Supporting the Starlight Express Room

Shining a light on the Starlight Children’s Foundation

At RCC, we feel privileged to do what we love – especially for incredible causes like the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Our recent refurbishment of the Starlight Express Room at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle transformed this vibrant community recreational area for brave children and their families.

Uniting with talented industry partners at cost price, our aim was to enhance the experiences of children, families and the Starlight team with a collaborative, modern environment.

 

Starlight staff and families now enjoy abundant natural light from new windows, plus updated interiors, a new kitchen, recording & broadcasting studio, entertainment stations including video games and arts & crafts, and a stage for performers and movie screenings.

The Starlight Express Room is situated off a main corridor leading into the Children’s Ward at John Hunter Hospital. Complying with hospital infection control requirements during construction in the live hospital environment, our team also maintained clear and unobstructed access to the Children’s Ward and implemented strict procedures around waste and dust control.

Thank you to all the generous and talented local contractors and consultants who we proudly worked with to deliver this rewarding project.

Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence Opened

Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence Opened

We were delighted to see the official opening of Newcastle Knights’ new $20 million Centre of Excellence in March.

The Centre provides an integrated world-class high-performance training, administration and community facility for the identification, development and fostering of rugby league talent in the Hunter.

It includes three full-sized training fields, a state-of-the-art gym, multipurpose community and function area, theatrette and players’ lounge, rehabilitation space and office areas, and precinct walking and cycle path.

Scope of work included design & construction of a new purpose-built training facility and administration hub, including:

  • Gym & Pools (heated, ice, recovery)
  • Player locker rooms
  • Amenities
  • Office spaces
  • Physiotherapy rooms
  • Doctors consult rooms
  • High performance training offices
  • Commercial kitchen
  • Front-of-house facilities

 

 

 

Delivering this project has created 80 local jobs, providing a major boost to the Hunter construction industry. This is a prime example of how we are building future-focused social infrastructure that sets our communities up for generations to come.

“Rugby League is such a big part of the social fabric of regional communities and investing in projects like this will benefit the game for generations to come.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole

Akin to Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole’s commentary, we know that sports like Rugby League is a significant part of the social fabric of regional communities.

Learn more about this project here.

WBAP Pier 2/3 Completion

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Construction Complete

After the completion of major construction works in December 2021 on Pier 2/3 at the Walsh Bay Precinct, some of the nation’s leading performing arts companies are beginning to move into their new premises.

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct redevelopment has been a complex and rewarding journey for RCC and our project partners. Refurbishing these historic wharves over Sydney Harbour has been challenging, however we have been privileged to work with the NSW Government and a talented team of contractors and consultants to deliver these state-of-the-art facilities.

Protecting and honouring the heritage of Pier 2/3 required significant structural repairs and retaining as many heritage features as possible. We also designed bespoke acoustic solutions to meet the performance and rehearsal standards required by each resident art company, whilst maintaining the intended design aesthetic.

ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS:

Constructing within a 100-year-old timber pier on Sydney Harbour meant that acoustic solutions had to be well-planned and constructed.

  • A solid steel plate floor was installed in the ACO auditorium, instead of the more traditional concrete slab floor, to meet height restrictions whilst maintaining the mass required for low frequency acoustic performance.
  • All walls, ceilings and equipment in theatre and rehearsal spaces were installed on acoustic mounts, reducing the impact of vibrations through the structure from passing harbour traffic and other activities in the precinct.
  • Bespoke acoustic timber cladding has been installed in all performance and rehearsal spaces, not only achieving acoustic outcomes but adding to the interior design.
  • The ACO Performance space is fitted with a state-of-the-art Yamaha Active Architecture System, called Active Field Control (AFC) Enhance, creating a full sound experience within this space. AFC Enhance controls the acoustic environment via 16 microphones and 79 loudspeakers which are strategically located throughout the ceiling space.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES:

Construction challenges were turned around to deliver high-standard facilities with innovative features.

  • Large sections of the roof in the central valleys were raised to facilitate more room for lighting and sound equipment inside the ACO and ATYP performance spaces, increasing the usable space.
  • The roof was also raised in common areas to allow space to install the major equipment for services including air-conditioning and water heating.
  • To lessen the extent of exposed ductwork on the roof, large open-air rooms were constructed in the major plant rooms with custom perforated roof sheets to match the existing roof profile and colour to allow air into and out of the building for air conditioning.
  • Retractable seating banks have been installed in the ACO and Bell Shakespeare performance spaces to allow for multiple seating arrangements for flexibility in performances.
  • The design has considered the operational needs of theatre staff improving the safety by providing a wire mesh ‘floor’ above the ATYP performance space to allow complex rigging and lighting setups.

HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABILITY:

The heritage value was carefully protected during construction with substantial remedial works undertaken to repair the heritage structures.

  • We worked with Tropman and Tropman to identify heritage items to retain. Prior to internal works, items were carefully labelled and tagged for retention.
  • Some of the superfluous hardwood floorboards were recycled into joinery units in common spaces and used by tenants.
  • Over 230 heritage light fittings were refurbished and reused throughout the pier.
  • The heritage nature of the pier was honoured as much as possible in the large event area, ensuring any new installations reflect the previous industrial use of the wharf.
  • Being over water has allowed the installation of a seawater cooling system for air conditioning services, rather than a traditional rooftop air-conditioning unit. This system reduces power usage and noise levels, whilst maintaining the visual impact of the building.
  • Nearly 300 state-of the-art solar panels have been installed on the roof, making it a more sustainable precinct.

INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION:

Working over water on an over 100-year-old pier presented unique challenges which were overcome in a variety of ways.

  • The majority of essential services have been fed from a central plant room in the Wharf 4/5 Shore Sheds, meaning services were installed from a boat, under the wharf in special trays and pipes for proximity to the sea.
  • Strict load limits on the old timber structure meant that deliveries had to be broken down into multiple small loads and barges were utilised to deliver important features such as whole lift shafts and the 21-tonne shared stairway.
  • The old timber members required extensive rectification including the replacement of 24 storey posts, new steel piles, strengthening or replacement of deteriorated beams and joists and the shifting of existing piles, all while the building remained a live construction site.

In an opening media event in February 2022, Minister for Infrastructure, Cities, and Active Transport, Rob Stokes thanked Richard Crookes Constructions for our work on the redevelopment.

“This is a pivotal project for Sydney and an amazing achievement to have a public arts and cultural hub right on Sydney’s famous waterfront with new state-of-the art facilities, while still having its iconic heritage preserved.”

Rob Stokes – Minister for Infrastructure, Cities, and Active Transport

 

Ben Franklin, Minister for the Arts reflected on the delivery of the precinct;

“After two years of carefully transforming an empty wool store into a premium 21st century space for the arts, Pier 2/3 welcomes the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare as its new resident companies.

Ben Franklin – Minister for the Arts

Mr Franklin also said that the evolving story of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct now shifts to the hands of the many artists who will transform this precinct in new and unforgettable ways. He looks forward to seeing the reactivation of the Precinct from March when the resident arts companies on Pier 2/3 welcome audiences and participants into their new spaces.

WHAT’S NEXT

Having completed the refurbishment of neighbouring Wharf 4/5 in 2020, we are now honoured to announce the completion of major constructions works at Pier 2/3 and looking forward to seeing the precinct come to life as the resident art companies start to operate in their new spaces.

Over the coming months, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare will move in and refine their theatre and rehearsal spaces, and visitors will be able to attend events at Pier 2/3 early this year.

 

Riverview Assisted Living Aged Care

Setting the standard for contemporary aged living

To meet Australia’s ageing population and increasing urbanisation, trends in aged living infrastructure are shifting towards buildings that cater to a range of lifestyle needs. This has resulted in a preference for independent living supported by community care, as well as a desire for greater autonomy in aged living services.

These trends are reshaping people’s expectations, where variety, quality and accessibility to social infrastructure services are important factors to consider when building aged care facilities.

A NEW ‘AGE’ IN LIVING

Today, providers in the aged care sector are increasingly leaning towards buildings that are adaptable to several stages of aged living. This enables residents to continue living in their communities in an environment where they can enjoy all stages of their life in a single location.

When we were engaged to build a new Assisted Living Apartment (ALA) for our client, Carrington Centennial Care, developing an ‘all-in-one’ building that housed multiple stages of aged living was key.

Combining residential aged care, assisted living apartments and independent living units, the building streamlines all aged living stages under one provider. This new approach enables a range of aged care services to now be included in the ALA environment.

Known as ‘Riverview’, the completed project now creates a space where seniors can readily access essential services and living amenities in a safe, controlled environment.

Consisting of 41 high standard assisted living apartments across three levels, Riverview features a semi-basement car park for 29 vehicles, service and utility spaces on each residential floor and a private Recreation Club including access to an adjacent Wellness Centre, indoor swimming pool, spa and restaurant.

KEY FEATURES

  • A menu of concierge hospitality services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pedicure, hairdressing, medication, companionship support, transport services and palliative care.
  • The building reflects ‘hotel standard’ community facilities on Level 4 consisting of a prep kitchen, dining room, private dining room, a multipurpose lounge and a landscaped roof terrace.
  • Works were carried out within the operational Carrington Estate which is home to existing residents.

With Riverview operational, residents can enjoy comfort and security, with the right balance between independence and care solutions, equipped with a range of services to suit individual needs.

“Carrington pursued this project with passion and excellence in mind. Richard Crookes Constructions underwrote the successful delivery and their invaluable contribution has been followed by a great friendship. We look forward to the team gathering again very soon on our next project.”

 

Raad Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Carrington Care

 

Kokoda Residences Structure Complete

The structure is complete on Waitara’s newest high-rise retirement living development.

RCC was honoured to celebrate with Vasey Communities and WMK Architecture, particularly given the significance of the trees utilised for the traditional ‘Topping Out’ ceremony being six Aleppo pine trees which were propagated from a single pine planted on site from the Aleppo pine seedling which has a unique and powerful lineage and story. Stemming from Gallipoli origins, and the Battle of Lone Pine, Aleppo were common, evergreen Mediterranean pines cleared for Turkish trenches… apart from one solitary pine. After his brother died on the battlefield, an Australian Lance Corporal sent pinecones home to his mother in Australia who planted the seeds, raising two seedlings. One of which was sent to the Australian War Memorial to be planted in its grounds in honour of all sons who fell at Lone Pine ridge. A forestry tube seedling program then designated the Aleppo pine for commemorative purposes. Vasey Communities, with its own ADF heritage, received a seedling, planting it on the current site.

The six Aleppo pine trees that were used during the ceremony will be permanently planted onto the new site.

 

“On behalf of the entire Brand Partners team, I would like to pass on my appreciation for the support and effort the Richard Crookes Constructions team continue to provide our team.
Your attitude to collaboration is sincerely appreciated and we look forward to continuing a great and productive relationship.”

 

Simon Lehman, Co-founder/Director
Brand Partners

 

VERTICAL LIVING RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENTS

Reaching this milestone on this 12 storey urban retirement village development is also significant for RCC as it is the first high-rise building we’ve delivered in the aged care sector.

Vertical living has been coined as the future for today’s retirees who want to live in neighbourhoods where they can readily access cafés, restaurants, shopping and medical services, with public transport on hand. In Waitara, Kokoda residents will live in the heart of the community with easy access to essential services and a secure, comfortable lifestyle.

Scheduled for completion in 2022.

Project fun facts
  • 9,716.2 m3 of concrete – equivalent to 4 Olympic swimming pools
  • Approximately 801 tonnes of reinforcement – equivalent to 130 elephants

 

Take a walk through the facility so far

 

 

Glulam CLT Roof at Cranbrook School

Glulam and Cross-Laminated Timber at Cranbrook School

The installation of the prefabricated Glulam and Cross-Laminated Timber roof structure on the future Chapel marks an exciting milestone in the Cranbrook School redevelopment project delivery.

After managing the procurement process RCC was excited to partner with our project partners throughout the off-site prefabrication of the Glulam, to then have the product arrive on site this month for assembly and installation.

For this project, we used CLT sheeting on top to provide lateral stability to the overall structure. The unique style of the Cranbrook School Chapel was designed by architecture firm, Architectus. Using real timber, the feature was structurally designed by engineering firm, SCP Consulting, with authentic materials procured from Austria by supplier, Viridi, and delivered by ship via Singapore.

 

PROJECT DETAILS

Due to the scarcity of timber in the market, as well as the intricate design of the Chapel, extreme care was taken to ensure that the timber arrived safely.

Our project team employed digital design coordination to manage the design and construction planning process. Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) they produced a detailed digital model of the timber structure to plan and confirm each step of the on-site assembly process. This approach facilitated confident on-site construction and a seamless process when lifting the structure into place with the crane to set into the steel.

With safety as our number one priority, RCC assembled the Glulam on temporary hardstand above slab height prior to lifting it into its final position. This enabled works to be completed from the ground using ladders rather than working at heights.

This measured approach to ensure the safety of workers on site, also protected the rare Norwegian pine itself and streamlined the overall works to maintain the project programme and quality.

 

QUICK FACTS:
  • The glulam timber was designed and modelled in Australia and fabricated in Austria by Viridi.
  • The timber species is Norwegian pine.
  • Viridi has installed the glulam as a kit of parts on site. The kit includes pre-assembled pieces into three cassettes on temporary hardstand, which are then lifted into their final position on structural steel spigots.
  • The glulam has been assembled off the Chapel roof, then craned and set into the Chapel steel.
  • The total ceiling span is 24.6m x 16.6m.
  • Total of 105 glulam members to assemble four roof types and three cassettes.
  • Total weight of glulam is 12.35 tonnes per cassette.
  • The total weight of the timber structure including the steel structure is 34 tonnes.

 

Glulam CLT Roof at Cranbrook School 2

Glulam CLT Roof at Cranbrook School 3

 

WHAT IS GLULAM TIMBER AND WHY WAS IT USED?

Glulam, short for glued laminated timber, is an engineered wood product. Originating in Germany around 1900 and making its way to Australia in the 1950s, it is used for both structural and decorative applications.

A glulam member is made with multiple layers of solid wood lumber bonded together with high-strength adhesive to form a single structural unit. Glulam timber is a versatile and innovative construction material, used widely in commercial as well as residential projects.

Key applications include:

  • Straight beams, including lintels, purlins, ridge beams, and floor beams
  • Columns, including round, square, and complex sections
  • Tied rafters
  • Trusses
  • Tied arches
  • Arched bridge supports
  • Curved beams

Often referred to as the ‘new steel’, glulam timber is renowned for its incredible strength, durability, and sleek aesthetics. It also leaves a small carbon footprint, as the raw material is renewable and can be reused or recycled. Given its reliability and flexibility to be used across an array of applications, glulam timber is in high demand globally and is considered a scarce commodity in the market.

 

 

Emergency Contacts – Holiday Closure 2021/2022

Our offices and sites will be closed or operating with reduced hours throughout the holiday season between the 23rd of December 2021 and the 5th of January 2022. We have provided a list of emergency contacts for all projects in the event that you need to get in touch with a member of our team during this time.

​We wish everyone a happy and safe festive season and new year!

Emergency Site Contacts – Christmas Period 2021

RCC Women Recognised in Top 100 Women

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:

Angela - Top 100 Women

 

Sinead - Top 100 Women

 

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.

 

SMP Top Out People Hero

Sydney Modern Structure Complete

Topping out marks a major milestone in our delivery of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern Project. We were privileged to welcome the NSW Premier and Arts Minister on site to celebrate completion of the developments highest structural point, the roof of the entrance pavilion.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for the Arts Don Harwin joined our RCC project team, AGNSW and Infrastructure NSW personnel on site to celebrate structural completion and the progress on site since construction began two years ago.

“Sydney is the cultural capital of Australia, this major expansion of our art gallery will attract tourists from around the world.”

 

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet

In line with the Sydney Modern Project’s 6-star Green Star design rating, the roof of the entrance pavilion will be covered in solar cells. The Art Gallery is Australia’s first museum to achieve the highest rating for sustainable design by the Green Building Council of Australia.

The project has been incredibly rewarding for RCC. Involving the delivery of a new building with state-of-the-art gallery spaces for the community, repurposing the existing historic oil tank structures and navigating a unique site, the team has remained focused on collaborative relationships and innovative solutions. RCC has embraced the opportunity of delivering an intricately designed building by SANAA while working within a restricted site, protecting existing structures, maintaining the safety and amenity of pedestrians and vehicles utilising the precinct and surrounding roadways as well as ensuring the existing Art Gallery remains operational and welcoming throughout construction works.

We are proud to work with the NSW Government, the Art Gallery of NSW and the local community to bring SANNA’s incredible vision to life and RCC is one of many stakeholders involved in the design and delivery of the Sydney Modern Project.

“We’re creating an indoor-outdoor campus set in the stunning landscape overlooking Sydney Harbour, on Gadigal Country, with exceptional art experiences for everyone to enjoy and only possible in Sydney”

 

Art Gallery of NSW Director, Michael Brand

 

“We are investing in our future by creating a world-class destination for art and culture. The remarkable Sydney Modern Project cements our city’s position as Australia’s arts capital”

 

Arts Minister Don Harwin

SMP Top Out People 2

 

To date there have been more than 2,500 workers inducted on site, as well as a team of talented consultants and stakeholders all working together to make this happen. Thank you to the RCC Sydney Modern Project team as well as all the subcontractors and consultants involved so far for your incredible effort to achieve this project milestone.

Reaching structural completion took more than 540,000 hours worked on site. It involved the excavation of 80,000 tonne of material, the installation of more than 1,400 tonne of structural steel and over 12,000m3 of concrete (5 Olympic swimming pools).

Despite the pandemic, the Sydney Modern Project remains on schedule for completion in late 2022.

 

ACT MBA Excellence Award Winners 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