Ashley Barnes recognised as Regional Woman of the Year

December 4, 2023

Delivering innovative and complex design solutions in HNE.

Last week, 40 current and future leaders attended the NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of women in property and construction.

Congratulations to Ashley Barnes, Design Manager at RCC, for being awarded the Regional Woman of the Year accolade. A very deserving winner, Ashley’s reputation as a champion for equity precedes her – as does her technical brilliance. Progression is complex and multi-faceted, but her vision is clear, “I’m responsible for helping ensure the glass ceiling within this space is shattered. If I can do that, my daughters will have the level playing field they – and all women – deserve.”

Time and time again, RCC’s clients call on Ashley to deliver innovative and complex design solutions in Hunter New England. Paving the way for regional communities, her client-centric ethos has enabled the delivery of cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with local surroundings.

We’re proud sponsors of the Business Woman of the Year award, which acknowledges women in senior positions who positively influence organisational development through exceptional leadership. Congratulations to Cate Cowlishaw, Regional Managing Principal and Vice President at HDR, for her well-deserved win. Cate has a powerful impact on the industry, and her trail-blazing initiatives are creating genuine and meaningful change for women in the building, property and construction sectors.

Well done to all award nominees, and thank you NAWIC NSW for another fantastic industry event.

Celebrating our Biggest Achievement – Sydney Modern

December 3, 2022

Celebrating the opening of Sydney Modern – RCC’s most significant project to date

Sydney Modern is one of the most significant projects delivered by Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) in our 46 year history. An already complex project with a bespoke design and construction approach, the RCC team also overcame challenges caused by bushfires, the pandemic and record rainfall. Throughout, we continued to execute innovative construction methods to deliver an iconic, state of the art gallery space for the community.

In line with the Sydney Modern Project’s 6-star Green Star design rating over 8,000sqm of green roof and landscaped area planted with Australian native species and 735 solar panels have been installed, with the panels covering nearly 1,500sqm of roof top space. RCC enjoyed the challenge in the repurposing of the existing two disused World War II naval oil tanks. This resulted in a new unique art space in the southern tank, while the northern tank structure has been partially retained for the adjacent back of house area and loading dock servicing the new building.

The Tank space in the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building. Photograph: Jenni Carter

Navigating a unique site, the quality of the project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the RCC project team. The building is formed by a series of pavilions, and is suspended over one of the city’s busiest freeways. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning practice SANAA, partnering with local practice Architectus, the focus was on complimenting the location. The new exhibition space is an expression of the city’s deep love of the Arts, and is the most significant cultural development in the city, since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago.

Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Photograph: Iwan Baan

Working collaboratively to deliver on the collective vision, they were able to remain agile in the face of the challenges arising from the pandemic and record rainfall throughout the construction journey.

Interior view featuring Takashi Murakami Japan Supernatural: Vertiginous After Staring at the Empty World Too Intensely, I Found Myself Trapped in the Realm of Lurking Ghosts and Monsters. Photograph: Iwan Baan

It is an honour to have partnered with the Infrastructure NSW, the Art Gallery of NSW and the local community to deliver this exceptional project. We look forward to celebrating this project, and all it offers to the city of Sydney, its visitors and the Arts Community for many years to come.

Take a virtual tour through the newly delivered space:

Yayoi Kusama Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos 2022. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley

Installation view of Francis Upritchard Here Comes Everybody 2022. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Christopher Snee

Installation view of the Yiribana Gallery featuring (from left) Yukultji Napangati Untitled 2005, Doreen Reid Nakamarra Untitled 2007, Bobby West Tjupurrula Tingari sites around Kiwirrkura 2015 and Ronnie Tjampitjinpa Tingari fire dreaming at Wilkinkarra 2008, and (top) Yhonnie Scarce Death zephyr 2017. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley

Installation view of Lee Mingwei Spirit House 2022. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio

9 Excellence in Construction MBA Awards

November 14, 2022

We are ecstatic to have taken home nine awards at the Master Builders Association of New South Wales Excellence in Construction Awards 2022 on Saturday night!

These awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements by our teams and project partners involved in the delivery of these award-winning projects. Delivering projects we are proud of, and creating quality outcomes for our clients and community is what we do, so it’s incredibly rewarding to receive industry recognition for innovation and excellence at this year’s MBA awards.

Congratulations to the RCC project teams and all our subcontractor, consultant and supply partners involved in delivering these incredible projects.

For us, success is about delivering important developments for our local community, working together with our clients and project partners to leave a legacy that we can all be proud of. Congratulations to everyone who played a part in the design and delivery of these award-winning projects.

Interested in these incredible award-winning projects? Keep an eye out on RCC’s social media accounts over the coming weeks for feature stories on each project, showcasing the the innovation and excellence behind their recognition in the 2022 NSW MBA ‘Excellence in Construction’ Awards.

RCC High Performer’s Program

April 14, 2022

Growing our High Performers

At RCC, we believe our high performers are our future leaders. It’s our mission to guide and prepare them for continued learning, development and career growth.

This year, we kicked off our High Performer’s Program with a workshop focused on resilience, critical thinking, self-belief and goal setting.

Forming part of our ‘Grow Our Own’ strategy, the program supports our mission to develop our employees and prepare them for continued career growth. Our Senior Leadership Team identifies our top talent and selects high performers to be included in the program each year.

This program is designed to support our high performers with leadership skills, paving their pathways to future RCC leadership positions. Each session enables our participants to apply learning that encourages new ways of thinking and productive self-reflection.

Congratulations to everyone for kicking off such a successful event and a special thanks to Julien Prosser, Director at Slight Edge Consulting Australia, for facilitating such a dynamic discussion.

RCC Women Recognised in Top 100 Women

December 16, 2021

Two RCC team members make this year’s Top 100 Women

Our Design Manager, Angela and Contracts Administrator, Sinead, have been announced in this year’s Top 100 Women.

Each year, the brightest shining stars in Top 100 Women get nominated for their hard work and contribution to the construction industry.

This year, Angela and Sinead from RCC were selected for their dedication to delivering sustainable infrastructure outcomes in a male-dominated industry, as well as their unique ability to empower their female counterparts in the field.

Sharing Top 100 Women’s philosophy of supporting women to build lifelong careers in the construction sector, we couldn’t be prouder that two of our talented women are recognised for 2021.

Congratulations on this well-deserved commendation ladies.

Here’s what being in the Top 100 Women for 2021 means to Angela and Sinead:

About top 100 women

Founded by Tamika Smith in 2017, Top 100 Women recognises the heralding of females within the construction industry. The organisation supports women entering this field and gives them the support they need to build long and meaningful careers.

With a key focus on implementing real change, Top 100 Women aims to eliminate the obstacles women face in the broader construction sector. Transcending geographical boarders, this online platform connects women from far and wide, providing them with career development and industry support.

UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence 2021

December 13, 2021

Congratulations to all those involved in the delivery of The Royce retirement living development and Foreshore Lake Macquarie residential project which received awards for excellence at the 2021 Urban Developer Institute of Australia NSW awards this month.

The Urban Developer Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW awards shine a spotlight on innovation, sustainability, industry leadership and excellence in urban development across multiple sectors.

FORESHORE LAKE MACQUARIE

Winner – NSW Regions Development

Congratulations to Stevens Group and all our project partners involved in delivering this project which was recognised for its seamless integration into the existing public spaces, including Lake Macquarie foreshore. The four-storey boutique development was designed to create strategic view corridors and welcoming open spaces, enhancing the liveability for residents.

Foreshore Lake Macquarie involved the design and construction of 37 bespoke residential units on the waters edge in Lake Macquarie, each with a unique floor plan. The three buildings, ranging from three to four storeys in height as well as ground floor commercial in the main building, external terraces, private lawn, basement parking for 93 vehicles and shared common areas.

THE ROYCE RETIREMENT LIVING

Winner – Retirement Living

Congratulations to Tulich and Calderflower and all our project partners involved in delivering this project which was recognised for providing Western Sydney with a premium retirement and aged care community adjacent to the existing Panthers Penrith entertainment precinct after overcoming constraints around the design for the development and including the flexibility for additional capacity in the future.

A huge thank you to our RCC teams involved in delivering these incredible projects for our clients, the residents and our local communities.

32 Smith Street 6 Star Green Star Certified

December 2, 2021

We understand that when we provide sustainable design and construction solutions, we’re having a positive social, environmental and economic impact that affects our clients, as well as the communities we live and work in. Generating positive outcomes beyond the built environment is part of the legacy we want to leave for future generations.

As such, we are delighted to announce that another RCC development, 32 Smith Street has achieved 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.

In collaboration with the GPT Group, we proudly delivered a smart, sustainable commercial solution in the heart of Parramatta.

MORE ABOUT 32 SMITH STREET

The 32 Smith Street project involved the design and construction of a new 28,000sqm (GFA), 28 storey commercial tower in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD.

6 Star Green Star – Design and As Built Certification

RCC was originally contracted o provide a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built development for GPT, however we were able to work collaboratively with GPT and project stakeholders to target and ultimately achieve the higher rating which we are incredibly proud of.

This certification by the Green Building Council of Australia is testament to our commitment to providing holistic sustainable outcomes for our clients, building end users and the communities we serve.

What we delivered

19 levels of commercial space (Level 7 – 25) which includes high rise and low-rise floors and 2 levels with outdoor terraces (Level 7 & 25).
Glass lift shaft and 8 high-speed passenger lifts in glass lift shaft (4 Low Rise & 4 High Rise)
3 levels of above-ground, naturally ventilated carpark (Level 03 – 05), designed and delivered to provide GPT with the option to later convert into office space. The carpark features parking for 113 vehicles.
4 Levels of Plant across the development
- Level 06: EOT + Plant Room 1
- Level 26-28: Plant Room 2 + BMU
End-of-Trip facilities for 135 internal and 16 external bicycle parks
Public domain improvements including two new laneway links known as James Lane to the East and William Lane to the South, and enhancements to Phillip and Smith Streets

Delivered with a fully integrated building technology platform on an Integrated Communication Network (ICN), the as built model includes asset management and ability to produce a Digital twin. This intuitive, comfortable building also pays respect to the history of the site and traditional owners of the land, the Darug people, through art installations which occupants and the community can enjoy.

Congratulations to the GPT Group, Fender Katsilidis, our RCC 32 Smith Street project team and all the talented consultants and contractors involved in delivering this development and achieving this recognition of sustainable design and construction.

ACT MBA Excellence Award Winners 2021

November 10, 2021

RCC has received Excellence in Construction Awards in multiple categories at this year’s ACT Master Builders Association awards.

Congratulations to the RCC teams and all our project partners involved in the delivery of both these exceptional developments.
Being recognised for excellence in our industry across multiple sectors is incredibly rewarding for RCC. Delivering quality outcomes for our clients, end users and our community is just what we do, so this acknowledgment excellence is a bonus.

THE HENRY, CANBERRA

Excellence in Special Purpose/Adaptable Dwelling

Design and construction of Stage 2 of this new boutique retirement village in Canberra comprising 25 Independent Living Unit townhouses and a 2-storey clubhouse, delivered in a live environment.

“The Henry is a project that we are proud to be associated with and recognise the excellent efforts of RCC in creating a product that surpasses our already high expectations.”

Richard Howarth LLB/BSc
Managing Director, The Henry Canberra

UNITING GORDON CAREHOUSE 3

Excellence in Special Purpose Commercial Building

Carehouse 3 involved the design and construction of a new 40 bed dementia specific Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF). Delivered within an operational environment, this stage added to the prior completed stages which included a 42 bed and a 40 bed RACF and community centre/administration facility.

“We are most pleased with the built works Richard Crookes Constructions have delivered for us on both Care House 3, and throughout the entire masterplan. Richard Crookes Constructions has displayed professionalism, good attention to detail and delivered a quality built outcome across all stages of the project.”

Bel Rivera
Development Manager (Amala Care House 3), Uniting

Ngununggula at Retford Park

October 25, 2021

Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery at Retford Park is completed and open to the public.

Sustainably repurposing the historically significant Old Dairy into a state-of-the-art gallery space, has been a challenging and rewarding journey for RCC.

Delivery of Ngununggula

After initial funding and proposed heritage site was secured, RCC was asked to assist with managing DA and National Trust approvals, reclassification of land applications, cost planning, engaging consultants running detailed design programme and managing the procurement process for Design and Construct subcontractors.

Acting as a development partner RCC worked with the Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery and TZG Architecture designs to plan and manage the design and construction of Ngununggula.

This involved:

Repurposing the existing heritage Vet Clinic into a 500sqm café and heritage Dairy building into an international museum grade gallery space which provides complete flexibility for the operators.
Construction of new ancillary building to house education administrative functions including public amenities, gift shop and offices, as well as an outdoor collaborative learning and event space.
Construction of new carpark and public road which provides access to the gallery and caters for event buses.
Extensive landscaping works including heritage significant landscaping which involves repurposing trees into hard landscaping items such as furniture and wheel stops.
Installation and connection of all major services (gas, water, electricity) as there was limited capacity to the existing authority services to heritage buildings

“Ngununggula is truly a visionary venture, built upon the aspirations of many, and I am excited to work together with everyone to help achieve something of real importance, of impact, and meaning to the community.”

Megan Monte – Ngununggula’s Inaugural Director

The project was managed in line with National Heritage Listing guidelines and included an early handover of the Vet Clinic building to allow for the Café fit out, with the overall project completed to open to the local community in October 2021.

All works to the existing Vet Clinic and Dairy buildings were designed and constructed as temporary with no major or permanent changes to the structures.

RCC employed a ‘Box in Box’ style solution to project challenges, meaning the Dairy building’s historic shell remains, with a new inner shell constructed to house the gallery and honour its heritage.

Sections of the existing heritage structure remain exposed internally in order to honour the historic fabric of the building; these portions of the building are treated from the exterior to protect the internal space from the elements and ensure it meets requirements.
New humidity and climate-controlled space delivered within the heritage building
- Mechanical plant designed to provide the gallery with the flexibility to host all exhibitions – spaces need to meet humidity control certification standards required to meet museum standard lending requirements and host various desired exhibitions.
- Air and moisture leakage to the existing fabric of the building required treatment, to a level that worked for the design and is reversible to ensure the heritage aspects are protected.
- Relocated 7 tonne of plant equipment to service the gallery spaces to the upper level of the Dairy to maximise gallery floor space
To accommodate the flexibility required by a gallery space to house any exhibition and events, RCC had to design and build a bespoke structure to house fully adjustable lighting and AV fixtures. This enables the gallery to accommodate any collection or installation (from still artwork and photography exhibitions to interactive performances) and meets the requirement for the construction to be reversible and not alter the fabric of the heritage structure.

The history of the site

RCC respectfully acknowledges the Gundungurra people as custodians of the land on which Ngununggula now operates.

Ngununggula, means “belonging” in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nation People.

The Retford Park site was originally built in the 1880s. In 1964, James Fairfax AC bought the agricultural property and transformed it into an estate, later gifting the historic home and its gardens to the National Trust NSW.

This venture is the collaborative vision of many, and we’re honoured to have played a role in creating this cultural destination and delivering the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

To learn more about the Gallery and their upcoming exhibitions visit: https://ngununggula.com/

Quality Residential

July 7, 2021

Over 4 decades of delivery means our experienced teams understand the risks and opportunities associated with residential delivery. We engage our multi-disciplined team early to ensure our design, buildability and material selection knowledge can make an impact. From pre-construction through to post-completion, we maintain consistent high standards, accountability and service, working with project partners who uphold those same high standards.

At RCC, we love what we do and it’s important to us that we continue to deliver buildings that our clients and owners are as proud of as we are. But don’t take it from us, hear from those who know best, our clients.

We recently interviewed Will Peters, a Project Manager from Greenland Australia, about their experience working with RCC to deliver their latest residential development. Park Sydney Stage 1 in Erskineville is Greenland Australia’s third development with RCC. Having demonstrated our proven approach to quality assurance, attention to detail and superior results, RCC was selected to partner with Greenland on this first stage of the City of Sydney’s largest urban renewal project, which involved the delivery of 330 units and a retail precinct.

“Greenland has built close to 2000 units in Australia now and hands down Park Sydney is the highest quality we have seen. We think RCC is one of the best residential builders in NSW and they just continue to improve and excel at what they do.”

Will Peters
Project Manager, Greenland Australia

Our Managing Director, Jamie Crookes, and the founder of our business, Richard Crookes, are Carpenters. We are a business built on the foundations of trade craftsmanship, and this respect for delivering quality drives the way we deliver buildings. Now in our 45th year, RCC has a legacy of quality projects to protect as one of Australia’s most experienced residential builders.

In the last 5 years alone, RCC has completed 41 residential projects, handing over close to 5,500 apartments. Maintaining high standards and a focus on service from design through to post-completion, we value our long term relationships with industry partners who mirror this approach to quality, safety and delivery certainty. We are proud to exceed our clients expectations and to continue working with authorities, our partners and our peers to align the entire industry with best practice standards.

MORE ABOUT PARK SYDNEY STAGE 1

Park Sydney Stage 1 is a 16,870m² residential mixed-use development in Erskineville, Sydney. This stage involved the design and construction of eight buildings, which included 330 residential units as well as a retail precinct which houses a Woolworths, plus multiple other minor and mini majors.

Tag: recognition