficiency.
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LIAM OMAR, PROJECT engineer

Liam is an accomplished Structural Engineer with diverse experience across a wide range of projects throughout Australia. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil & Infrastructure Engineering with Honors from RMIT and brings over 6 years of combined undergraduate and postgraduate experience to his profession.

He is highly skilled in structural and civil engineering design, client communication, and providing construction stage services. His expertise extends to managing projects within the structural engineering domain, where he ensures compliance with design standards and delivers high-quality, tailored solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

With a strong passion for efficiency in design, Liam continually seeks opportunities to optimize project outcomes. His commitment to innovation drives him to explore improvements in all facets of a project, from conceptual planning to final execution. An effective communicator and collaborative team member, he excels in building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring seamless project delivery and long-term success.

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ANDREW GALL, Director

Argall was founded in 2017 by Andrew Gall, an engineer with a passion for complex design and breaking the mould. His work experience as a senior structural engineer across a variety of project disciplines made him realise there was a real need for a bespoke people and service-oriented structural engineering consultancy that would inspire sustainability practices and innovation often lacking in big companies.

This is over and above his experience in traditional procurement roles, his work with builders in the design and construct field, managing projects in sport, tertiary education, the arts and zoological fields, as well as community, commercial, residential and multi- residential enterprises. With such a wealth of knowledge and understanding of different design methodologies, he has the expertise to challenge the status quo in his new venture.

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