This project is a six level medical research and neuroscience clinic with double-height basement new entry, administration clinics, canteen and seminar spaces with three levels of PC2 laboratories. Neuroscience Research Australia is internationally recognised by research leaders that relate laboratory based research to clinical research involving patients. The building therefore requires the highest standard of research laboratories including fume cupboards, as well as a fully functional neuroscience clinic. The building will house the following facilities; Brain Bank, Falls and Balance Research Group, Genetic Repositories Australia, Injury Prevention Research Institute, POWMRI Imaging Centre and the Spinal Injuries Research Institute.

Whilst Richard Crookes Constructions was selected on a Construction only contract, a Preferred Contract Services Deed allowed Richard Crookes Constructions to comment on buildability and have design input from the conception stage onwards. This has eliminated any construction risks as mitigation strategies were established from the out-set. The project has a 5 star NABERS rating. Features include glazing, glass, special lighting and approved architectural features on the building façade.

Due to the proximity of highly sensitive equipment and laboratory test mice, noise and vibration monitoring was of critical importance on this project. The employment of a noise and vibration consultant allowed Richard Crookes Constructions to continually monitor acoustic and vibration levels, controlled demolition and heavy machinery (crane/excavator).

Client: Prince of Wales Hospital
Architect: Cox Richardson
Delivery Form: Construct Only
Location: Randwick, NSW
Value: $39.7 m
Completion date: August 2011

After the completion of St Vincent’s Hospital O’Brien Building early works, Richard Crookes Constructions was awarded the Contract for the Redevelopment of the O’Brien Building. The design, development and construction of the new building includes seven floors of functional accommodation with four levels of basement carparking for 228 cars. The health services comprise 27 inpatient mental health beds; community mental health team; consultation liaison psychiatry; HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. The alcohol and drug clinic provides patients with a detoxification unit, methadone & buprenophine stabilisation clinic and information / health services. This project is the first fully integrated Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug and Community health facility in Australia. This project is a functional building used for the management of drug and alcohol addicted mental health patients. Careful consideration was made to acoustic issues during the design development.

The hospital building was built within a restrained and busy operating hospital environment. Noise and vibration monitors were put in place and Richard Crookes Constructions adopted construction methods to minimise this during demolition including the use of crushers rather than hammers.

The new seven level reinforced concrete building was joined to the existing Aiken Head Building and heritage listed de Lacy building. The de Lacy Building required significant detailed restoration works to the façade which was completed in consultation with the architects and heritage consultants.

Client: St Vincent’s & Mater Health Sydney
Architect: Bligh Voller Nield
Delivery Form: Design & Construct
Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
Value: $41.5 m
Completion date: March 2010

The RPA Hospital development was a five level reinforced concrete research facility and renovation to the existing heritage pavilion (Victorian Pavilion) incorporating the complete fitout, and commissioning of both buildings. The project included five levels of PC2 laboratories. The work includes the supply and installation of services such as mechanical ventilation, air conditioning, pneumatic tube systems, medical gas systems, hydraulic, fire, electrical, security, communications and data services as well as specialist radiology and noxious laboratory waste management services. All works were done in compliance with the NABERS rating.

Due to the location of the site within the hospital campus and the fact that the site adjoins the University of Sydney campus, extensive planning and coordination was undertaken by our project team to ensure minimum disruption was caused to hospital services, staff, patients and visitors. It was imperative that the hospital surrounding the construction site remained fully operational throughout the course of Stage 2A redevelopment works.

As part of our project planning we developed a medivac / helicopter strategy as our site and associated tower crane and material handling requirements were within the hospitals flight paths. This strategy was carefully monitored by our site staff in conjunction with the hospitals security and medivac aerial services.

This project won two Master Builders Association “Excellence in Construction” Awards in State and National categories for Public Buildings.

Client: NSW Dept of Commerce
Architect: Silver Thomas Hanley Daryl Jackson
Delivery Form: Detail Design & Construct
Location: Camperdown, NSW
Value: $29.7 m
Completion date: March 2007