Design and construction of a new seven storey government office building housing three major government tenants. The project included a 3 level basement carpark and adaptive underground connection to an existing access ramp and ground level plaza and landscape works. Richard Crookes Constructions developed a number of innovative techniques in working with the client to meet and exceed project objectives. The project structure was unique in itself. The State acted as owner, developer and landlord – an original approach to community ownership outside the traditional infrastructure segment. Richard Crookes Constructions worked with the client to build a commercial building that would attract high quality tenants (“good corporate citizens”) and reflect as such on the traditional commercial market.
The composition and arrangement of the base building fabric and passive energy treatment and harvesting processes, plant systems and interfaces represented an adaptive and innovative approach to construction for the commercial market place.
This project faced a number of challenges that Richard Crookes Constructions successfully overcame. The project was situated adjacent to high use public thoroughfares (incl. road and railway trunk routes). It was imperative that the area surrounding the site remained fully operational throughout the construction works. Richard Crookes Constructions was highly commended for achieving a disruption free zone and for ensuring undisturbed ongoing public operations. Despite testing ground conditions, involving working below the water table and latent geotechnical conditions, Richard Crookes Constructions handed over a defect free building to our client, on time and on budget.
The ground conditions were extremely challenging due to the presence of cobbles and river gravels, ranging in size up to approx. 400mm diameter, and flowing ground water. Additionally, because the site was land locked both piling and bulk excavation operations were somewhat restricted, Richard Crookes Constructions conducted ongoing detailed co-ordination and management to meet deadlines.
Client: NSW Dept of Commerce
Architect: Kann Finch Architects
Delivery Form: Design & Construct
Location: Penrith, NSW
Value: $39.2 m
Completion date: July 2008
