Enhancing the end-user experience with Westmead Innovation Quarter

Westmead Innovation Quarter: Combining research with tech

We love building spaces with the end user in mind.

A prime example of this is the recently completed Westmead Innovation Quarter, where research meets technology and the brightest minds in the field are united.

Partnering with Charter Hall and Western Sydney University, we built a multidisciplinary, mixed-use research facility to allow for collaboration between three of the University’s renowned research institutes: the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and the Translational Health Research Institute, who will reside in this world-class facility, alongside CSIRO and other health tenants.

With a 5 Star Green Star and Silver WELL shell and core rating, this A-Grade commercial and health space now creates a vibrant space that its tenants can now enjoy.

Learn more about our project here.

 

 

 

Breaking ground on the Northern Beaches

Sod turn for industrial and office development on Northern Beaches

Celebrations were in order as we broke ground alongside our client EG Funds, and project partners at the recent Northern Beaches Business Park launch event.

We were joined by Northern Beaches Mayor, Michael Reagan, and EG’s Chairman, Dr Michael Easson AM, to mark the start of an exciting project that will see the delivery of a leading industrial and office development.

The site at 4-10 Inman Road, Cromer, represents one of the largest employment renewal opportunities in the Northern Beaches, with the potential to bring up to 600 jobs and diversified employment opportunities.

“For EG, the Northern Beaches Business Park is about building in good so people see the site as an enhancement to the Northern Beaches, an opportunity to diversify local employment and be part of a working community that’s integrated, and not gated, to the broader community.”

Dr Michael Easson AM, EG Chairman

The development also includes extensive environmentally sustainable design commitments such as the recycling of demolution materials to achieve zero off site waste and the capacity to generate up to 2 mega watts of solar power – the equivalent of 400 homes for one year.

Read EG Funds’ full article here.

 

 

Opera Residences

Sydney’s Iconic Opera Residences

Redefining luxury with Opera Residences

Partnering with Macrolink and Landream Australia, we’re proud to have delivered the Opera Residences.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney, with spectacular views of our iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge and The Royal Botanic Garden, this residential project has created a new age of high-end living, whilst enhancing Sydney’s global identity.

The project involved the delivery of luxury residences with a commanding hold over Sydney Harbour’s globally recognised icons and monuments. We also managed the construction of 104 high end apartments across 19 levels, ground level retail, restaurants, 18m x 7m swimming pool and gymnasium within East Circular Quay Public domain thoroughfare.

Learn more about our project here.

Kokoda Residences Structure Complete

The structure is complete on Waitara’s newest high-rise retirement living development.

RCC was honoured to celebrate with Vasey Communities and WMK Architecture, particularly given the significance of the trees utilised for the traditional ‘Topping Out’ ceremony being six Aleppo pine trees which were propagated from a single pine planted on site from the Aleppo pine seedling which has a unique and powerful lineage and story. Stemming from Gallipoli origins, and the Battle of Lone Pine, Aleppo were common, evergreen Mediterranean pines cleared for Turkish trenches… apart from one solitary pine. After his brother died on the battlefield, an Australian Lance Corporal sent pinecones home to his mother in Australia who planted the seeds, raising two seedlings. One of which was sent to the Australian War Memorial to be planted in its grounds in honour of all sons who fell at Lone Pine ridge. A forestry tube seedling program then designated the Aleppo pine for commemorative purposes. Vasey Communities, with its own ADF heritage, received a seedling, planting it on the current site.

The six Aleppo pine trees that were used during the ceremony will be permanently planted onto the new site.

 

“On behalf of the entire Brand Partners team, I would like to pass on my appreciation for the support and effort the Richard Crookes Constructions team continue to provide our team.
Your attitude to collaboration is sincerely appreciated and we look forward to continuing a great and productive relationship.”

 

Simon Lehman, Co-founder/Director
Brand Partners

 

VERTICAL LIVING RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENTS

Reaching this milestone on this 12 storey urban retirement village development is also significant for RCC as it is the first high-rise building we’ve delivered in the aged care sector.

Vertical living has been coined as the future for today’s retirees who want to live in neighbourhoods where they can readily access cafés, restaurants, shopping and medical services, with public transport on hand. In Waitara, Kokoda residents will live in the heart of the community with easy access to essential services and a secure, comfortable lifestyle.

Scheduled for completion in 2022.

Project fun facts
  • 9,716.2 m3 of concrete – equivalent to 4 Olympic swimming pools
  • Approximately 801 tonnes of reinforcement – equivalent to 130 elephants

 

Take a walk through the facility so far

 

 

Glulam CLT Roof at Cranbrook School

Glulam and Cross-Laminated Timber at Cranbrook School

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.

 

Glulam CLT Roof at Cranbrook School 2

Glulam CLT Roof at Cranbrook School 3

 

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 2021 Award Winners

UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence 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.

Foreshore Toronto Hero

 

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.

The Royce Hero

 

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

 

 

SMP Top Out People Hero

Sydney Modern Structure Complete

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

SMP Top Out People 2

 

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 Dec 2021

32 Smith Street 6 Star Green Star Certified

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.

 

 

6HSL – Parramatta’s Most Technologically Advanced Building

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.

 

Managing Covid on Construction Sites

RCC formed a Covid Response Team in March 2020, made up of a diverse group of people from across the business whose sole job was to support our people and our projects through an extremely challenging time. Like the rest of the industry, we were met with a unique problem that hadn’t been dealt with previously, so it was an opportunity to create new ways of working and collaborating in order to keep the business, our people and projects safe.

Now, 18 months on, our Response Team and the wider business has pivoted from a focus on processes and response plans to managing the safety of our people and Covid cases on site. In 2021 the Delta strain and evolving Government advice has driven our businesses agile approach. Despite the ever-changing Covid landscape, our approach remains centred on the crucial balance between maintaining the safety of our staff and community, whilst ensuring appropriate measures are taken to remobilise the site as quickly as possible in line with NSW, ACT or QLD Health requirements.

Early on we decided that proactively leading an RCC process which was authorised by Health was the best way to manage positive cases and ensure our sites weren’t impacted by the backlog caused by the upward trending numbers in NSW.

 

The Key to Success

RCC's Key to Success

 

With more than 50 live projects and thousands of workers on our sites each day, managing the safety and continuity of our delivery is important. Over the last couple of months RCC’s Covid Response Team have managed over 25 instances of positive cases attending an RCC site.

In line with strict internal protocols and State Health guidelines, our team’s rapid response to contact tracing, notifications, cleaning and testing protocols has ensured safe and efficient remobilisation of site. This consistent outcome is testament to the stringent measures in place and the commitment of our staff who have all assumed the role of Covid Marshal to ensure ongoing compliance.

Our process, supported by NSW Health, has allowed us to safely remobilise sites, generally within 24 hours, which is important for our workforce, industry and economy during difficult times.

RCC’s process involves input from various parties with detailed analysis of the workers movements applied to a risk assessment model developed in conjunction with the various State Health bodies. Key to this system is our Covid Response Team remaining impartial, aligning our approach with government advice when identifying Close and Casual Contacts.

 

 

We appreciate the support of the NSW Health as well as all our trade partners and clients who are collaboratively working with us to ensure an efficient and measured response in every case.

“Much planning goes into any risks our projects face, including for the possibility that one of our workers comes to site COVID positive without knowing. When it occurred on the Walsh Bay project, the RCC site team worked with the COVID Response Team to manage the situation.

Planning paid off as the subcontractors, the client and all involved were kept up to date with what had occurred, how it was being managed and what the next steps were. Cleaners were on site quickly, close and casual contacts traced and testing for the workforce organised. It is a credit to the careful planning and execution of RCC’s COVID Response Plan that construction was underway again the following day.”

 

Rene Burkart – Project Director, Infrastructure NSW

 

RCC Positive Case Process

 

Current Trend

Over the last week or so we are seeing a shift in case numbers and locations, as the vaccination coverage increases, and we pass the 21-day mark after the 1st dose for most employees. This is an encouraging sign as we continue to communicate vaccination as the path out of site shutdowns, loss of work and productivity in the future.

A number of initiatives including webinars with medical professionals discussing the benefits of vaccination on individual and community outcomes, regular communication with staff and major prize draws are making a difference in encouraging RCC employees and our project partners to do their part to increase vaccination rates.

 

What Next?

With the state roadmaps to eased restrictions being rolled out, we are considering long-term strategies which will allow us to continue providing our workforce with a safe working environment, relevant communication and security.

RCC is working with Government bodies on pilot initiatives to identify ways our industry can consistently manage the impact of Covid on construction sites and communities. As construction returns to 100% capacity in NSW, we remain vigilant and prepared to provide our clients and industry partners with confidence that we will remain responsive and flexible to take on what is next, together.

Keep an eye on our socials to learn more about how we will be protecting our people, our industry and our community moving forward.