Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) was awarded the D&C lump sum Contract for the construction of the Sydney Medical School project in December 2010 after a competitive tender process. Works commenced on site shortly after award date. The Sydney Medical School Project was the construction of a new teaching facility for the University of Sydney. The project comprises one level underground parking (for 27 cars) and three levels of office and educational facilities. Level 1 comprises ultrasound rooms, consulting rooms, research and education pods. Level 2 includes tutorial rooms, clinical skills laboratories, computer rooms, a 90 seat lecture theatre and administration facilities for Educators.
Level 3 houses the executive offices , academic offices, meeting rooms and research education pods.
External services reticulation included a 500kva substation, water main amplification and a multiple optic fibre communications/Data link with Nepean Hospital.
The basement was constructed using various systems such as soldier piles, shotcrete walls and corefilled blockwork in addition to reinforced concrete lift and stair cores.
The above-ground structure utilised the performance benefits of post tensioned
suspended concrete slabs which were supported by a combination of Dincel wall system, precast concrete, reinforced concrete columns and core-filled blockwork. The lift core was constructed from precast concrete panels to achieve a natural concrete finish as required.
The key feature of this project was its complex facade. The challenge for RCC was the co-ordination and detailing between the different facade systems to achieve the best possible result and maintain the integrity of the facade system. The facade included:
- Sandstone Cladding
- Terracade Panels
- Alucabond
- Aluminium Glazed Curtain Wall
- Exposed Precast Concrete Panels
- Aluminium Louvres
RCC achieved the best possible outcome and the project, with its appealing facade, has positively become a recognisable building in Nepean. Typically of most construction projects, there are difficulties encountered along the way. This project is located in the Nepean Hospital precinct. As this is a fully operating hospital environment, all construction activities were carefully planned and co-ordinated to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing hospital operations. Stringent traffic management plans were implemented on the project was located at a busy roundabout intersection. RCC had full-time traffic controllers on site to ensure visitors, patients and hospital staff had full access to hospital carparks at all times.
Client: The University Of Sydney
Architect: EJE Architecture
Delivery Form: Construct Only
Location: Kingswood, NSW
Value: $15.4 m
Completion date: February 2012
