Construction of the new 200-bed residential development for Charles Sturt University (CSU) students will commence this month at its Thurgoona site. To be built by Joss Constructions, ten modular concrete and corrugated iron buildings will each house 20 students in self-catering accommodation. The development will include ‘open plan’ kitchens and living areas in each block, with two buildings enclosing an open courtyard. The corrugated iron, which is light, strong, adaptable and durable, highlights the heritage of Australian agricultural buildings while shielding the internal concrete walls from the summer heat. This will enable the student accommodation buildings to maintain a more constant temperature for the residents without the use of expensive air conditioning. Rainwater collected from roofs will be used to flush toilets, while wastewater from kitchens and bathrooms or grey water will be pumped into the existing grey water treatment ponds on the CSU Thurgoona site. The buildings are due to be finished in time for the start of the 2009 academic year. Other buildings already underway at Thurgoona include academic offices and the Learning Commons, which will house a library and computing facilities.