Category: Construction and Building Upgrades

ROXBURGH RISE PRIMARY SCHOOL

7:57 am

Taking a Stand and Cementing School Pride and Community Engagement. The Roxburgh Park community represents the embodiment of multi-cultural Australia, and Roxburgh Rise Primary School plays a crucial role in nurturing a passion for life-long learning and social inclusion amongst its 800 students from predominantly non-English speaking families.

As a recipient of the Victorian Government’s 2018-19 School Pride and Sports Funding grant program, the school saw fit to channel these resources into improving their sporting facilities. The grant was graciously received and put to best use in the development of an undercover grandstand.

About the Project

Overlooking the main sporting ground, the new structure would weather-proof a new elevated seating area, increasing the utility of what had become a safe and central meeting place in which to host many school activities and celebrations.

Domain National were entrusted with this important and symbolic project and work commenced in October 2020 amongst the disruption of the COVID-19 Pandemic, extreme lockdowns, and uncertainty in Victoria. Max Boland, Project Manager at Domain National recalls the difficulty of working within an ever-changing environment.
“Often plans would go out the door and new strategies had to be re-written on the spot to accommodate changing regulations, all the while maintaining a safe and productive worksite.”

The project scope included the construction of an elevated grandstand spanning an area of 300m², procurement and installation of public seating and the establishment of a cladded colourbond roof. The project generated 1,300 manhours in labour, formed and poured 375 tons of concrete and utilized 35 tons of structural steel.
Not surprisingly, the biggest challenge with school building projects is ensuring the safety of students, faculty, parents, and visitors to and from the school during class hours. When planning projects in live environments such as this, near enough is never good enough.

COVID-19 and the strict regulatory requirements in place further complicated managements task. The Project Manager worked with the school and trusted specialists to ensure the safety of all personnel, the program schedule and project budget was never compromised. Solutions were found even when Government regulations mandated that site resources must be limited to five personnel, and extremely difficult jobs needed to be managed e.g. large concrete pours, the lifting of heavy steel members, and the safe coordination of site deliveries.

Protocols were implemented and communicated and around the school perimeter and on site, site office checks and instructions, site inductions and toolbox meetings, with an emphasis on maintaining social distancing.

The following initiatives were instigated:

  • Virtual communication channels were identified and implemented, minimising the need for site visits whilst ensuring clear and concise instructions were conveyed
  • Delivery logistics were scheduled and managed around peak school traffic hours to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary interaction
  • Careful planning of project works around key event activities that required the use of the sports field situated adjacent to the new grandstand
  • Introduction of a 2m dual boundary ‘No-Go Zone’ perimeter fence surrounding the project worksite which ensured social distancing was maintained, especially before and after school and during recess and lunch breaks
  • Out of hours work was coordinated on weekends where safety could not otherwise be assured and
  • Three separate working zones were created, each with their own compounds and amenities, avoiding the need for site workers to cross from area to area and risk mixing with students.

The sports fields remained functional throughout the project and Domain National were delighted to accommodate zero disruption and zero incidents throughout the projects delivery. The new grandstand represents a new standard in sporting facilities in the area and a symbol of unity and inclusion for a school with community at its heart.

PROJECT VALUE – $500,000 – $1,000,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National
Client: Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) & Roxburgh Rise Primary School
Engineers: W.A Moore and Associate

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GLENALLEN SCHOOL

7:17 am

Understanding the Construction Complexities of a Special Needs School. Glenallen School, located in the outer Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley, provides individual learning programs for students aged between 4.8 and 18 years, who have a physical disability and/or significant health impairment requiring paramedical support.

The school strives to be a world’s best practice specialist school providing innovation and excellence in teaching and learning. The values of respect, learning, communication, and teamwork underpin all that they do and in turn, translates to the service providers they choose to engage.

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping the school to provide an optimum learning environment where children can develop to their highest potential: physically, socially, and intellectually. As a result, the campus is regularly frequented by both returning and infrequent visitors such as teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nurses, community wellbeing officers, program assistants and support workers, so on-campus safety is of paramount importance. Understandably, any construction occurring onsite or in proximity of the school will be heavily scrutinised and must undergo intense planning and scheduling to mitigate safety risks.

About the Project

Domain National were engaged to complete a two-stage refurbishment project at the Glen Waverley campus comprising of:

  • Public Entrance – replacement of concrete stairs and ramp (160m²) with a new disability compliant structure
  • Amenities Pod – demolition and upgrade and modernization (300m²) of the internal fabric
  • A new hoist system installed in the changing places area and
  • Administration office and development of new resource room for staff.

From the outset a project of this nature could pass as routine and therefore low risk but there were many risk points to consider.

Meticulous planning went into managing the safety of all visitors to and from campus during the construction phase. Particular attention was given to the existing student drop off and pick-up zone and its proximity to the work site. The ramp was located at the front of the school and adjacent to staff offices and receptions so disruption from noisy works, particularly from large machinery, was carefully considered.

In consultation with the school we were able to relocate this zone to a secure location without inconvenience. Construction work activities deemed ‘high risk’ and ‘noisy’ such as operation of heavy machinery, demolition and dusty work were moved to weekends when the school was vacant.

Domain knew the value in leaving nothing to chance and to check ever assumption before commencing. Upon deeper investigation Domain’s project team identified underlining issues affecting long-term performance and unacceptable safety challenges. They discovered that the technical computations provided were based on a previous design methodology, which involved the demolition of an existing ramp and its subsequent reinstatement. Our brief was for a new ramp with different specifications. This required new assumptions for the revised footings and the preparation of a new excavation methodology.

The solution involved working closely with the certified structural engineer over a series of meetings to develop a new ‘fit for purpose’ re-certified design, which was subsequently inspected and approved by the overarching engineer prior to building works commencing.

The result was the delivery of a purposeful and compliant access ramp comprising of 51 tons of reinforced concrete and bathroom amenities with 70m2 tiling, in place of outdated amenities. These facilities will faithfully serve students and their families, faculty, and support staff for years to come.

Despite early challenges and the heightened safety requirements the project was not impacted, and Domain delivered the project to the client’s exact expectation of quality, performance, budget, and program schedule.

Domain National is proud to have received this endorsement:

PROJECT VALUE – Up to $500,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National
Client: Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) & Burwood East Developmental School
Architect: FMSA Architecture
Engineers: Clive Steele Partners Pty Ltd

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BURWOOD EAST SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL

7:03 am

Building Environments that Develop the Academic and Social Potential of Special Needs Students.

Burwood East Special Developmental School (BEDS) is located in a busy Melbourne suburb, straddling the cities of Monash and Whitehorse. Driven by the collective purpose of preparing young people for a positive future in an inclusive society, the hard working academic and support staff are dedicated to student learning and wellbeing.
The school had outgrown the existing front-of-house facilities which no longer supported the office personnel. Similarly, the back-of-house amenities needed an upgrade to cater for growing student and faculty demand. This called for a complete rethink and redesign.

About the Project

Domain National were engaged to complete a comprehensive overhaul of these facilities through this 850m² interior construction project for BEDS. The project commenced in September 2020 and was completed early January 2021 and comprised of:

  • New Reception area
  • Office Build & Fitout and
  • Commercial Kitchen and Servery.

A detailed planning process kick-started the project to understand and manage the specific safety challenges of working in a live school environment. No matter how experienced of the Domain team are working in schools, they leave nothing to chance. Each and every site has its own unique challenges and obstacles to consider, and each demands its own response. It’s the only way to ensure all visitors to and from the school are safe during the construction phase.

Traditionally, the highest area of risk in most school environments is the student drop off and pick-up zone. The high traffic flow from pedestrians and vehicles as parents and care givers converge and disperse, students moving to and from classrooms, and teachers helping with the orderly transitions, all happens within a concentrated timeframe. Couple this with a construction project and there’s good reason for extra diligence. So Domain National accepted responsibility for managing the drop-off/pick-up zone, ensuring the movement of trades, equipment and materials did not interfere with the daily flow.

Given the restrictive nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project manager paid particular attention to the procurement of long lead time materials and equipment. Previous commitments could no longer be relied upon as manufacturers and distributors themselves were challenged by social distancing limitations and supply chains shortages. Thankfully, early planning and revised scheduling ensured the project was not delayed and all requirements were fulfilled as originally specified.

Demolition commenced in preparation for the new reception and office facilities, removing existing fixed joinery, furnishings, equipment, and partitions. Waste was managed and disposed of thoughtfully to ensure minimal inconvenience for the school from noise and dust, and to maintain environmentally sustainable practices.
The project team coordinated a flawless interior construction program which included the coordination of carpentry and plaster walls and ceilings, glazing and associated partitions, mechanical, electrical, data and hydraulic services, the installation of custom joinery and adjustable ergonomic furniture, new floor and wall furnishings, and the installation and commissioning of new kitchen equipment.

As a result of constant and effective communication with the school, specifiers and suppliers, Domain was able to implement workable contingencies to ensure continuous progress was occurring. Managing work activities in this way ensured the program and budget were not impeded and the end result exceeded the client’s expectations.

PROJECT VALUE – $500,000 – $1,000,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National
Client: Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) & Burwood East Developmental School
Architect: FMSA Architecture
Engineers: Kaco Consulting and Engineering

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LITTLE BOURKE STREET MELBOURNE

10:49 am

A COMPLEX BEFITTING MELBOURNE’S VIBRANT BUSINESS COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO TRANSFORM

This premium grade Melbourne office and retail destination is a signature property in the investment portfolio of a tier one investment property group. Elegant, aesthetically inspired and timeless in form and function, it is home to 35 businesses and their communities.

Agile and timeless, this multi-level precinct sits just outside Melbourne’s top 10 tallest buildings. A contemporary yet distinguished tower in the city skyline, the distinctive metal facade and articulated form reflects its visionary thinking and an energetic vibe, whilst its interior supports leading technologies and a flexible methodology to create a truly sustainable space.

About the Project

Domain National were asked to deliver this project with two separate scopes of work consisting of:

  • Removal of existing cladding and the reinstatement ofnon-combistible facade cladding and
  • Facade defect rectification of the terrace buildingswhich open up onto King Street.

This was a D&C (Design and Construct) project which is the highest form of trust between a client and builder. It exemplifies an ultimate degree of trust as the problems are analysed, diagnosed, solutions designed and implemented with total transparency.

The first scope consisted of a 5 storey office building (South-West corner), and two double storey buildings (South facing onto a main road). The facades on these buildings had deteriorated with time and were in need of repair. Domain National removed existing ACP cladding, introduced a new facade system and installed new 100% non-combustible cladding to rectify water leaks and restore the facades beauty and integrity.

The second scope was to restore the original buildings brick wall facing which had also become weathered and dilapidated over time.

Collectively, remediation work included:

  • Concrete reinforcement and render remediation
  • Lintels repairs and overcoating of all exposedFacades
  • Overcoating of front of adjacent facade and
  • Parapet repair and overcoating of all remaining facades

Once again, working within a live environment where occupants and casual visitors regularly frequented the premises was a major consideration.

A full-time traffic control team was employed because we did not want to take any chances. Domain National worked with the traffic team and building management and developed a workable strategy to ensure everyone was safe and informed all the way through.Cladding options were assessed and eventually HVG Facades Mondo Clad was selected and installed with dramatic effect.

Through the consultative and collaborative D&C methodology employed, Domain National were proud to have delivered this project two weeks ahead of the agreed practical completion date, testament to the benefit of working together on a single-minded end result where each party is focused on the solution rather than a rigid process.

Accountability was key and with an eye on the end-goal, we worked to reduce design costs, plan upfront and implement each others knowledge and experience with great results. Quality was assured and the relationships enriched which makes a project like this that much more satisfying.

PROJECT VALUE – Sub $500,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National

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ORMOND ROAD HI-RISE APARTMENTS

10:34 am

HI-RISE RESIDENTIAL TOWER GETS THE ALL CLEAR: SAFETY AS FIRST PRIORITY

auDHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) operate a number of high-rise accommodation towers across Victoria. This respected authority ensures their residents are safe when in their care and this cladding project was no exception.

About the Project

Domain National was engaged to remove and replace the existing cladding in this inner-CBD suburb, a densely populated hi-rise accommodation precinct. The Domain National team, led by Jamie Keating – Senior Project Manager, began on site in April 2021 and completed the project approximately 8 weeks later on 28 June 2021.

The existing surface area in question spanned approximately 280m² and featured a cladded front portico entry. EPS panels were also applied to the adjacent facade horizontally, dividing the windows on each floor. Whilst a vast majority of the building was constructed in solid brick, there was significant enough cladding to warrant remediation.

In line with Domain National’s best practice methodology and unwaivering duty of care, a risk assessment was conducted, followed by a mitigation plan. This was not your typical ‘live environment.’ We needed to consider additional factors that may put residents and visitors at risk. Occupants can often overlook risks when in the comfort of their home environment so this requires even greater management diligence.

Consideration was given to the multiple entry / exit points of the building on the ground floor. Multi-dwelling towers are busier than you think, and they attract many first-time visitors, residents and families, staff and suppliers who are simply not expecting to encounter a building site.

Clear boundaries and signage were the first actions put in place for managing risk. Providing continuous and personalised supervision by a diligent Domain staff member was second.

Their sole responsibility was to watch for approaching commuters and help them navigate through a constantly changing landscape of building and normal facility activity.

The specified cladding was Fairview Vitradual 3mm solid aluminium. A 100% non-combustible cladding material that complimented the project well. In addition, Domain National addressed several services matters and made alterations where required.

Domain Nationals is proud to have delivered this project to the standard and expectation the client required. We are
grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to further galvanising this relationship as the agency improves and enhances its assets for the benefit of our community.

Domain National is proud to have received this endorsement:

PROJECT VALUE – Sub $500,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National
Client: Homes Victoria – Department of Health and Human Services
Project Manager: Christopher Smith

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NATIONAL TENNIS CENTRE

10:17 am

SERVING UP A TOP RESULT AT THE NATIONS PREMIER TENNIS VENUE

Melbourne’s National Tennis Centre is an iconic and high performance – elite facility for tennis players in Australia, and is recognised as one of this regions premier facilities for beginners to the best players in the world. State of the Art technology and equipment makes this venue a standout visitor experience.

The venue boasts 8 indoor and 13 outdoor tennis courts, befitting of a world class venue like this.Extensive player and coaching facilities including player lounge, gymnasium, assessment rooms and flexible lecture spaces and teaching rooms. There were offices for coaches and associated teaching staff and a 100 space public car parking and separate bus parking area.

Domain National was acknowledged for successfully completing similar cladding projects for the Melbourne and Olympic Park (M&OP) team, in particular, working within a rigorous and demanding environment where daily facility operations were required to continue in tandem with construction works. Our Project Manager and his team understood well the importance of business continuity and how to balance the commercial realities without compromising safety or quality.

About the Project

ProjectDomain National were engaged to remove existing facade cladding and reinstatement of 1,500m² of custom clad solid aluminium 100% non-combustible cladding (AS 1530.1), primarily to the North elevation and Western entry.

The project commenced in mid-March 2021 and was completed at the end of June 2021.

One of the critical delivery challenges of the project was that work needed to allow the venue to continue its operations and hosting of events. The cladding replacement project focused on providing a safe environment for the tenant and general public. The staging of the works therefore needed to ensure that the National Tennis Centre was not disrupted and could continue to offer a high standard of experience to the public, coaches and players.

Functionality of the venue was something M&OP was keen to ensure, and as the builder we needed to be flexible, working around scheduled events. To do this we worked collaboratively with the venue teams and the stakeholders to realise opportunities and maximise efficiency.

It was vital that we were able to demonstrate a commitment and ability to work in collaboration with M&OP over the term of any agreed contractual period to continuously seek improvements in value, efficiency and productivity in connection with the provision of the works.

To comply with the Venues stringent business continuity requirements, the Domain National team developed a work plan that allowed for the removal of all plant and equipment from the roadways each afternoon, then reinstate them the next morning.

This is a familiar practice which Domain National has adopted and mastered over the years with similar projects and has become a signature trademark in the way we manage live environments such as this.

We engaged a full-time traffic management contractor and devised a workable strategy for everyone because whilst productivity was important, safety was of the utmost priority.

Working with the client’s appointed Project Manager and Architect our team listened and provided valuable input into optimal materials storage, handling, and installation, ensuring every detail was accurately and coherently applied.

Our ability to work with M&OP’s busy schedule of events in advance helped us to plan around high-volume traffic conditions on live event days. Safely and efficiently coordinating project works and patron movement to and from the venue was a significant component of the project’s success.

Through constant and effective communication with all parties, and a shared vision, we were able to deliver in accordance with expectations and uphold visitor experience at the venue without compromise.

PROJECT VALUE – $1,500,000 – $2,000,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National
Client: Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust
Engineers: Nick Gidas

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GREYTHORN PRIMARY SCHOOL

7:43 am

Laying the groundwork for tomorrows track and field stars. Greythorn Primary School in Balwyn North is not too dissimilar to most Victorian State schools, with a well-balanced curriculum that encourages both academic and sporting excellence. Underpinned by their honorable principles of pride, optimism, respect and integrity, the school lives its mantra of ‘working together.’ It was no surprise when the school moved to upgrade their expansive outdoor area, laying down a solid foundation for future leaders, friendly competition, and the pursuit of a healthy mindset.

Domain National were engaged to transform the existing grounds into a high-quality track and field sporting ground. Funding was approved and the Domain National team, led by Jamie Keating – Senior Project Manager, began on site 28 August 2019.

About the Project

The project entailed preparing the existing 3,100m² surface in preparation for artificial turf by Gecko Surfacing, a high quality, functional and appealing premium surface product. Additional drainage was installed and almost 250m3 of compacted soil was transported to the site to assist with surface leveling. The addition of a treated pine retaining wall and a 250 lineal meter powder coated fence completed the specifications. The grounds were to make a big statement to students, families, visitors and faculty that this was an important part of their inclusive school culture.

In line with Domain National’s best practice methodology and diligent client care, the surveyor notes and architectural design were reviewed, revealing a discrepancy between the current ground area measurements and the previously documented measurements. The surveyor and contractors were re-engaged, new measurements established, architectural drawings updated, and an agreement reached, signaling all clear for work crews to recommence.

The technicalities of this project were not overly complex, however established sites such as this often hold hidden secrets that can bring you undone if not identified early. Jamie and his team knew better than to leave anything to chance. The school was established in 1953, and experience told them that with a 70-year history it’s common to lose track infrastructure hidden below the ground. So great care was taken to locate sub-surface electrical and hydraulic services in preparation for excavation, and to safeguard everyone on site and avoid unnecessary disruption to school operations.

During the construction phase the team regularly communicated with the school, coordinated potentially disruptive site works and deliveries outside of class times, before and after school and over the weekend where necessary. This strategy served well when the services needed to be disconnected, relocated, then reinstated.

Thanks to the school’s proactive investment in the success of this project, the working experience was highly collaborative. The Domain National team provided timely and informative communication which helped to reinforce the shared vision and trust of all parties.

The project was delivered on 19 December 2019 in a little under four months and the client was delighted with the quality and the experience throughout the project. The new amenity provided the utility and all-weather flexibility the school needed and Domain National were proud to be part of it.

The school Principal commented endearingly by saying:

PROJECT VALUE – < $500,000

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Builder: Domain National
Client: Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) & Greythorn Primary School
Engineers: W.A Moore and Associate

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