Ingham Health Research Institute

The Ingham Health Research Institute is the design and construction of the Ingham Health Research Institute facility comprising five levels of research and laboratory facilities. The structure is comprised of a reinforced concrete frame over a piled basement, glassed & composite panel facades and associated structural steel support framework. Weatherproofing is provided via both metal decking and membrane roofing with associated insulation and ballasting.

The works included an integrated fitout, supply, installation and commissioning of services such as mechanical ventilation, air conditioning, medical gas systems, hydraulic, fire, electrical, security, communications and data services.

During the works our company was contracted to build the new $8m clinical services and skills bunker located adjacent to the new facility to provide care and treatment for people affected by cancer.

Client: The Ingham Health Research Inst.
Architect: MSJ Architects
Delivery Form: Construct Only
Location: Liverpool, NSW
Value: $40.5 m
Completion date: December 2012

Kinghorn Cancer Centre

The Kinghorn Cancer Centre (TKCC) is a new cancer research centre that combines Integrated Multi-disciplinary Cancer Care and Translational Cancer Research. The project comprises eight levels of specialist PC2 research laboratories, clinical data management and analysis suites, clinical consulting suites, high level conferencing facilities, multi-disciplinary meeting rooms, patient coordination and clinical services areas and general support spaces. The project is located adjacent to and links into the adjoining Garvan Institute of Medical Research (GIMR) and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) Lowey Packer Building. As the existing facilities remained operational during the project implementation our Project Management Plan was crucial to ensure all variables were well considered and incorporated as appropriate. These facilities have sensitive research equipment and Animal housing facilities that required implementation of strict noise and vibration monitoring and control procedures.

A detailed communication and stakeholder engagement strategy has been developed to ensure ongoing open and transparent communication between all stakeholders. It is essential that communications channels remain open and working effectively to enable the project proceed in a sympathetic and minimally intrusive manner, not only for the GMIR, VCCRI and SVH, but also the local community.

Client: St Vincents Hospital Sydney Ltd & Garvan Inst. Of Medical Research
Architect: Bligh Voller Neild
Delivery Form: Managing Contractor
Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
Value: $81.5 m
Completion date: December 2012

The Corsoleil

This project was the demolition of the existing Coles Supermarket located on the busy Manly Corso and the construction of 60 residential units in three connecting tower buildings in six storeys. The project included a basement carparking level and the construction of a new Coles Supermarket and some of specialty stores. The apartments were a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms with penthouse suites with ocean and harbour views.

Client: London Fashions P/L
Architect: Restifa & Partners
Delivery Form: Design & Construct
Location: Manly, NSW
Value: $35.5 m
Completion date: July 2012

Linc Discovery Point

The building is being constructed within the rail corridor.  RCC had to build a partly suspended road within the corridor to allow access for traffic.  The project is built within an existing residential precinct with several other residential stages being built on adjacent blocks.

Client: Discovery Point Pty Limited
Architect: Bates Smart
Delivery Form: Detail Design & Construct
Location: Wolli Creek, NSW
Value: $50.9 m
Completion date: July 2012

Precinct Corporate Centre, Delhi Road, North Ryde

Commercial office space in two buildings of four levels each over 2 basement carparking levels. The project is designed to 4.5 star NABERS rating. The integrated fitout will be carried out for the National Measurement Institute.

Client: Goodman Property Services
Architect: Rice Daubney Architects
Delivery Form: Design & Construct
Location: North Ryde, NSW
Value: $41.4 m
Completion date: June 2012

Sydney Medical School, Nepean

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

Alta Apartments

The Alta Apartments, 200 Goulburn St Sydney, was completed for our repeat client Anka Property Group.  Works included the demolition of an existing building and construction of a new 14 storey residential development comprising 116 apartments with basement carparking levels and provisions for ground floor cafe, plaza and landscaping.

Client: Anka Property Group
Architect: Turner & Associates
Delivery Form: Design & Construct
Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
Value: $32.1 m
Completion date: December 2011

Neuroscience Research Australia

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

Oxford St, Bondi junction

Demolition of existing buildings on site and the construction of a 7 storey combined retail/commercial building, comprising of two basement carparks, one level of retail space and four commercial levels. Construction of this project included the temporary retention of an existing heritage façade, demolition of all existing buildings within the heritage façade and incorporating the heritage façade into the new building on both street frontages. The building was designed and constructed to achieve a 4 star NABERS rating.

The 360 Oxford St project included the construction of a 7 storey combined retail/commercial building, comprising of 374sq m of ground floor retail space divided into 4 tenancies, 411sq m commercial space on level 1, 264sq m commercial space on level 2, & 1,056sq m on levels 3-6, a total of 2,105sq m.

The Basement level included carparking for 13 vehicles, a shower room and bike racks. Construction of this project included the temporary retention of an existing heritage façade, demolition of all existing buildings within the heritage façade and incorporating the heritage façade into the new building on both street frontages. The building was designed and constructed to achieve a 4 star NABERS rating and incorporated innovative features such as a living Greenwall screen to provide shading on the Western façade, an entry lobby atrium that carries over 2 floors and a rooftop terrace.

Problems raised and solved:

  • Retaining and incorporating the existing Heritage Façade
  • Air rights issues with neighbouring property
  • The building footprint covered the whole of the site, resulting in materials handling challenges

Client: Tri Anta PL
Architect: Marchese Partners
Delivery Form: Construct Only
Location: Bondi Junction, NSW
Value: $5.3 m
Completion date: January 2011

St Vincents Hospital O’Brien Building

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