The project is for the Australian federal Police and incorporates a multi purpose storage, logistics and training warehouse for various organisations within the AFP. The 3700m2 warehouse includes a separate block, with a highly secure office area, amenities including numerous showers, a storeroom, laundry and a dedicated secure server room.
Externally the project required a 2000m2 hardstand and a 3.2m high, 26 bay carport for specialist vehicle parking.
As this project is constructed in an open paddock at the AFP Majura Complex, infrastructure services was an issue that had to be resolved. This together with the sensitive and specialist equipment being housed within the warehouse meant that fire protection was a main requirement and concern of the AFP. The design team ensured that this was catered for with adequate protection through the design of two 184,000 litre water tanks to provide suitable capacity for hydrants and sprinklers.
Existing carpet tiles in the building would curl up on humid days. The project involved removing these carpet tiles and preparing the floor for vinyl sheeting in high wear areas such as corridors and carpet rolls in office spaces.
The works were carried out in stages while the building was occupied to allow for the full use of the building during the remedial works by naval personnel.
On behalf of the Department of Defence, Project Coordination, was engaged by Defence Maintenance Management, to refurbish and extend the existing rangers station at Beecroft Weapons Range, which houses six environmental rangers and around-the-clock security personnel.
The purpose of the new facility is to provide information to the public regarding the environmental features of the Beecroft Peninsula and inform them of the dangers of the bombing range. It also acts as an administrative base for the day-to-day running of the range, as well as the logistics and emergency centre in the event of a bush fire.
In addition to the Visitors Centre, the project required the construction of car parking facilities for the staff and public, and the upgrade of the public entrance road onto the range.
Environmental failsafe upgrade of the bulk storage fuel facility. Works included the upgrade of the stormwater system with the installation of oil/water separators, pumps and additional stormwater lines and pits, construction of two 5m high fuel truck shelters, construction of concrete bunds around the truck shelters and upgrade of warning signage around the facility.
Refurbishment of the mess hall and sanitary facilities. Works included the demolition of the sunken internal slabs, construction of new footings and slabs, and internal fitout incorporating new timber and tiled flooring, new joinery units, new toilets and bathroom accessories, wall tiling and internal painting works. The external works comprised of new concrete pavements and turfing.
The project consisted of the refurbishment to offices and specialist use areas on the first and second floors. Fit out of specialist areas included physical and electronic security upgrades to Department of Defence and ASIO standards. Reconfiguration of all security, building services and data/communication services was undertaken to include a full upgrade of EACS (electronic access controls).
The project was completed in five stages with the design and core function of both the security and data/comms services evolving continuously. This provided specific challenges for the construction team.
INNOVATION:
As the project was of a ‘build only’ engagement, the innovation is recognised through the coordination needed to carry out works in a continuously occupied building. The management of staff movement relied heavily on the dynamic approach the works programme needed to follow.
Handover milestones had to achieve full third party certification prior to occupation.
Critical systems and services had to be maintained as essential links to other facilities in the ACT and surrounds were a core function of this facility. To ensure these requirements were met continuous consultation was necessary between the end user group, builder and design team. The consultation process proved successful as at no point during the project did any service fail.
New Flight Deck Procedural Trainers comprising of two ship types – ANZAC and LPA. Works included radio communications, night landing lights, deck tie down points, communication with Flight Trainer, extensive turfing and irrigation, ballistic rated windows & doors, water & sewer infrastructure.
Over 300 deck tie down points installed to zero tolerance. A special jig was fabricated to allow the stainless steel tie downs to be installed independent of the traditional reinforcement mesh and concrete deck.
AWARDS:
Nominated in the 2006 Master Builders Excellence in Building Awards for Project Exhibiting Technical Difficulty or Innovation.
The project consists of two new buildings as well as the extension and refurbishment of two other buildings. One building is single storey and the other two stories. The buildings house male and female change room facilities for each of the three services that consist of the Australian Federation Guard. The second storey contains the lecture theatres that are used for training. Externally there is a parade/training ground and new bus drop –off and parking areas.
INNOVATION:
The brief anticipated that the project would be three new buildings of single storey construction. The Company however, produced a design whereby double storey construction was proposed that resulted in a larger parade/training ground and space for future expansion.
AWARDS:
Nominated for the 2006 MBA Awards for Excellence in the Category of Commercial Building $3 – $6 million.
The brief was to provide an in-ground facility to accommodate a sculpture (commissioned separately), to commemorate the contribution made by the Bomber Crews during the Second World War. The sculpture consists of a stainless steel tower 16 metre high with a powerful floodlight positioned below the sculpture that shines up the tower, simulating a searchlight.
INNOVATION:
Photographs and film were requested as the sculpture was manufactured in New Zealand before being transported to Australia, enabling Project Coordination to work out how it was to be assembled in advance. The tower involved a complex installation process and detailed coordination by the project team.
AWARDS:
Nominated for the 2006 MBA Awards for Excellence in the category of Commercial Building Exhibiting Technical Difficulty or Innovation.
Stage 1 involved the construction of fire rated drywall security walls and ceilings to create new offices, modifications to existing services to suit new layout and extensive security installations. Security works included tamper proof fixing of roof sheeting and acoustic sealing of the floor.
Stage 2 involved the extension of works in Stage 1 over a larger floor area, and was a combination of standard office fitout and specialised services and security installations to meet client requirements.
Stage 3 involved the construction of a specialised computer room. Stand alone air conditioning units were installed to maintain cooling in the computer room. The room also incorporated specialised fire rating and security services. There was a requirement to provide 2 UPS units for power backup.
