"Our modular boardwalk system is perfectly suited to solving disability access challenges to public use locations including schools, shopping centres or even national parks.
Our system created a very safe, but durable, walkway that made it easy for people to move about freely even though the land contours were challenging."
ENCAT was engaged to design, manufacture & install a modular boardwalk system and viewing platform for Shellharbour Anglican College Learning Centre.
Our scope of work involved the complete design and construction of a 120-metre modular boardwalk at Shellharbour Anglican College’s new Learning Centre, located at Piper Drive, Dunmore. Commissioned by Cash McInnes Building of Sydney, this project was critical in linking the upper, mid, and lower levels of the school grounds, providing safe, compliant pedestrian access for students, staff, and visitors—including those with disabilities.
The boardwalk incorporates a series of ramps and platforms to navigate a 6-metre vertical drop across the site, with mid-point access to the Learning Centre. Designed to comply with AS1428 for disability access, the ramps were constructed with 1:14 gradients and 1500mm platforms at required intervals.
To enhance safety and accessibility, we installed dual handrails on both sides of the boardwalk, including a lower 700mm rail to assist young children, a detail that sets our work apart when it comes to inclusive design.
Prior to construction, our team conducted a detailed survey using a TOPCON robotic theodolite to precisely locate footings and feed into a 3D modelling process. This ensured accurate alignment of the ramps and structural compliance from the outset.
One of the standout features of this project was the integration of the boardwalk through a mature garden of preserved trees. Our modular system allowed us to weave through the existing vegetation without disturbing the tree roots, something that would have been far more difficult and costly using a traditional bespoke construction approach.
All steel components were hot dip galvanised for longevity, and the walking surface was supplied in FRP heel-proof panels with integrated grip surfaces, ensuring safety and durability in all conditions. Structural certification for the footings was supplied upon completion, giving the client peace of mind that the installation meets all relevant codes and standards.
Delivered over approximately 12 weeks, our communication and reliability throughout the job were key to helping other trades coordinate their works efficiently. This marks ENCAT’s second successful project at Shellharbour Anglican College, the first being the original balustrades and handrails installed in 2003, which remain in excellent condition today.
New boardwalk with disability access for an educational site
This was another extensive project undertaken by Encat and another example of our ability to deal with difficult existing conditions & steep terrain. Two of the factors that the school needed to consider were;
a) Safety of students, teachers & parents; they needed safe outdoor pathways for students to travel between the structures which would also be safe in any type of weather condition, remain stable and could be easily modified if new buildings were added to the site.
b) Long term maintenance costs; any type of pathway that was to be installed had to provide relatively low maintenance costs over the lifetime of its installation. While some pathway materials can be very low cost to install initially, over a long period of time the monthly or annual repair costs can outweigh the use of it in the first place.
Based on the experience they had with Encat previously, they decided to use our modular boardwalk system which has been used in other locations like Minnumurra Rainforest , Maloney’s Beach or The Tallawarra pathway.
For each of these locations our modular system can cater to changing gradients, different directions and the stainless steel construction means it can last for years, withstanding moisture and harsh outdoor conditions.
Designing a modular boardwalk system suitable for wheelchairs
From the school’s perspective, investing in infrastructure like this modular boardwalk is about far more than just connecting buildings, it’s about creating a safer, more inclusive and future-proof learning environment for the entire school community.
Students:
For students, particularly those with mobility challenges or additional needs, having a compliant, accessible path means they can move between classes with dignity and independence. The gentle gradients, stable FRP surface and child-height handrails make daily transitions safer for all age groups, from prep right through to seniors. It also promotes outdoor movement, supporting physical activity and wellbeing throughout the day.
Teachers:
For teachers, it removes daily logistical headaches. No more needing to supervise difficult or unsafe routes between levels, or reroute groups due to poor access in wet weather. The thoughtful design and compliance with AS1428 give teachers confidence that students are moving safely and efficiently, which helps maintain focus on education rather than risk management.
Parents:
The parents then see this as a signal that the school genuinely values accessibility, safety and thoughtful planning. It shows the school is committed to providing equal access and a supportive environment for every child, regardless of ability. It’s an investment that reflects the school’s long-term vision and care for its community, and it gives parents peace of mind that their children are being well looked after in every aspect of school life.
Additional reasons include;
Durability and Longevity:
Galvanised steel is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This makes it an ideal material for outdoor applications, particularly in areas with high moisture, saltwater, or harsh weather conditions. Unlike concrete or timber, which can crack or deteriorate over time, a stainless steel boardwalk will maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for many years, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacement.
Low Maintenance:
Galvanised steel requires minimal maintenance compared to concrete. It does not require sealing or coating to protect against corrosion. Routine cleaning and occasional inspections are typically sufficient to keep a galvanised steel boardwalk in good condition. This translates to lower ongoing maintenance costs and less disruption to the surrounding environment.
Aesthetics and Design Flexibility:
Our galvanised steel boardwalk systems offer a sleek, modern, and visually appealing appearance for any existing or new site. The smooth and reflective surface of stainless steel can enhance the surrounding environment, creating an attractive and inviting pedestrian pathway.
Additionally, galvanised steel is highly versatile in terms of design options. It can be customised to accommodate various widths, curves, and gradients to fit the specific requirements and topography of the site, we can also add our balustrade systems to increase safety levels even further.
Our modular system can be connected to stair modules, viewing platforms and even a bridge so that nearly any type of terrain can be traversed easily.
Environmental Considerations:
Galvanised steel is an environmentally friendly material choice. It is fully recyclable, which aligns with sustainable construction practices and reduces the environmental impact of the project. Additionally, the modular nature of a galvanised steel boardwalk allows for easy disassembly and reinstallation, making it a viable option for sensitive or ecologically significant areas where minimal disruption is desired.
Installation Efficiency:
Compared to concrete footpaths or timber decking, the installation of a modular stainless steel boardwalk system can be quicker and more efficient. Prefabricated components can be manufactured off-site, allowing for faster assembly and reduced on-site construction time. This can result in cost savings and minimised disturbance to the local community during the construction phase.
Accessibility and Safety:
Our modular boardwalks are designed to meet accessibility standards, ensuring safe and convenient access for pedestrians, including those with mobility challenges. The smooth surface of stainless steel reduces the risk of slips and falls, especially in wet or icy conditions, making it a safer option for pedestrians.
Unique design elements of our modular boardwalk system
Stainless steel structural material
It may have been possible to use timber or other materials to construct this staircase but using stainless steel will ensure it has a long lifespan beyond 100 years.
Galvanised steel will withstand the elements which for this site is a mixture of ground moisture from run off as well as some flooding in the marsh/swamp areas close to the ponds.
100% custom designed for the existing conditions
Rather than using pre-fabricated systems our Modular Boardwalk System is 100% custom designed to suit the specific existing conditions of the site. It means there is relatively little change to the landscape & the new structure fits the site rather than the other way around.
Our system helps to protect the environment while also being easy to install on site and in this example it had to be made to sit low to the ground.
Modular construction
Our system is manufactured in our factory in NSW and then transported to the site ready to be installed. The precision engineering and metal fabrication means that everything is ready to be installed on the site without making further changes or adjusment.
This reduces installation time, labour costs & maximises efficiency but also means it can be used nearly anywhere.
Expandable boardwalk design
This project was focussed on building the new pathways. In the future if the developer built another site nearby the two systems could be connected.
New raised boardwalks can be constructed to follow existing tracks, change direction or gradients to suit the location.
Modular boardwalk to span waterways
We can design or adapt our Modular Boardwalk System to be used as a bridge to span creeks, small rivers or other water courses.
Outdoor boardwalk installations for schools or university locations
ENCAT regularly works with civil works contractors, local or state government departments or national parks services to design, manufacture and install civil use structures to suit any type of application or existing site. We have been doing this since 1989
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