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.

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

6HSL – Parramatta’s Most Technologically Advanced Building

October 18, 2021

RCC recently completed 6HSL; a world leading Innovation Hub which will facilitate collaboration between education and industry by blending A-grade commercial amenity with a vertical campus for the Built Environment.

Standing in the heart of the Parramatta CBD and recognisable by the ‘H’ for Hassall Street incorporated into the Northern Elevation, this facility is the result of a collaboration between project stakeholders Charter Hall, Western Sydney University, Solutions Consulting, Blight Rayner Tzannes, Robert Bird Group, Floth and RCC.

Delivering During Covid

RCC started on site in December 2019. Covid arrived in March 2020 and has affected the construction industry ever since. The team remained agile throughout 18 months of lockdowns and restrictions, adapting the design and construction approach to respond to changing requirements and ultimately complete the project in line with the initial programme.

Key to this success was the careful management of the project’s critical path. Weekly planning sessions enabled identification of programme opportunities and risks, as well as proactive planning of upcoming works and supply chain engagement to limit the impact of overseas procurement delays.

Protecting workers’ physical and psychological safety throughout this period was paramount. The effects of border closures and lockdowns caused fatigue across the industry, so a number of mental health initiatives were implemented to support staff and stakeholders.

More about 6HSL

The 6-star GreenStar, 19-storey building puts innovation and engineering on display, with 15 metre exposed off-form concrete columns and structural steel V bracing integrated into the glass facade. The building technology includes an integrated communications network, smart bathrooms, touchless amenities, one-tap building access, public wifi, wireless charging outlets and lift call apps.

Western Sydney University’s Built Environment Campus resides on the first 6 floors, with the integrated fit out of the Engineering and Architectural faculties including robotics labs, teaching spaces, open learning and amenities.

Structural and mechanical engineering allowed the team to increase the NLA available on levels 7-17 offering fully optimised floor plates built around a tech-infused spine.

Throughout construction RCC worked with the community to build local capability, with a Kickstart Café offering employment for disadvantaged youth and a Strategic Alliance Framework with the Western Sydney University which involves ongoing commitments to research, curriculum co-delivery and industry engagement.

“Following the mutually successful outcome 6 Hassall Street has delivered for Charter Hall, Western Sydney University and RCC, we look forward to extending our relationship as part of the iQ Westmead project.

RCC has demonstrated its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to a common goal in navigating multiple forms of construction disruption to deliver 6HSL within program.”

Mark Stante, Charter Hall

We are privileged to continue our partnership with Charter Hall and Western Sydney University on the Westmead Innovation Quarter project; another multidisciplinary research space that allows collaboration between business, health and research.

Westmead Innovation Quarter is due for completion later this year.

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:

Structure Complete at 32 Smith

September 17, 2020

Topping out the 28-storey structure marks a major milestone in the delivery of this A-Grade 26,500sqm commercial building in Parramatta’s CBD.

RCC and GPT Group welcomed Parramatta’s Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer and representatives from the Western Sydney Business Chamber and future anchor tenant, QBE to join our collective team on site and celebrate project progress, with the ceremonial magnolia tree craned on to the roof slab.

GPT’s Head of Office & Logistics Matthew Faddy, spoke to the contribution the completed development will make to the City of Parramatta’s vision of a world-class commercial and cultural centre in Western Sydney and to the effort of our collaborative team thus far;

“This project is being delivered in exceptionally unusual circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curve ball at all of us this year. I would like to thank the Richard Crookes Constructions team, the Parramatta City Council, our consultants and the GPT development team for working together to ensure that the 1,500 people who have worked on the 32 Smith project remained safe and this vital project could be delivered on time.”

Matthew Faddy – GPT

Similarly, on behalf of RCC, George Bardas noted the collective effort responsible for progress on the landmark project;

“Success on projects which create a lasting legacy in our community, goes beyond the completion of a quality building. We are honoured to partner with GPT, Icon, our talented consultant and subcontractor team, project stakeholders and the local community to deliver one of Parramatta’s smartest buildings”.

George Bardas – RCC

MORE ABOUT 32 Smith Street Parramatta

The building will include a ground level ‘urban room’ event space, an elevated podium terrace facing the Parramatta River, a tree covered sky deck with panoramic views, as well as state-of-the-art End-of-Trip facilities with bike storage and lockers for future tenants.

“This A-Grade office building will be one of Parramatta’s standout landmarks and will only bolster the City of Parramatta’s vision to transform the CBD into a world-class commercial and cultural centre…
We are delighted QBE and Coleman Greig are committed to occupying this iconic building. 32 Smith Street will deliver state-of-the-art premises which promote cutting-edge technology and a workspace design set to accommodate modern working practices.”

Matthew Faddy – GPT

Consistent with GPT’s recently announced 2024 target of net zero carbon across their portfolio, the environmentally sustainable 32 Smith Street design was awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating and is targeting a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

More about 32 Smith

RCC to Fitout State-Of-The-Art University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute

August 28, 2020

The Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School (UONCCCS) will house state-of-the-art research and learning areas including simulation wards and laboratories.

RCC is honoured to continue our partnership with the University of Newcastle (UoN), on the fitout of Central Coast Clinical School; after working with Health Infrastructure (HI) and the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) to design and construct the six-storey research and education facility base build on site at Gosford Hospital.

Being able to leave a legacy in our local community and deliver a facility which will have an enormous impact on students, staff and the Australian and international research community for generations, makes this project incredibly rewarding.

The Member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks MP commended RCC’s selection on this next stage of the development;

“As we move from the structural phase of construction to the detailed fit-out of the building, the reality of this world-class facility gets closer and I’m pleased that a regional business is continuing its work on this world-class facility”

Mrs Lucy Wicks MP

RCC has been awarded this third stage of the development, having had the privilege to be on site since 2017 delivering the previous Carpark and Building A Base Build projects. The Building A Base Build took more than 85,000 man-hours and included a curtain wall façade with over 500 individual panels and a stair void which stretches over 4 floors.

More about the CCRI and UONCCCS

The CCRI and UONCCCS will operate partnerships between the University of Newcastle and the Central Coast Local Health District, with staff and students expected to move into the new building in 2021.

Fly-through vision released this week by Mrs Lucy Wicks MP, Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch MP, UoN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, and CCLHD Chief Executive Dr Andrew Montague.

A future world-class research and state-of-the-art learning hub

Researchers will have access to dedicated and collaborative spaces, including specialist anatomy, histology and molecular laboratories and a microbiological physical containment level 2 – or PC2 – lab fit to carry out world-class research.

Lucy Wicks MP highlighted the broader long term impacts of the facility for the community;

“This first for the Central Coast will not only create a centre of excellence in healthcare, research and education right here on the Central Coast, but will also prove to be a huge economic boon for the region. We know that Universities can transform local economies like the Central Coast and help drive future job growth and opportunities.”

Lucy Wicks MP

The UoN’s new clinical school’s features include a 100-seat lecture space, library, simulation labs, and laboratory settings which are designed to provide students with exposure to real-life scenarios they are expected to encounter when they enter the public health workforce.

“The University of Newcastle believes that our new Central Coast Clinical School will strengthen the connection for students between education and healthcare on the Central Coast”.

UoN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO

Read more about this exciting facility from the University of Newcastle.

RCC has engaged with each project partner to ensure this multi-purpose facility meets the needs of each stakeholder and functions as a collaborative space to ultimately enhance user experience as well as education and research outcomes. The opportunity to be involved in delivering a building which will play a role in keeping our community healthy and well is such a rewarding part of what we do.

Molecular Horizons – University of Wollongong

July 15, 2020

Molecular Horizons is a purpose-built facility dedicated to illuminating how life works at a molecular level and solving some of the world’s biggest health challenges.

The opportunity to be involved in delivering this high impact research facility is as rewarding as our collaborative delivery experience, partnering with University of Wollongong and our team of consultants and subcontractors.

DELIVERING MOLECULAR HORIZONS

Delivering buildings we are proud of, and knowing the important contribution they make to our community is why we love what we do.

Hear from those who were part of the Molecular Horizons project about their experience of working with RCC to deliver this incredible building.

“The researchers that are in the building they love it. Here they are in a state-of-the-art bright building with new facilities, expanded space and a lot more research capability for them as well and also a higher level of lab certification so they can do higher levels of research.”

Blake Preston
Senior Manager Project Delivery – University of Wollongong

“this was a project where the end users requirements, the scientists, and the process of construction and building was so tightly integrated I think this was a real example of a team of people, academics and construction people, who really had to find each other early on and become a real team with tight and frequent communication. And that was a process that was really good to see that happen very efficiently.

I have received lots of advice in my career never to be involved with the construction of a new building, but I have to say having done it now it was just an absolute pleasure and a real adventure and I think that’s in large part because of RCC”

Antoine Van Oijen
Director, Molecular Horizons
School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience – University of Wollongong

MORE ABOUT THE MOLECULAR HORIZONS PROJECT

Design, construction and integrated fit out of the five-storey facility within the operational University of Wollongong campus. The building includes office and administration areas with meeting and conference rooms; research and chemistry laboratories (including PC2 and BC2 certified); animal housing; and an astronomy and chemistry roof platform with rooftop mechanical plant.

These state-of-the-art facilities house some of the world’s most revolutionary technology, including Australia’s most powerful biological electron microscope, the Titan Krios cryo-EM microscope.

Hear more about University of Wollongong’s vision behind this world-leading Molecular Life Sciences facility.

MORE ABOUT MOLECULAR HORIZONS RESEARCH

Research Grant for Director OF Molecular Horizons

Congratulations to UoW researcher, Distinguished Professor Antoine van Oijen who was recently awarded $1M for antimicrobial resistance research – a project which will develop a new approach to understanding and tackling drug resistance.

“The first publication out of the facility was something called ATP synthase; that’s a protein in your body that creates the energy source for life which is what your cells use; which is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) so that was exciting”

James Bouwer
General Manager of Cryo Electron Microscopy – Molecular Horizons
School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience – University of Wollongong

Delivering TRN House

June 26, 2020

Oran Park Towns’ First Standalone Commercial Building Was Built on Collaboration

The first step in successfully delivering commercial developments is listening. In our experience, understanding the needs, wants and concerns of our clients and the end user early allows us to establish a collaborative partnership with the wider project team, and leverage the diverse stakeholder input to realise an informed, functional design and high performing asset.

Hearing from our project partners that this approach makes a difference to them, makes our commitment all the more rewarding. Glenn Fordham at TRN Group and Wayne Perich at Greenfields Development Company wrote to us acknowledging the impact that this collaboration had on the team and the completed TRN House building;

“We proudly now have an outstanding building incorporating a new bespoke head office to call our home for many years (and hopefully generations) to come…
We will be forever grateful for the RCC team’s assistance throughout the build and in particular, our office fit-out”

(Full testimonial later in article)

Glenn Fordham
Director, General Manager – Projects
TRN Group

“Greenfields Development Company joint ventured with TRN Group to construct the first standalone commercial building at Oran Park. RCC was selected as the builder and delivered an A Class quality building. The synergy between Greenfields, TRN, and RCC could not have been better. The RCC team were easy to work with and had the clients’ interests at heart.
Honesty in the building game is hard to find and it was evident throughout our experience with RCC. Thank you.”

Wayne Perich
Director
Greenfields Development Company

Priding ourselves on maintaining long term relationships with our clients and project partners, RCC is invested in the long-term performance of their commercial assets, beyond project completion. A ‘one team’ approach with our clients, tenants, consultants and subcontractors, where we are all working towards a shared goal, encourages innovative, solution focused delivery, driving value, efficiency and an enjoyable journey for all stakeholders.

THE TRN HOUSE STAKEHOLDER EXPERIENCE

The collective GDC, TRN and RCC team worked collaboratively with the wider consultant and subcontractor team throughout delivery, which included celebrating project milestones together. The Topping Out Ceremony in late 2019 was a significant event, marking completion of the structure on Oran Park Towns first standalone commercial building, as well as an opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause.

The entire project team joined RCC to see the ceremonial tree craned onto the roof slab, with most guests wearing pink to promote Pink Up Oran Park; a breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign supporting the McGrath Foundation, which involved several sites across Oran Park Town turning a shade of pink during the month of October.

Pictured (left to right): Terry Fordham (TRN), Ron Perich (GDC), Glenn Fordham (TRN), Mark Perich (GDC), Tony Perich (GDC), Wayne Perich (GDC)

“We worked with RCC on the Oran Park Commercial 1 development (now known as TRN House) under unique circumstances as both a subcontractor and client. In addition to this, we are an end user in the development. This was our first experience with a commercial build, let alone one of this scale.
From the outset during tender stage, the consistent team gave us confidence in their understanding of the proposed build within the project’s constraints and specifications. A great rapport developed with the team throughout the build and any unexpected issues were dealt with honestly in an ‘open book’ fashion and resolved quickly through to final completion. We proudly now have an outstanding building incorporating a new bespoke head office to call our home for many years (and hopefully generations) to come.
Working with this team has restored my faith in Building Contractors and I look forward to the opportunity of working with them again one day soon to deliver another significant building in the Macarthur area in which we are based. We will be forever grateful for the RCC team’s assistance throughout the build and in particular, our office fit-out. This has been a positive experience we will fondly remember and are truly grateful for.”

Glenn Fordham
Director, General Manager – Projects
TRN Group

Some of the RCC delivery team, including (Pictured front row, three on right): Michael Ryan (Project Manager), Richard Crookes (Executive Chairman) and Cameron Waller (Construction Manager).

MORE ABOUT TRN HOUSE

(Formerly Oran Park Commercial)

Completed in April 2020, the project involved the design and construction of a new 6 storey A Grade equivalent commercial centre with a GFA of 10,307sqm featuring:

3 storey basement carpark with 320 vehicle spaces and 20 motorcycle spaces
3 glass passenger lifts (including glass lift shafts) servicing 9 levels and 1 car lift servicing the roof
Landscaped roof-top terrace and ground floor central atrium space
Associated street level landscaping and public domain works; and
Dedicated loading / delivery dock areas
The team also completed the Integrated fitout of Level 5 – TRN Group’s head office which included:
- Collaborative, open plan work spaces,
- Various offices and meeting rooms,
- Kitchenettes and an outdoor terrace entertaining area &
- Custom signage throughout

Innovation Quarter – Westmead

June 23, 2020

The RCC team is excited to be on site and commence works on the 19 storey Innovation Quarter in Westmead.

iQ will be a multidisciplinary research space that allows collaboration between business, health and research – a ‘living lab’ that fosters the sharing of knowledge and resources.

“There’s never been a more important time to focus on health research and innovation, and this project collaboration with Western Sydney University will deliver critical infrastructure to support this”

Mr David Harrison – Charter Hall Managing Director and Group CEO

RCC’s General Manager – Major Projects, Grant D’Arcy, said RCC is honoured to continue working with Charter Hall, in partnership with Western Sydney University to bring the vision of an Engineering Innovation Hub to life;

“Innovation Quarter sets a new benchmark for market leading research facilities, bringing together world class research and Australia’s leading businesses, innovators and academics to solve today’s global challenges.

RCC’s focus is on delivering the digital technology and sustainability amenity required to attract Australia’s leading businesses and provide a collaborative and comfortable environment which facilitates multidisciplinary research.”

Grant D’Arcy – RCC General Manager – Major Projects

Within each building, large and flexible floorplates will offer a variety of office configurations, while future-proofed technology will support a forward-thinking workforce. The east and west towers will share a central square, lined with cafés, restaurants, bars, and boutiques – an expansive open-air lifestyle destination for Westmead.

The Innovation Quarter (iQ) will undoubtedly make an impact on the Western Sydney skyline and the international research community.

The masterplan for this landmark facility is targeting leading WELL and Green Star ratings, whilst energy and water efficiency systems equivalent to 5-Star and 4-Star NABERS Energy and Water ratings have been created to further reduce outgoings and environmental impacts for tenants and visitors.

Grant noted that RCC will continue their commitment to generating positive impacts beyond the design and construction of quality facilities, ensuring they leverage the project delivery to benefit the local community and the industry.

Tag: commercial