Luxurious Kurraba Residences Unveiled

24 apartments delivered on Sydney’s waterfront.

The luxurious, harbour-side Kurraba Residences is now complete. Designed with a wrap-around curve of glass, residents of the 24 apartments will enjoy views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and entire city skyline.

Phillip Mathieson, founder and director of Mathieson Architects, designed the interiors of all 24 apartments. This includes what he terms the ‘super-penthouse,’ since it occupies 430sqm over the two top floors and $1 million worth of furniture. “It’s got this amazing, wrap-around curve of glass which all opens up, so it’s almost like you’re sleeping on the prow of a ship.”

These curved projections not only create a unique aesthetic, but also maximise the view from every room, explained Josh Sanderson, Project Manager at RCC.

“The large curved windows presented a number of challenges as there was no curved sliding door system that met the water penetration requirements for the building, as well as the client’s brief for a slimline design to maximise the apartments views.”

“We partnered early with Meinhardt Group, our façade engineer, and Micos Group, our façade contractor, to develop and test the design. Local fabrication and assembly gave us closer control over the quality. We built full size prototypes offsite to test the design before installation,” said Josh. “This included several curved brick interfaces.”

Penthouse residents will enjoy spectacular views from their ensuite, which features a central bath and a striking, circular marble vanity carved and expertly honed from single blocks of Statuario marble. No detail in either design nor innovation has been spared, with landscaper Dangar Barin Smith installing real grass on the 226sqm terrace to complement the plunge pool and spa. RCC then craned 50 mature exotic plants onto the site as part of the expansive landscaping.”

“The project is a truly beautiful building from any angle inside and out,” said Sanderson. “It was a pleasure dealing with a client and design team that were so passionate about the project.”

 

Northern Beaches Business Park now complete

A $46 million landmark redevelopment project.

The $46 million Northern Beaches Business Park redevelopment is now complete – an iconic site that marks the fourth project delivered in partnership with EG Funds.

This destination experience will house a range of recreational activities, including a dedicated learn-to-swim school Carlile Swimming, Bounce Trampoline Park and Precision Golf – Australia’s largest indoor golfing facility.

The redevelopment project has been one of the largest in the Northern Beaches in recent years, with the important social infrastructure encompassing 11 warehouse units across two buildings. The 37,000sqm site is a key landmark providing space for a diverse range of local businesses to drive employment opportunities for residents and inject into Northern Beaches economy.

Working closely with dedicated consultants, RCC delivered:

  • Building 1: 5,747m2 of high clearance structural steel portal frame warehouse divided into 2 tenancies, including 400m2 of mezzanine offices.
  • Building 2: 11,361 m2 high clearance structural steel portal frame warehouse units divided into 9 tenancies, including 1,350m2 of mezzanine offices.

The revitalisation project was carefully executed to encapsulate important heritage elements, including the preservation of the heritage-listed 44m Roche headquarters. RCC conserved all mature landscaping and native trees, which have been an iconic feature of the precinct since the 1960s. In addition to this, Building 1 and 2’s structural steel was upgraded to cater for state-of-the-art solar panels on the roof.

Roger Parker, Joint Managing Director of EG, said, “Thank you to our delivery partners who remained committed to sustainably delivering one of the largest redevelopment projects within the Northern Beaches.”

RCC Launches 2023 Mentor Program

Part of our award-winning culture.  

RCC is committed to the ongoing development of our people. As testament to this, we recently celebrated the launch of our Mentor Program, which forms part of our Grow Our Own strategy. 

More than 60 mentees and mentors from across the organisation met to mark the beginning of this important workplace initiative. Jimmy McNiven, Employee Experience and Capability Manager, explained the importance of fostering collaboration and enabling growth amongst the RCC team, “Mentoring is a development relationship between two people of differing experience. Growth and development are achieved through the transfer of knowledge, experiences and skills as well as both personal and professional insights. Through mentoring, the aim is to build the potential of our people within RCC.” 

Attendees mingled and connected with their peers, discussing their professional goals and aspirations as well as identifying areas for personal development. Throughout the program, mentees will gain insights from a more senior member on the business in a specific area of interest while expanding their network across the company.  

RCC’s award-winning culture truly sets us apart from the rest – we look forward to watching participants reaching their full potential through curiosity and collaboration.  

 

Team RCC raises $11,300 for youth homelessness

Building on a meaningful partnership with the Property Industry Foundation.  

Wet weather couldn’t dampen Team RCC’s spirits, with 90 participants from the property and construction industry coming together to sleep rough at Centennial Park in support of the Property Industry Foundation (PIF)’s SleepOut.  

In our second consecutive year as Gold Donor, and inaugural year as Primary Sponsor for the event, we are committed to championing this vital initiative – one which directly relates to our vision of building a shared legacy. It’s incredibly important we actively support the Foundation’s endeavours, even more so given Sydney is in the midst of a housing and accommodation crisis which is anticipated to accelerate in 2024. 

We would like to acknowledge the fundraising efforts of Jesse Moss, Project Manager, who was the second highest individual fundraiser with an impressive $5,212 raised! 

We would also like to thank our incredible donors – without their generous support, the success of this fundraising initiative would not be possible.  

This event was a wonderful opportunity for our future leaders to network with their peers, while raising vital funds that go towards PIF refurbishment projects such as the Jannawi Family Centre, Summer Hill, Girls and Boys Brigade Surry Hills and Redfern’s Jarjum College.   

Delivered by Richard Crookes Constructions, Sydney Modern wins 2023 National Public Architecture Award

Innovation and sustainability reach new heights at this new art museum experience.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new Sydney Modern building has won a 2023 National Award for Public Architecture presented by the Australian Institute of Architects.

RCC worked with the design architects SANAA, executive architects Architectus, the Art Gallery and Infrastructure NSW to deliver this exceptional project in one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts. Inside the building – a series of art pavilions that cascade down the challenging site – the spatial complexity of SANAA’s design is evident. ‘Floors and ceilings swoop and fall, revealing views to the park and the harbour as well as other parts of the building,’ the award citation noted.

A key element of the design was the industry-leading sustainable features that achieved a 6-star Green Star design rating, the first for an Australian art museum. Among the highlights the RCC team delivered was more than 8,000sqm of green roof and landscaped areas and the installation of 735 solar panels covering close to 1,500sqm of roof space.

The adaptive re-use of two World War II naval oil tanks was an intricate and unique component of the development, with one of the decommissioned tanks being transformed into a spectacular art space. The scale, structure and acoustics of the 2,200sqm Tank gallery are remarkable.

RCC’s project team delivered innovative solutions to realise this significant piece of public infrastructure – one which will contribute to Sydney’s arts and cultural life for generations to come. Congratulations to the global team of collaborators who helped bring this new art museum experience to life.

The building was awarded the prestigious Sulman Medal for Public Architecture by the AIA (NSW) earlier this year.

 

RCC awarded Early Works and ECI for Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment

Critical social infrastructure due for completion by late 2025.

Works will soon commence on the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment project – this critical social infrastructure will enhance healthcare services and facilities for the Hunter New England community and beyond.

In partnership with Health Infrastructure and the Hunter New England Health District, RCC will deliver the Early Works and ECI package. Works include a new single level hospital building encompassing an inpatient unit, expanded emergency department and modern birthing and maternity suites.

Additionally, a new main entry and reception will be created through the refurbishment of the former community health entry.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “All hospital services will continue to operate onsite during construction, which follows significant planning and design work by the project team, in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and the community.”

An Arts Working Group has been established to ensure the new hospital is a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region.

Main works construction is expected to be completed by late 2025. For more information visit Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment.

Gold Sponsor PIF SleepOut 2023

Raising vital funds for youth homelessness.  

Team RCC will sleep rough for one night at Centennial Park in support of the Property Industry Foundation (PIF)’s  SleepOut. As our second consecutive year as Gold Donor, we are committed to championing this vital initiative which aims to provide housing for the homeless youth 

Grant D’Arcy, General Manager – Sydney and Major Project at Richard Crookes Constructions, emphasised the significance of partnering with organisations in our operational areas. He commented, “By supporting our charity partners, our people have the opportunity to contribute to local communities. Together, we are cultivating a positive shared legacy that fills us with pride.” 

Every night, thousands of young Australians go without a safe and secure place to sleep. All funds raised at SleepOut go towards recent PIF refurbishment projects such as the Jannawi Family Centre, Summer Hill, Girls and Boys Brigade Surry Hills and Redfern’s Jarjum College.  

If you’d like to show your support, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. All contributions are greatly appreciated. 

Team RCC championing inclusion and equity

Advancing our industry and building a better future for all.

Our people share a common purpose – building a shared legacy. In the leadup to the NAWIC 2023 Awards for Excellence, we want to acknowledge two incredible women nominated in recognition for their impact on both the industry and our community. 

Regional Woman of the Year finalist, Ashley Barnes is a Design Manager who is working hard to champion equity in the construction sector. “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.” 

Ash’s role as a client-centric Design Manager is focused on delivering cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. 

Outside of project delivery, Ashley advocates for importance of workflow innovations in regional communities in her role on three Property Council of Australia boards. She is currently liaising with Minister Crankanthorp to highlight the importance of continued large-scale developments in Newcastle and the wider Hunter New England region, and has secured additional meetings to scope funding. 

Future Leader nominee, Isabella Spinolo is a Senior Project Engineer who is working on long term initiatives to increase female representation in the construction industry. Isabella championed a Student Engagement Program for students of the Mone Sant’ Angelo Mercy College which has been praised by students, the college and industry colleagues. 

Isabella developed a program of content which exposed students to a range of industry leaders from construction, architecture, finance, planning disciplines. Nicole Christensen, Principal at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, praised Isabella’s program, “It has had a transformational impact on our students. I truly believe that Isabella has set our students up to thrive, in our college and throughout their careers.” 

Ashley and Isabella are part of a large cohort of changemakers who proactively create safe and enjoyable places to work. By promoting inclusion and equity, they support the next generation to thrive – and ultimately to advance our industry. 

Restoring heritage at the City Tattersalls Club Redevelopment

Preserving Sydney’s rich design and architectural history.

Sydney’s built environment represents the very best of our past. It also provides a huge opportunity for local communities through restoration and sustainable development.

A loved landmark in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the City Tattersalls Club’s rich design and 127-year history adds a distinctive identity to the city’s skyline.

In collaboration with Urbis and RJC Group, RCC’s dedicated project team sought pragmatic and creative solutions to balance the use of heritage assets with the need for restoration and preservation. In accordance with the approved Urbis Salvage Plan and Protection Strategy, an array of heritage salvage and protection works were initiated at project commencement.

One such heritage asset is the impressive horse sculpture, known as the rampant horse, which sat atop the former City Tattersalls Club at 202 Pitt Street. Standing an impressive 2500mm tall x 2500mm long x 665mm deep and carved out of sandstone, the original feature has been a strong symbol for the club, given its bookmarking and horse racing roots. Now an important part of their legacy, our team of experts are working to restore the original sculpture and develop a replica.

Removed from the parapet in 2003 due to condition reasons, the rampant horse has since been in storage for 12 years awaiting restoration. Planned repairs include the reconstruction of the missing front leg from the knee joint to the hoof – once complete, a mould will be taken for the replacement statue. While the materiality of the replica has not yet been decided, options include GRC, fibreglass, bronze, brass or copper. Structural investigations of the original sculpture will take place to determine if it can be reinstated as a display within the Club.

Following this, the City Tattersalls Club Redevelopment team will focus on the below highly significant heritage areas;

  • The Low Bar
  • The Corinthian Room
  • The Sydney Room and
  • Billiard / Ballroom

Through the delivery of history-rich social infrastructure such as the City Tattersalls Club, we hope to leverage Sydney’s historic associations while maintaining its unique architectural and design integrity.

UTS students experience a world-class Industrial development

Collaborating to empower the next generation of industry trailblazers.  

What a day! We were lucky to be joined by 70 students from UTS for a site tour of our Woolworths Moorebank Regional Distribution Centre (MoRDC) project. 

Craig Barry, Director at CKB Projects & Consulting Pty Ltd and Lecturer for UTS’ School of Built Environment, shared his feedback on the event, “RCC’s team organised such an engaging presentation and site tour. The students could not believe the scale and complexity of the project and felt incredibly lucky to observe such a feat. RCC’s team were also incredibly generous with their time coordinating access and parking on site so students could safely travel to the site by car. Thank you RCC!” 

This tour gave students the chance to join RCC’s team of multidisciplinary professionals and see theoretical concepts actualised in a real, three-dimensional space. The processes and mechanisms involved in construction are complex – site visits help show how they all come together in the built environment.  

Hai Pham and David Li, Site Engineers, greeted students at the state-of-the-art warehouse facility, before discussing challenges and solutions that engineers and contractors manage onsite. It was a great opportunity for the RCC team to share their knowledge and explain how their expertise can be applied in real life.  

Once complete, the 71,790m2 automated warehouse facility will deliver truck wash and maintenance facilities, MHE and battery charging facilities, a main office, staff canteen, transport office, driver amenities and gate house. 

In addition to this, we will deliver an interconnecting conveyor and pedestrian airbridge connecting MoRDC to the National Woolworths Distribution Centre (MoNDC) – which is being delivered concurrently by RCC’s Industrial division. Once complete both MoRDC and MoNDC will cover an 85,000m2 area, which is equivalent to five SCG ovals! 

We’re proud to collaborate with universities across the nation – working together to support the bright young minds that will, no doubt, make their mark on the construction and property industries.