Ashley Barnes recognised as Regional Woman of the Year

December 4, 2023

Delivering innovative and complex design solutions in HNE.

Last week, 40 current and future leaders attended the NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of women in property and construction.

Congratulations to Ashley Barnes, Design Manager at RCC, for being awarded the Regional Woman of the Year accolade. A very deserving winner, Ashley’s reputation as a champion for equity precedes her – as does her technical brilliance. Progression is complex and multi-faceted, but her vision is clear, “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.”

Time and time again, RCC’s clients call on Ashley to deliver innovative and complex design solutions in Hunter New England. Paving the way for regional communities, her client-centric ethos has enabled the delivery of cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with local surroundings.

We’re proud sponsors of the Business Woman of the Year award, which acknowledges women in senior positions who positively influence organisational development through exceptional leadership. Congratulations to Cate Cowlishaw, Regional Managing Principal and Vice President at HDR, for her well-deserved win. Cate has a powerful impact on the industry, and her trail-blazing initiatives are creating genuine and meaningful change for women in the building, property and construction sectors.

Well done to all award nominees, and thank you NAWIC NSW for another fantastic industry event.

Glulam and Cross-Laminated Timber at Cranbrook School

December 21, 2021

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.

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.

UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence 2021

December 13, 2021

Congratulations to all those involved in the delivery of The Royce retirement living development and Foreshore Lake Macquarie residential project which received awards for excellence at the 2021 Urban Developer Institute of Australia NSW awards this month.

The Urban Developer Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW awards shine a spotlight on innovation, sustainability, industry leadership and excellence in urban development across multiple sectors.

FORESHORE LAKE MACQUARIE

Winner – NSW Regions Development

Congratulations to Stevens Group and all our project partners involved in delivering this project which was recognised for its seamless integration into the existing public spaces, including Lake Macquarie foreshore. The four-storey boutique development was designed to create strategic view corridors and welcoming open spaces, enhancing the liveability for residents.

Foreshore Lake Macquarie involved the design and construction of 37 bespoke residential units on the waters edge in Lake Macquarie, each with a unique floor plan. The three buildings, ranging from three to four storeys in height as well as ground floor commercial in the main building, external terraces, private lawn, basement parking for 93 vehicles and shared common areas.

THE ROYCE RETIREMENT LIVING

Winner – Retirement Living

Congratulations to Tulich and Calderflower and all our project partners involved in delivering this project which was recognised for providing Western Sydney with a premium retirement and aged care community adjacent to the existing Panthers Penrith entertainment precinct after overcoming constraints around the design for the development and including the flexibility for additional capacity in the future.

A huge thank you to our RCC teams involved in delivering these incredible projects for our clients, the residents and our local communities.

Sydney Modern Structure Complete

December 8, 2021

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

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.

32 Smith Street 6 Star Green Star Certified

December 2, 2021

We understand that when we provide sustainable design and construction solutions, we’re having a positive social, environmental and economic impact that affects our clients, as well as the communities we live and work in. Generating positive outcomes beyond the built environment is part of the legacy we want to leave for future generations.

As such, we are delighted to announce that another RCC development, 32 Smith Street has achieved 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.

In collaboration with the GPT Group, we proudly delivered a smart, sustainable commercial solution in the heart of Parramatta.

MORE ABOUT 32 SMITH STREET

The 32 Smith Street project involved the design and construction of a new 28,000sqm (GFA), 28 storey commercial tower in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD.

6 Star Green Star – Design and As Built Certification

RCC was originally contracted o provide a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built development for GPT, however we were able to work collaboratively with GPT and project stakeholders to target and ultimately achieve the higher rating which we are incredibly proud of.

This certification by the Green Building Council of Australia is testament to our commitment to providing holistic sustainable outcomes for our clients, building end users and the communities we serve.

What we delivered

19 levels of commercial space (Level 7 – 25) which includes high rise and low-rise floors and 2 levels with outdoor terraces (Level 7 & 25).
Glass lift shaft and 8 high-speed passenger lifts in glass lift shaft (4 Low Rise & 4 High Rise)
3 levels of above-ground, naturally ventilated carpark (Level 03 – 05), designed and delivered to provide GPT with the option to later convert into office space. The carpark features parking for 113 vehicles.
4 Levels of Plant across the development
- Level 06: EOT + Plant Room 1
- Level 26-28: Plant Room 2 + BMU
End-of-Trip facilities for 135 internal and 16 external bicycle parks
Public domain improvements including two new laneway links known as James Lane to the East and William Lane to the South, and enhancements to Phillip and Smith Streets

Delivered with a fully integrated building technology platform on an Integrated Communication Network (ICN), the as built model includes asset management and ability to produce a Digital twin. This intuitive, comfortable building also pays respect to the history of the site and traditional owners of the land, the Darug people, through art installations which occupants and the community can enjoy.

Congratulations to the GPT Group, Fender Katsilidis, our RCC 32 Smith Street project team and all the talented consultants and contractors involved in delivering this development and achieving this recognition of sustainable design and construction.

ACT MBA Excellence Award Winners 2021

November 10, 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

Ngununggula at Retford Park

October 25, 2021

Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery at Retford Park is completed and open to the public.

Sustainably repurposing the historically significant Old Dairy into a state-of-the-art gallery space, has been a challenging and rewarding journey for RCC.

Delivery of Ngununggula

After initial funding and proposed heritage site was secured, RCC was asked to assist with managing DA and National Trust approvals, reclassification of land applications, cost planning, engaging consultants running detailed design programme and managing the procurement process for Design and Construct subcontractors.

Acting as a development partner RCC worked with the Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery and TZG Architecture designs to plan and manage the design and construction of Ngununggula.

This involved:

Repurposing the existing heritage Vet Clinic into a 500sqm café and heritage Dairy building into an international museum grade gallery space which provides complete flexibility for the operators.
Construction of new ancillary building to house education administrative functions including public amenities, gift shop and offices, as well as an outdoor collaborative learning and event space.
Construction of new carpark and public road which provides access to the gallery and caters for event buses.
Extensive landscaping works including heritage significant landscaping which involves repurposing trees into hard landscaping items such as furniture and wheel stops.
Installation and connection of all major services (gas, water, electricity) as there was limited capacity to the existing authority services to heritage buildings

“Ngununggula is truly a visionary venture, built upon the aspirations of many, and I am excited to work together with everyone to help achieve something of real importance, of impact, and meaning to the community.”

Megan Monte – Ngununggula’s Inaugural Director

The project was managed in line with National Heritage Listing guidelines and included an early handover of the Vet Clinic building to allow for the Café fit out, with the overall project completed to open to the local community in October 2021.

All works to the existing Vet Clinic and Dairy buildings were designed and constructed as temporary with no major or permanent changes to the structures.

RCC employed a ‘Box in Box’ style solution to project challenges, meaning the Dairy building’s historic shell remains, with a new inner shell constructed to house the gallery and honour its heritage.

Sections of the existing heritage structure remain exposed internally in order to honour the historic fabric of the building; these portions of the building are treated from the exterior to protect the internal space from the elements and ensure it meets requirements.
New humidity and climate-controlled space delivered within the heritage building
- Mechanical plant designed to provide the gallery with the flexibility to host all exhibitions – spaces need to meet humidity control certification standards required to meet museum standard lending requirements and host various desired exhibitions.
- Air and moisture leakage to the existing fabric of the building required treatment, to a level that worked for the design and is reversible to ensure the heritage aspects are protected.
- Relocated 7 tonne of plant equipment to service the gallery spaces to the upper level of the Dairy to maximise gallery floor space
To accommodate the flexibility required by a gallery space to house any exhibition and events, RCC had to design and build a bespoke structure to house fully adjustable lighting and AV fixtures. This enables the gallery to accommodate any collection or installation (from still artwork and photography exhibitions to interactive performances) and meets the requirement for the construction to be reversible and not alter the fabric of the heritage structure.

The history of the site

RCC respectfully acknowledges the Gundungurra people as custodians of the land on which Ngununggula now operates.

Ngununggula, means “belonging” in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nation People.

The Retford Park site was originally built in the 1880s. In 1964, James Fairfax AC bought the agricultural property and transformed it into an estate, later gifting the historic home and its gardens to the National Trust NSW.

This venture is the collaborative vision of many, and we’re honoured to have played a role in creating this cultural destination and delivering the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

To learn more about the Gallery and their upcoming exhibitions visit: https://ngununggula.com/

Corymbia, A Japara Home

August 24, 2021

Fostering an innovative and collaborative approach, RCC delivered Corymbia, Japara’s NSW flagship Residential Aged Care Facility in Belrose.

Throughout design and construction, we worked closely with our project partners Japara, ThomsonAdsett and CBRE, to develop a deep appreciation of Japara’s vision and deliver a high quality, home-like environment for their residents.

Located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Japara’s Corymbia development consisted of the demolition of an existing dwelling and the design and construction of a 5-storey, 100-bed high quality aged care facility with one level of basement car parking, high level services, rooftop plant and hard and soft landscaping. The facility will offer a variety of services including an in-house café and bar, expansive terraces, a cinema, a beauty, hair and nail salon and a gymnasium. The individual rooms are influenced by the native flora and fauna of the surrounding neighbourhood.

With construction underway throughout 2020, RCC ensured the Japara team in Victoria remained involved and ‘on-site’ with virtual site walks and meetings.

WATCH: Hear about the project journey our collaborative team undertook to deliver this important facility for residents and respect the surrounding residents and community throughout delivery.

St Bede’s Catholic College Stage 2 Reaches Practical Completion

June 28, 2021

The New Dominic Building Officially Open

School Principal John Murphy ceremoniously cut the ribbon of the new Block B “Dominic Building” last week, Stage 2 of the overall school redevelopment masterplan. Throughout construction, RCC worked collaboratively with the school, engaging with students and the school community through virtual site tours, regular construction updates and sharing important project milestones, such as the impressive precast column installation.

Learn more about our precast column solution at St Bede’s

The new Dominic Building offers students contemporary, open plan, flexible learning spaces and smaller breakout areas, plus state-of-the-art science, art and food technology learning facilities. Construction also included the large open walkway, known as the Peregrine Trail, which connects the new Dominic Building to the already completed and occupied Block C. This required careful programme consideration to minimise disruption to students in the adjacent and connecting building.

“Richard Crookes Constructions were able to work cohesively and collaboratively with the College and the project team to ensure that the projects outcomes were successfully achieved, resulting in a remarkable education facility being delivered for the community and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle”
Kurt Daley, Construction Manager, Diocese of Maitland – Newcastle

Thank you to Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle for partnering with RCC in this important stage of your masterplan.

7 Excellence in Construction MBA Awards

November 23, 2020

RCC is honoured to have received 7 awards, including the overall ‘Outstanding Construction Award’ at the 2020 NSW Master Builders Association ‘Excellence in Construction’ Awards.

Being recognised for excellence in construction across multiple sectors and project value categories is incredibly rewarding for RCC. Delivering quality outcomes for our clients, end users and our community is just what we do, so this industry acknowledgment of innovation and quality is a bonus.

Congratulations to the RCC project teams and all our subcontractor, consultant and supply partners involved in delivering these incredible projects.

For us, success is about delivering important developments for our local community, working together with our clients and project partners to leave a legacy that we can all be proud of. Congratulations to everyone who played a part in the design and delivery of these award-winning projects.

Interested in these incredible award-winning projects? Keep an eye out on RCC’s social media accounts over the coming weeks for feature stories on each project, showcasing the the innovation and excellence behind their recognition in the 2020 NSW MBA ‘Excellence in Construction’ Awards.

‘Excellence in Construction’ Awards Event

Watch the full 2020 ‘Excellence in Construction’ Awards event here:

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