THE PROJECT
University of South Australia
DESIGN CONSTRUCT
OUR PROJECT
The UniSA Design construct program was invited to Port Resolution in 2012 to assist the local community in generating a stable income. Our student designed and built bungalows provides a hands-on construction experience in a tropical climate. Although not only worked on by the students, but the local Port Resolution community have been an inaugural part of the building process. Landowner David and local men source and deliver many of the building materials from the surrounding natural environment and assist on site.
Each year students travel to Vanuatu to continue construction and further develop the project. At current, there is one completed and fully furnished bungalow as well as the iconic 'Volcano Bar'. There is also a kitchen that provides daily meals to all guests staying at Sea Breeze.
Both the bungalows and bar have been designed and built by design students who have limited construction knowledge but are quick to learn and adapt to site conditions.
ON-SITE
The beachfront construction site is a beautiful island destination that UniSA students work on hopefully three times a year. Students involve themselves in site surveying, column construction, concrete mixing, and many more hands-on jobs. Although it's not always hands on deck, as there is a lot of sketching, designing, and calculations that are required before any building occurs.
This learn on the job approach is a perfect opportunity for South Australian Architect, Product Design and Construction students to gain an international building experience.
The isolated location means the only accessible machinery is a generator, drills and a hand saw. All other jobs are completed by hand, including all timber sawing, concrete mixing and hole digging.
Site conditions can be extremely unpredictable and heavy rain and winds often put construction work on hold and as machinery is limited this can put a hold on the project and slow progress down.
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Although it is an incredible rewarding project for coordinators David and Joti who have managed this project for several years. Watching this project develop each trip is why they return every few months, as well as visiting the beautiful beach site and welcoming community.
