BE - Building Efficiency 2018-2019 by A.G. Coombs

2018-2019

Rod Laver Arena Transformation Growler’s Ground Support UTS Central Lights Up Broadway Parliament House Asset Management

Contents 04

Serving an arena ace Melbourne’s iconic sports and entertainment complex is undergoing a major refurbishment.

06

UTS Central lights up Broadway

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

We are in times of great change. Technology is

initiative positions us at the forefront of the

Building Efficiency, the A.G. Coombs Group’s

rapidly enabling things not possible previously,

development of a more efficient and safer industry.

annual publication again highlights the

challenging many aspects of our day-to‑day lives. This is exciting and allowing us to improve and enhance the great work we do in the built environment.

Facility operations are digitising rapidly; a wealth of useful information is now available.

Our digital asset management and maintenance

partners and suppliers.

A.G. Coombs continues to lead the building

improvements in system performance, increased

services industry, embracing new and emerging

breadth of innovative building services solutions

plant life cycles, and reduced operating costs

technologies, developing our people and

delivered by the A.G. Coombs Group, again

and environmental impacts.

delivering the quality standards and outcomes

We are engaged in many outstanding projects with our partners including the design and construction of Australia’s newest landmark commercial buildings, major transport infrastructure, significant cultural and sporting facilities, critical data centres, hospitals and defence initiatives.

A.G. Coombs’ certified Environmental Management System is our framework for

We understand that our contribution to the built environment is greater than the sum of its

the sustainability of their businesses as they

parts. A.G. Coombs is committed to enhancing

meet the challenges of a changing climate.

the spaces that provide value to our clients

ongoing personal development and strong collective success and being incident and injury

services for air conditioning, lighting, electrical, fire protection, hydraulics and building automation throughout Australia is extremely impressive. With specialist capabilities in acute healthcare, complex science facilities, critical data centres and telecommunications sites, pharmaceutical and specialist manufacturing, higher education campuses, major airports,

free wherever we work is a prime concern.

We continue to enhance our best practice Safety Management System and retain longstanding external certification.

A.G. Coombs is immensely proud of our commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects our Core Values and resolve in working towards a reconciled,

museums and libraries, as well as large commercial, retail and entertainment facilities.

We’ve added the infrastructure operations

just and equitable Australia. We continue to support our various charitable partners.

In rapidly changing times we look to our strong

of major banking data centres, the national

values and organisational culture to provide

telecommunications provider and major universities amongst other new clients to the list of high profile key facilities where we provide complete technical management.

confidence and guidance. These have been the cornerstones of our success for over 70 years and together with our people are the Group’s clear point of difference.

It is clear that our whole-of-life approach to

We are excited by the opportunities that lay

building services sets us apart. The expert

ahead of us as we continue to grow our people

Advisory team combining technical expertise

and enhance our capabilities. The A.G. Coombs

and experience with leading edge technology

Group with its highly valued relationships,

provides highly valued advice and services

leading expertise and strong reputation for

for better project delivery, and step change

innovative and dependable delivery looks

improvements in facility and asset performance,

forward to producing outcomes of the highest

safety and sustainability.

standard for our clients.

Digital transformation of building design and

Russell Telford

construction continues at a pace. Long-standing

Managing Director

and leading contribution to the BIM MEPAUS

A.G. Coombs Group

02

Building Efficiency

over its 70 plus year journey.

environmental services to our clients improving

Group-wide teamwork are fundamental to our

The range of facilities we now support with

that have seen our Group succeed and grow

sustainable operations and the provision of

The safety and wellbeing of our people,

2018-2019

city campus.

the last 12 months with our clients, industry

systems help our teams deliver significant

and their abilities; they are our greatest strength.

University of Technology Sydney’s

remarkable work that we have undertaken over

This edition of Building Efficiency highlights the

providing clear testament to our talented people

The latest project to transform the

06

and our communities – hospitals, learning institutions, commercial buildings, defence facilities, data centres, museums, sporting facilities and other large-scale community and cultural facilities. We bring to these buildings innovative solutions across the full spectrum of building services to optimise whole of life outcomes. We bring these buildings to life!

08

Property portfolio in tune

efficiency, safety, sustainability, and bringing

14

Prominent commercial buildings’ energy

Bendigo’s new golden era

performance continues to improve.

Victoria’s largest regional hospital opens

09

Taking a proactive approach to healthcare

reconciliation.

Around-the-clock major metropolitan

Upgrades and support for the

hospital operations demand the best

Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.

The A.G. Coombs Group Board firmly supports this commitment to values and leadership.

We have a clear-sighted strategic vision for the future and are focused on sound governance, and long-term success and prosperity.

10

17

One byte at a time Off-site prefabrication supporting the

Australia’s new cutting edge post-entry

move to modular in Data Centres.

year’s edition of Building Efficiency to you.

quarantine facility.

Chairman A.G. Coombs Group

for Australian Parliament House.

fire safety system maintenance.

It gives me great pleasure to commend this

Clive Weeks AO

Cutting edge Asset Management System

Diving into service

Protecting our borders

We thank you for your ongoing support.

Advance Australia Fair

16

and deeply engaged in promoting diversity and

out the best in our people. We remain genuinely

20

in the central goldfields city.

We are a values driven organisation, and strongly maintain our commitment to quality,

14

12

18

Service and sport align

Growler’s ground support

Breaking new ground in the facility

Technologically advanced new facility for

management of community sports

the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.

and leisure centres.

20

The A.G. Coombs Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

03

Contents 04

Serving an arena ace Melbourne’s iconic sports and entertainment complex is undergoing a major refurbishment.

06

UTS Central lights up Broadway

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

We are in times of great change. Technology is

initiative positions us at the forefront of the

Building Efficiency, the A.G. Coombs Group’s

rapidly enabling things not possible previously,

development of a more efficient and safer industry.

annual publication again highlights the

challenging many aspects of our day-to‑day lives. This is exciting and allowing us to improve and enhance the great work we do in the built environment.

Facility operations are digitising rapidly; a wealth of useful information is now available.

Our digital asset management and maintenance

partners and suppliers.

A.G. Coombs continues to lead the building

improvements in system performance, increased

services industry, embracing new and emerging

breadth of innovative building services solutions

plant life cycles, and reduced operating costs

technologies, developing our people and

delivered by the A.G. Coombs Group, again

and environmental impacts.

delivering the quality standards and outcomes

We are engaged in many outstanding projects with our partners including the design and construction of Australia’s newest landmark commercial buildings, major transport infrastructure, significant cultural and sporting facilities, critical data centres, hospitals and defence initiatives.

A.G. Coombs’ certified Environmental Management System is our framework for

We understand that our contribution to the built environment is greater than the sum of its

the sustainability of their businesses as they

parts. A.G. Coombs is committed to enhancing

meet the challenges of a changing climate.

the spaces that provide value to our clients

ongoing personal development and strong collective success and being incident and injury

services for air conditioning, lighting, electrical, fire protection, hydraulics and building automation throughout Australia is extremely impressive. With specialist capabilities in acute healthcare, complex science facilities, critical data centres and telecommunications sites, pharmaceutical and specialist manufacturing, higher education campuses, major airports,

free wherever we work is a prime concern.

We continue to enhance our best practice Safety Management System and retain longstanding external certification.

A.G. Coombs is immensely proud of our commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects our Core Values and resolve in working towards a reconciled,

museums and libraries, as well as large commercial, retail and entertainment facilities.

We’ve added the infrastructure operations

just and equitable Australia. We continue to support our various charitable partners.

In rapidly changing times we look to our strong

of major banking data centres, the national

values and organisational culture to provide

telecommunications provider and major universities amongst other new clients to the list of high profile key facilities where we provide complete technical management.

confidence and guidance. These have been the cornerstones of our success for over 70 years and together with our people are the Group’s clear point of difference.

It is clear that our whole-of-life approach to

We are excited by the opportunities that lay

building services sets us apart. The expert

ahead of us as we continue to grow our people

Advisory team combining technical expertise

and enhance our capabilities. The A.G. Coombs

and experience with leading edge technology

Group with its highly valued relationships,

provides highly valued advice and services

leading expertise and strong reputation for

for better project delivery, and step change

innovative and dependable delivery looks

improvements in facility and asset performance,

forward to producing outcomes of the highest

safety and sustainability.

standard for our clients.

Digital transformation of building design and

Russell Telford

construction continues at a pace. Long-standing

Managing Director

and leading contribution to the BIM MEPAUS

A.G. Coombs Group

02

Building Efficiency

over its 70 plus year journey.

environmental services to our clients improving

Group-wide teamwork are fundamental to our

The range of facilities we now support with

that have seen our Group succeed and grow

sustainable operations and the provision of

The safety and wellbeing of our people,

2018-2019

city campus.

the last 12 months with our clients, industry

systems help our teams deliver significant

and their abilities; they are our greatest strength.

University of Technology Sydney’s

remarkable work that we have undertaken over

This edition of Building Efficiency highlights the

providing clear testament to our talented people

The latest project to transform the

06

and our communities – hospitals, learning institutions, commercial buildings, defence facilities, data centres, museums, sporting facilities and other large-scale community and cultural facilities. We bring to these buildings innovative solutions across the full spectrum of building services to optimise whole of life outcomes. We bring these buildings to life!

08

Property portfolio in tune

efficiency, safety, sustainability, and bringing

14

Prominent commercial buildings’ energy

Bendigo’s new golden era

performance continues to improve.

Victoria’s largest regional hospital opens

09

Taking a proactive approach to healthcare

reconciliation.

Around-the-clock major metropolitan

Upgrades and support for the

hospital operations demand the best

Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.

The A.G. Coombs Group Board firmly supports this commitment to values and leadership.

We have a clear-sighted strategic vision for the future and are focused on sound governance, and long-term success and prosperity.

10

17

One byte at a time Off-site prefabrication supporting the

Australia’s new cutting edge post-entry

move to modular in Data Centres.

year’s edition of Building Efficiency to you.

quarantine facility.

Chairman A.G. Coombs Group

for Australian Parliament House.

fire safety system maintenance.

It gives me great pleasure to commend this

Clive Weeks AO

Cutting edge Asset Management System

Diving into service

Protecting our borders

We thank you for your ongoing support.

Advance Australia Fair

16

and deeply engaged in promoting diversity and

out the best in our people. We remain genuinely

20

in the central goldfields city.

We are a values driven organisation, and strongly maintain our commitment to quality,

14

12

18

Service and sport align

Growler’s ground support

Breaking new ground in the facility

Technologically advanced new facility for

management of community sports

the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.

and leisure centres.

20

The A.G. Coombs Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

03

COX ARCHITECTURE PTY LTD

Serving an arena ace

The refurbishment will enhance the venue’s amenity, patron comfort and accessibility.

Gold LEED certification is targeted.

Thirty years after Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena first opened, the iconic sports and entertainment complex is undergoing a major refurbishment as part of a wider $700 million Melbourne Park redevelopment project.

T

“Our own construction expertise combined with A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise in mechanical services will ensure that patrons to Rod Laver Arena enjoy a modern, enhanced experience when attending events well into the future.”

Andrew Staedler, Project Director, Lendlease

o cater for the future growth of the popular Australian

Behind the scenes, significant back-of-house improvements have

led the services coordination with the extensive use of BIM (building

Fire and life safety systems have also been upgraded in the arena

Open tennis tournament, Melbourne Park has been under

also been made, including a larger loading bay and increased rigging

information modelling) on the project.

to comply with current building codes. These include changes

redevelopment for a number of years as it seeks to improve

capacity to allow for more – and bigger – concerts and shows to be

the comfort and amenity of patrons attending the precinct.

hosted at the arena.

With the project aiming to achieve a Gold Leadership in Energy

While Stage 1, completed in 2013, focused primarily on the

As part of the arena’s multi-million dollar refurbishment by

A.G. Coombs has provided practical solutions to overcome the

redevelopment of Margaret Court Arena and the construction

Development Victoria, A.G. Coombs was appointed by Lendlease as mechanical contractor, with a scope of works including the

constraints of as-built conditions and demonstrated its technical

of Eastern Plaza and the National Tennis Centre, the $338 million second stage of works includes a significant refurbishment of

provision of HVAC and mechanical services to both new and

Rod Laver Arena.

existing infrastructure.

As the largest spectator venue at Melbourne Park with seating for 14,820 people, this is the first major construction work to take place on Rod Laver Arena since it opened in 1988.

Constructed by Lendlease, the refurbishment will enhance the venue’s amenity, food service, patron comfort and accessibility.

This is being achieved through the construction of an eastern-facing annex that will create a new, primary entrance to the arena as well as accommodate new food and beverage offerings and visitor restrooms.

Additionally, the existing internal concourse of the arena is being

Having previously been involved in the redevelopment of the adjacent Margaret Court Arena, A.G. Coombs’ familiarity with the shared services on the site has proven advantageous.

The refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena commenced immediately following the completion of the 2016 Australian Open.

to existing ventilation and smoke spill rates, and a complex and Environmental Design (LEED) certification upon completion,

ability to blend new technology with existing systems.

This has included the addition of new high efficiency IE3 motors and variable speed drives on existing equipment to improve the energy efficiency of the plant, and re-birthing the arena’s

and we are delighted to be working with Development Victoria to enhance its reputation with this refurbishment,” said Andrew Staedler, Project Director with Lendlease.

technical expertise in mechanical services will ensure that patrons

The addition of a new, high efficiency water-cooled chiller to the

attending events well into the future.”

existing central chiller plant serving Rod Laver Arena will cater for the additional spaces in the facility, while upgrades to air handling

construction and reconstruction works be completed concurrently

units and existing fan systems have also been made to improve

onsite. Outside of two blackout periods, works have had to be carried

energy efficiency and performance.

to Rod Laver Arena enjoy a modern, enhanced experience when

The refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena is expected to be completed by October 2019, in preparation for the 2020 Australian Open.

To reduce onsite construction work, and overcome some of the site’s

From a mechanical services perspective, this has required careful

access limitations, offsite prefabrication techniques have also been used

pre-planning and procurement on the part of A.G. Coombs, which

for piping systems, valve assemblies and air handling units.

2018-2019

“Rod Laver Arena has been an iconic venue in world sport for 30 years,

better functionality and control.

disability access.

Building Efficiency

class venue, as it has for the past 30 years.

“Our own construction expertise combined with A.G. Coombs’

expanded to allow for improved patron movement and increased

04

These changes will ensure the arena continues to operate as a world-

building management and control system (BMCS) to provide

A tight completion timeframe has demanded that demolition,

out while the arena has remained operational.

arrangement of smoke and fire zones with compartment control.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

05

COX ARCHITECTURE PTY LTD

Serving an arena ace

The refurbishment will enhance the venue’s amenity, patron comfort and accessibility.

Gold LEED certification is targeted.

Thirty years after Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena first opened, the iconic sports and entertainment complex is undergoing a major refurbishment as part of a wider $700 million Melbourne Park redevelopment project.

T

“Our own construction expertise combined with A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise in mechanical services will ensure that patrons to Rod Laver Arena enjoy a modern, enhanced experience when attending events well into the future.”

Andrew Staedler, Project Director, Lendlease

o cater for the future growth of the popular Australian

Behind the scenes, significant back-of-house improvements have

led the services coordination with the extensive use of BIM (building

Fire and life safety systems have also been upgraded in the arena

Open tennis tournament, Melbourne Park has been under

also been made, including a larger loading bay and increased rigging

information modelling) on the project.

to comply with current building codes. These include changes

redevelopment for a number of years as it seeks to improve

capacity to allow for more – and bigger – concerts and shows to be

the comfort and amenity of patrons attending the precinct.

hosted at the arena.

With the project aiming to achieve a Gold Leadership in Energy

While Stage 1, completed in 2013, focused primarily on the

As part of the arena’s multi-million dollar refurbishment by

A.G. Coombs has provided practical solutions to overcome the

redevelopment of Margaret Court Arena and the construction

Development Victoria, A.G. Coombs was appointed by Lendlease as mechanical contractor, with a scope of works including the

constraints of as-built conditions and demonstrated its technical

of Eastern Plaza and the National Tennis Centre, the $338 million second stage of works includes a significant refurbishment of

provision of HVAC and mechanical services to both new and

Rod Laver Arena.

existing infrastructure.

As the largest spectator venue at Melbourne Park with seating for 14,820 people, this is the first major construction work to take place on Rod Laver Arena since it opened in 1988.

Constructed by Lendlease, the refurbishment will enhance the venue’s amenity, food service, patron comfort and accessibility.

This is being achieved through the construction of an eastern-facing annex that will create a new, primary entrance to the arena as well as accommodate new food and beverage offerings and visitor restrooms.

Additionally, the existing internal concourse of the arena is being

Having previously been involved in the redevelopment of the adjacent Margaret Court Arena, A.G. Coombs’ familiarity with the shared services on the site has proven advantageous.

The refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena commenced immediately following the completion of the 2016 Australian Open.

to existing ventilation and smoke spill rates, and a complex and Environmental Design (LEED) certification upon completion,

ability to blend new technology with existing systems.

This has included the addition of new high efficiency IE3 motors and variable speed drives on existing equipment to improve the energy efficiency of the plant, and re-birthing the arena’s

and we are delighted to be working with Development Victoria to enhance its reputation with this refurbishment,” said Andrew Staedler, Project Director with Lendlease.

technical expertise in mechanical services will ensure that patrons

The addition of a new, high efficiency water-cooled chiller to the

attending events well into the future.”

existing central chiller plant serving Rod Laver Arena will cater for the additional spaces in the facility, while upgrades to air handling

construction and reconstruction works be completed concurrently

units and existing fan systems have also been made to improve

onsite. Outside of two blackout periods, works have had to be carried

energy efficiency and performance.

to Rod Laver Arena enjoy a modern, enhanced experience when

The refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena is expected to be completed by October 2019, in preparation for the 2020 Australian Open.

To reduce onsite construction work, and overcome some of the site’s

From a mechanical services perspective, this has required careful

access limitations, offsite prefabrication techniques have also been used

pre-planning and procurement on the part of A.G. Coombs, which

for piping systems, valve assemblies and air handling units.

2018-2019

“Rod Laver Arena has been an iconic venue in world sport for 30 years,

better functionality and control.

disability access.

Building Efficiency

class venue, as it has for the past 30 years.

“Our own construction expertise combined with A.G. Coombs’

expanded to allow for improved patron movement and increased

04

These changes will ensure the arena continues to operate as a world-

building management and control system (BMCS) to provide

A tight completion timeframe has demanded that demolition,

out while the arena has remained operational.

arrangement of smoke and fire zones with compartment control.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

05

IMAGE COURTESY OF FJMT. IMAGES BY VIRTUAL IDEAS.

UTS Central lights up Broadway Having been involved in the construction of the Dr Chau Chak Wing and Vicki Sara buildings, A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise is again shining through on the latest project to transform the University of Technology Sydney’s city campus.

O

ffering a culturally diverse campus life for its 40,000

the adjacent Central Park commercial development, forming part

enrolled students, the University of Technology Sydney’s

of Australia’s first district energy-sharing project. This arrangement

(UTS) city campus is made up of a number of buildings

is an alternative to the need for a dedicated chiller plant serving the

located close to Sydney’s central business district.

UTS Central building.

In 2008, UTS identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver

The hot water needs of the new building are met by an upgrade to

a vibrant and engaging education precinct and commenced the

the existing city campus boiler plant which has been retained.

development of its $1 billion-plus UTS City Campus Master Plan.

Work to date has included the construction of the landmark Dr Chau Chak Wing building – home to the UTS Business School – and the Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Health building – now known as the Vicki Sara building in recognition of the former UTS Chancellor and renowned endocrinologist.

While the city campus has already undergone significant transformation through these projects and others, a building currently under construction aims to create an exciting new information and learning hub for students.

The Science Super Lab on Level 1 is served by its own air handling plant to meet Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) requirements.

The project has presented a number of technical challenges – none more so than the coordination of services within both the existing structure and architecture of the new building.

As lead for services coordination on the project, A.G. Coombs’ proficient use of building information modelling (BIM) has enabled a minimal footprint of the plantrooms and worked within the ceiling cavity space by reducing the size of ductwork. Fabrication functionality has also been added to the model and used to support

UTS Central, located on Broadway, involves the radical revitalisation of the campus’s existing Buildings 1 and 2.

Among the defining features of the architectural design by Francis‑Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) is a redefined entrance to the university, a curved glass façade and a large winding staircase in the shape of a double helix that will be visible from the street.

Targeting a 5 star Green Star rating, the design will see the lower levels of the existing building retained with 14 new floors to be constructed above. The lower level will feature UTS’s second Science Super Lab, while

the accurate manufacture of components offsite.

Construction of UTS Central is expected to be completed in mid 2019.

“UTS Central forms an important part of the university’s Master Plan for the city campus,” said Rob Lake, Project Director for Richard Crookes Constructions.

“A.G. Coombs was able to present an innovative approach to the mechanical services design and has added significant value to the project, particularly through their advanced use of BIM.”

the new podium levels will house the bulk of social, student-focused areas including the new UTS Library and food court. The new nine-level tower above will accommodate UTS’s growing focus on research.

A mechanical services design concept by engineer Steensen Varming has been cleverly reconfigured by A.G. Coombs Projects – appointed as mechanical services design and construct contractor by construction manager, Richard Crookes Constructions.

Seeking to add value to the project, A.G. Coombs has developed a cost-effective, energy efficient design that features a centralised low temperature system utilising EC fan air handling unit technology.

The design takes advantage of an existing chilled water supply from the city campus central energy plant at the base of the building, that incorporates additional cooling capacity from the central plant within 06

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

“A.G. Coombs was able to present an innovative approach to the mechanical services design and has added significant value to the project, particularly through their advanced use of BIM.” Rob Lake, Project Director, Richard Crookes Constructions A radical revitalisation of existing buildings UTS Central features an energy efficient HVAC system using EC fan AHU technology.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

07

IMAGE COURTESY OF FJMT. IMAGES BY VIRTUAL IDEAS.

UTS Central lights up Broadway Having been involved in the construction of the Dr Chau Chak Wing and Vicki Sara buildings, A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise is again shining through on the latest project to transform the University of Technology Sydney’s city campus.

O

ffering a culturally diverse campus life for its 40,000

the adjacent Central Park commercial development, forming part

enrolled students, the University of Technology Sydney’s

of Australia’s first district energy-sharing project. This arrangement

(UTS) city campus is made up of a number of buildings

is an alternative to the need for a dedicated chiller plant serving the

located close to Sydney’s central business district.

UTS Central building.

In 2008, UTS identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver

The hot water needs of the new building are met by an upgrade to

a vibrant and engaging education precinct and commenced the

the existing city campus boiler plant which has been retained.

development of its $1 billion-plus UTS City Campus Master Plan.

Work to date has included the construction of the landmark Dr Chau Chak Wing building – home to the UTS Business School – and the Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Health building – now known as the Vicki Sara building in recognition of the former UTS Chancellor and renowned endocrinologist.

While the city campus has already undergone significant transformation through these projects and others, a building currently under construction aims to create an exciting new information and learning hub for students.

The Science Super Lab on Level 1 is served by its own air handling plant to meet Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) requirements.

The project has presented a number of technical challenges – none more so than the coordination of services within both the existing structure and architecture of the new building.

As lead for services coordination on the project, A.G. Coombs’ proficient use of building information modelling (BIM) has enabled a minimal footprint of the plantrooms and worked within the ceiling cavity space by reducing the size of ductwork. Fabrication functionality has also been added to the model and used to support

UTS Central, located on Broadway, involves the radical revitalisation of the campus’s existing Buildings 1 and 2.

Among the defining features of the architectural design by Francis‑Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) is a redefined entrance to the university, a curved glass façade and a large winding staircase in the shape of a double helix that will be visible from the street.

Targeting a 5 star Green Star rating, the design will see the lower levels of the existing building retained with 14 new floors to be constructed above. The lower level will feature UTS’s second Science Super Lab, while

the accurate manufacture of components offsite.

Construction of UTS Central is expected to be completed in mid 2019.

“UTS Central forms an important part of the university’s Master Plan for the city campus,” said Rob Lake, Project Director for Richard Crookes Constructions.

“A.G. Coombs was able to present an innovative approach to the mechanical services design and has added significant value to the project, particularly through their advanced use of BIM.”

the new podium levels will house the bulk of social, student-focused areas including the new UTS Library and food court. The new nine-level tower above will accommodate UTS’s growing focus on research.

A mechanical services design concept by engineer Steensen Varming has been cleverly reconfigured by A.G. Coombs Projects – appointed as mechanical services design and construct contractor by construction manager, Richard Crookes Constructions.

Seeking to add value to the project, A.G. Coombs has developed a cost-effective, energy efficient design that features a centralised low temperature system utilising EC fan air handling unit technology.

The design takes advantage of an existing chilled water supply from the city campus central energy plant at the base of the building, that incorporates additional cooling capacity from the central plant within 06

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

“A.G. Coombs was able to present an innovative approach to the mechanical services design and has added significant value to the project, particularly through their advanced use of BIM.” Rob Lake, Project Director, Richard Crookes Constructions A radical revitalisation of existing buildings UTS Central features an energy efficient HVAC system using EC fan AHU technology.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

07

Property portfolio in tune

Taking a proactive approach to healthcare

Through the collaboration of A.G. Coombs Advisory and A.G. Coombs

This program then involves the tuning of each building’s systems

Acknowledging the sensitive, around-the-clock operations of healthcare

Service, the building energy performance of a group of prominent

for energy efficiency, before SkySpark® data analytics software

facilities, Walker Fire Protection is taking a proactive approach to fulfil

commercial office buildings in Melbourne has been significantly

is implemented. Applied across the Victorian office portfolio,

the prescriptive requirements of fire safety system maintenance in a

improved.

A.G. Coombs Advisory is able to further analyse building, energy and

major metropolitan hospital.

harter Hall Group is one of Australia’s leading property groups with a total managed property portfolio of over

and operational savings.

$23.2 billion. It owns and manages 330 commercial

The benefits of engaging A.G. Coombs across Charter Hall Group’s

properties across the country, including office buildings,

Melbourne property portfolio have been significant.

retail centres and industrial assets on behalf of its institutional, wholesale and retail investors.

Since 2008, A.G. Coombs has worked closely with Charter Hall Group to improve the operational and energy performance of its expanding Melbourne portfolio.

buildings such as the 34-level Argus Centre at 300 La Trobe Street, the 29-level 150 Lonsdale Street and 171 Collins Street – Melbourne’s first Premium Grade, 6 star Green Star office building.

A.G. Coombs Service is contracted to property manager CBRE to provide preventative maintenance of the buildings’ mechanical services and A.G. Coombs Advisory is engaged by Charter Hall Group to conduct the Building Energy Optimisation Program (BEOP®).

Melbourne has advocated new approaches to women’s health and newborns.

Providing comprehensive health services ranging from

A.G. Coombs engineers are able to quickly diagnose and resolve

clinical expertise in maternity, gynaecology and specialist care

issues as they arise, and their intimate knowledge of each building

of newborns, to women’s cancer services, it plays a central role

and the BEOP strategies put in place by A.G. Coombs Advisory’s

in Victoria’s health system with over 250,000 episodes of care

building technologies team has delivered significant improvements in

administered each year.

®

the NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) energy ratings of the buildings.

This portfolio includes, among others, landmark commercial office

F

or more than 160 years, the Royal Women’s Hospital in

Having relocated to a purpose-built facility in Parkville (next to the Royal Melbourne Hospital) in 2008, the 10-year-old building features

This is headlined by a 2 star NABERS energy improvement at

seven clinical levels as well as a public access ground floor and

300 La Trobe Street. Originally operating at 3 star NABERS, the

underground car park.

building is now operating above 5 stars, with the program having contributed to a 60 per cent reduction in kWh energy consumption.

In dollar terms, this represents an annual energy cost saving of over $347,000 on this property alone.

150 Lonsdale Street and 171 Collins Street have also achieved NABERS rating improvements of 1.5 stars – with 171 Collins Street now

Working with facility manager Cushman & Wakefield, Walker Fire Protection has been delivering fire safety systems maintenance, inspection and testing to the Royal Women’s Hospital since 2016.

Its scope of works includes the maintenance, inspection and testing of smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems, fire doors, extinguishers, hydrants, hose reels and the hospital’s Emergency Warning and

operating at a market-leading 6 star NABERS rating.

Intercommunication System (EWIS). Walker Fire Protection also

“Improving the NABERS ratings and performance of our buildings has helped us reposition them within the Melbourne property market and sets a benchmark for what can be achieved in existing buildings.”

The savings are also profound across these buildings. A combined

of the hospital’s mechanical services systems, including fire damper

kWh energy reduction of over 2,800,000kWh represents a saving of

and shutter testing.

Trent Lowther, Manager of Technical Services, Charter Hall Group

levels of energy performance these buildings can achieve in the future.

BEOP® commences with a comprehensive audit and report on

$429,000 annually.

engages A.G. Coombs Service to conduct integrated fire mode testing

An important aspect of Walker Fire Protection’s role at the Royal

A.G. Coombs Advisory is continuing to roll out its Building Energy

Women’s Hospital has been the completion of an asset capture

Optimisation Program across Charter Hall Group’s Melbourne

program of all fire safety systems and equipment at the site.

properties, with the support of A.G. Coombs Service and CBRE.

As well as improving the life cycle management of these assets,

And with artificial intelligence technologies set to enhance the

the auditing of assets has also enhanced the ability to demonstrate

opportunities provided by building analytics, there is no limit to what

compliance to meet regulatory requirements.

With a strong track record in providing services to sensitive

to ensure essential services such as the EWIS operate as designed without negatively impacting on the provision of patient services.

To this end, an intimate understanding of the hospital’s fire system’s ‘cause and effect matrix’ has been important to minimise false alarms and interruptions to hospital services, while prioritising patient care and safety.

“The Royal Women’s Hospital is a vital part of Victoria’s healthcare

preventative maintenance programs delivered by A.G. Coombs across

all inspection and testing tasks with as little impact to hospital

our Melbourne portfolio have exceeded expectations,” says Trent

patients as possible. And in the case of a major facility like the

Lowther, Manager of Technical Services at Charter Hall Group.

Women’s, maintaining continuity and consistency at the site has

“Walker Fire Protection plays an important role in the ongoing

been critical.

management of the facility, with their technical acumen and

establish systems configurations, operating strategies, performance

helped us reposition them within the Melbourne property market and

Walker Fire Protection technicians work collaboratively with key

and opportunity for improvement.

sets a benchmark for what can be achieved in existing buildings.”

stakeholders, including the facility managers, and hospital staff,

2018-2019

David Owen, Contract Manager – Global Occupier Services, Cushman & Wakefield

healthcare facilities, Walker Fire Protection technicians complete

“Improving the NABERS ratings and performance of our buildings has

Building Efficiency

“Walker Fire Protection plays an important role in the ongoing management of the facility, with their technical acumen and commitment to consistency of service adding significant value to our team.”

“The achievements of the building energy optimisation and

the building’s control systems and energy consuming services to

08

ROYAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

C

equipment data and identify opportunities for improved performance

system,” says David Owen, Contract Manager – Global Occupier Services at Cushman & Wakefield.

commitment to consistency of service adding significant value to our team.”

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

09

Property portfolio in tune

Taking a proactive approach to healthcare

Through the collaboration of A.G. Coombs Advisory and A.G. Coombs

This program then involves the tuning of each building’s systems

Acknowledging the sensitive, around-the-clock operations of healthcare

Service, the building energy performance of a group of prominent

for energy efficiency, before SkySpark® data analytics software

facilities, Walker Fire Protection is taking a proactive approach to fulfil

commercial office buildings in Melbourne has been significantly

is implemented. Applied across the Victorian office portfolio,

the prescriptive requirements of fire safety system maintenance in a

improved.

A.G. Coombs Advisory is able to further analyse building, energy and

major metropolitan hospital.

harter Hall Group is one of Australia’s leading property groups with a total managed property portfolio of over

and operational savings.

$23.2 billion. It owns and manages 330 commercial

The benefits of engaging A.G. Coombs across Charter Hall Group’s

properties across the country, including office buildings,

Melbourne property portfolio have been significant.

retail centres and industrial assets on behalf of its institutional, wholesale and retail investors.

Since 2008, A.G. Coombs has worked closely with Charter Hall Group to improve the operational and energy performance of its expanding Melbourne portfolio.

buildings such as the 34-level Argus Centre at 300 La Trobe Street, the 29-level 150 Lonsdale Street and 171 Collins Street – Melbourne’s first Premium Grade, 6 star Green Star office building.

A.G. Coombs Service is contracted to property manager CBRE to provide preventative maintenance of the buildings’ mechanical services and A.G. Coombs Advisory is engaged by Charter Hall Group to conduct the Building Energy Optimisation Program (BEOP®).

Melbourne has advocated new approaches to women’s health and newborns.

Providing comprehensive health services ranging from

A.G. Coombs engineers are able to quickly diagnose and resolve

clinical expertise in maternity, gynaecology and specialist care

issues as they arise, and their intimate knowledge of each building

of newborns, to women’s cancer services, it plays a central role

and the BEOP strategies put in place by A.G. Coombs Advisory’s

in Victoria’s health system with over 250,000 episodes of care

building technologies team has delivered significant improvements in

administered each year.

®

the NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) energy ratings of the buildings.

This portfolio includes, among others, landmark commercial office

F

or more than 160 years, the Royal Women’s Hospital in

Having relocated to a purpose-built facility in Parkville (next to the Royal Melbourne Hospital) in 2008, the 10-year-old building features

This is headlined by a 2 star NABERS energy improvement at

seven clinical levels as well as a public access ground floor and

300 La Trobe Street. Originally operating at 3 star NABERS, the

underground car park.

building is now operating above 5 stars, with the program having contributed to a 60 per cent reduction in kWh energy consumption.

In dollar terms, this represents an annual energy cost saving of over $347,000 on this property alone.

150 Lonsdale Street and 171 Collins Street have also achieved NABERS rating improvements of 1.5 stars – with 171 Collins Street now

Working with facility manager Cushman & Wakefield, Walker Fire Protection has been delivering fire safety systems maintenance, inspection and testing to the Royal Women’s Hospital since 2016.

Its scope of works includes the maintenance, inspection and testing of smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems, fire doors, extinguishers, hydrants, hose reels and the hospital’s Emergency Warning and

operating at a market-leading 6 star NABERS rating.

Intercommunication System (EWIS). Walker Fire Protection also

“Improving the NABERS ratings and performance of our buildings has helped us reposition them within the Melbourne property market and sets a benchmark for what can be achieved in existing buildings.”

The savings are also profound across these buildings. A combined

of the hospital’s mechanical services systems, including fire damper

kWh energy reduction of over 2,800,000kWh represents a saving of

and shutter testing.

Trent Lowther, Manager of Technical Services, Charter Hall Group

levels of energy performance these buildings can achieve in the future.

BEOP® commences with a comprehensive audit and report on

$429,000 annually.

engages A.G. Coombs Service to conduct integrated fire mode testing

An important aspect of Walker Fire Protection’s role at the Royal

A.G. Coombs Advisory is continuing to roll out its Building Energy

Women’s Hospital has been the completion of an asset capture

Optimisation Program across Charter Hall Group’s Melbourne

program of all fire safety systems and equipment at the site.

properties, with the support of A.G. Coombs Service and CBRE.

As well as improving the life cycle management of these assets,

And with artificial intelligence technologies set to enhance the

the auditing of assets has also enhanced the ability to demonstrate

opportunities provided by building analytics, there is no limit to what

compliance to meet regulatory requirements.

With a strong track record in providing services to sensitive

to ensure essential services such as the EWIS operate as designed without negatively impacting on the provision of patient services.

To this end, an intimate understanding of the hospital’s fire system’s ‘cause and effect matrix’ has been important to minimise false alarms and interruptions to hospital services, while prioritising patient care and safety.

“The Royal Women’s Hospital is a vital part of Victoria’s healthcare

preventative maintenance programs delivered by A.G. Coombs across

all inspection and testing tasks with as little impact to hospital

our Melbourne portfolio have exceeded expectations,” says Trent

patients as possible. And in the case of a major facility like the

Lowther, Manager of Technical Services at Charter Hall Group.

Women’s, maintaining continuity and consistency at the site has

“Walker Fire Protection plays an important role in the ongoing

been critical.

management of the facility, with their technical acumen and

establish systems configurations, operating strategies, performance

helped us reposition them within the Melbourne property market and

Walker Fire Protection technicians work collaboratively with key

and opportunity for improvement.

sets a benchmark for what can be achieved in existing buildings.”

stakeholders, including the facility managers, and hospital staff,

2018-2019

David Owen, Contract Manager – Global Occupier Services, Cushman & Wakefield

healthcare facilities, Walker Fire Protection technicians complete

“Improving the NABERS ratings and performance of our buildings has

Building Efficiency

“Walker Fire Protection plays an important role in the ongoing management of the facility, with their technical acumen and commitment to consistency of service adding significant value to our team.”

“The achievements of the building energy optimisation and

the building’s control systems and energy consuming services to

08

ROYAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

C

equipment data and identify opportunities for improved performance

system,” says David Owen, Contract Manager – Global Occupier Services at Cushman & Wakefield.

commitment to consistency of service adding significant value to our team.”

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

09

Protecting our borders

As part of Australia’s biosecurity continuum, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has consolidated all post-entry quarantine facilities into a single location near Melbourne’s international airport.

F

As the containment units are designed for zero leakage, particular attention was paid to the sealing of services penetrations during installation, requiring detailed planning and coordination of all trades led by A.G. Coombs.

The first of its kind in the world the Avian facility houses imported birds; dedicated HVAC plant serves the laboratory level

or many decades, five post-entry quarantine facilities

cats, with HVAC services designed to minimise cross-contamination

As the containment units are designed for zero leakage, particular

with design engineers Jacobs during the commissioning phase of

have operated around the nation to help safeguard

between animal rooms.

attention was paid to the sealing of services penetrations during

all facilities, while Walker Fire Protection completed all integrated

installation, requiring detailed planning and coordination of all trades

systems testing with other trades to confirm the functionality of the

led by A.G. Coombs.

fire and life safety systems.

All facilities were handed over to the Department at the end of 2017.

Australia from harmful pests and diseases being brought into the country.

Located at least 100m from other buildings, two completely separate equine compounds feature 40 naturally ventilated stables for

But with leases on these properties expiring, the Department has

imported horses, including racehorses imported for both competition

All ductwork on the room side of the gas-tight dampers and services

taken the opportunity to plan for Australia’s long-term post-entry

and breeding.

penetrations connected to the rooms was fully sealed. Ductwork

quarantine needs by building a new, purpose-built facility on Commonwealth-owned land in Melbourne’s north west.

Completed recently, the Mickleham facility is the first point of entry for all imported animals, birds, plant material and insects entering the country, and provides secure accommodation and biological containment while quarantine periods are met.

In 2014, A.G. Coombs was appointed by builder, CPB Contractors, as

within recirculating and exhaust systems was required to be fully

During the project’s peak, the A.G. Coombs Group of companies had in excess of 30 personnel working on multiple work fronts across the complex 144 hectare site.

the project’s mechanical services specialist contractor and worked in

rigid with internal acoustic lining sealed under an impervious membrane and was prefabricated offsite.

To improve maintenance access and minimise the lengths of stainless steel ductwork, A.G. Coombs rearranged the Avian plantroom layout within the constraints set out in the design.

Additionally, ductwork was colour-coded to match the colour scheme of the respective containment unit, providing visual clarity to maintenance staff.

parallel with Walker Fire Protection who was contracted to install and Other buildings include a Bees facility to accommodate the import

Connections between smoke detection and the facility’s occupant

of bees and promote the growth of bee larvae, a 3,140m² greenhouse

warning system, HVAC and security systems required a high level

During the project’s peak, the A.G. Coombs Group had in excess of

space for plants imported into Australia, and a ruminants compound

of detailed finishing during installation. These ensure immediate

30 personnel working on multiple work fronts across the complex

for cattle and sheep.

shutdown of systems in the event of fire for the safe egress of

commission specialist fire protection systems.

144 hectare site.

But it is the four-storey, 2,250m² Avian facility that is the site’s

At the heart of the post-entry quarantine facility is a central utilities building (CUB) that provides chilled water and heating hot water, as

most complex.

highest level of biosecurity containment – with dedicated HVAC plant

To validate compliance with the biosecurity containment requirements

type or plant. These include separate buildings to house dogs and

serving one laboratory level.

under various operating scenarios, A.G. Coombs worked closely

2018-2019

protection systems for facility manager, JLL. Walker Fire Protection has applied specialist pro-active maintenance techniques to avoid false alarms from the complex systems, minimise Fire Brigade call outs and disruption to the facilities operation.

Familiarity with this complex site has proven to be a significant advantage when carrying out maintenance and routine inspection and testing of these systems. Strict protocols and access requirements must be followed, and all maintenance technicians are required to complete specific decontamination processes when entering and exiting each quarantine compound.

flexibility was designed and built into the installed systems to allow

Each uniquely-designed facility accommodates a particular animal

Building Efficiency

while Walker Fire Protection has been engaged to maintain fire

To accommodate the unknown effects of inertia and room tightness,

A first of its kind in the world, the Avian facility houses imported

10

requirements of the sophisticated mechanical services at the site,

occupants and the protection of livestock.

well as other services, to all 14 quarantine buildings on the site.

birds in strict quarantine conditions and includes five BC3 units – the

A.G. Coombs Service has since fulfilled the maintenance

for adjustments to be made during commissioning.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

11

Protecting our borders

As part of Australia’s biosecurity continuum, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has consolidated all post-entry quarantine facilities into a single location near Melbourne’s international airport.

F

As the containment units are designed for zero leakage, particular attention was paid to the sealing of services penetrations during installation, requiring detailed planning and coordination of all trades led by A.G. Coombs.

The first of its kind in the world the Avian facility houses imported birds; dedicated HVAC plant serves the laboratory level

or many decades, five post-entry quarantine facilities

cats, with HVAC services designed to minimise cross-contamination

As the containment units are designed for zero leakage, particular

with design engineers Jacobs during the commissioning phase of

have operated around the nation to help safeguard

between animal rooms.

attention was paid to the sealing of services penetrations during

all facilities, while Walker Fire Protection completed all integrated

installation, requiring detailed planning and coordination of all trades

systems testing with other trades to confirm the functionality of the

led by A.G. Coombs.

fire and life safety systems.

All facilities were handed over to the Department at the end of 2017.

Australia from harmful pests and diseases being brought into the country.

Located at least 100m from other buildings, two completely separate equine compounds feature 40 naturally ventilated stables for

But with leases on these properties expiring, the Department has

imported horses, including racehorses imported for both competition

All ductwork on the room side of the gas-tight dampers and services

taken the opportunity to plan for Australia’s long-term post-entry

and breeding.

penetrations connected to the rooms was fully sealed. Ductwork

quarantine needs by building a new, purpose-built facility on Commonwealth-owned land in Melbourne’s north west.

Completed recently, the Mickleham facility is the first point of entry for all imported animals, birds, plant material and insects entering the country, and provides secure accommodation and biological containment while quarantine periods are met.

In 2014, A.G. Coombs was appointed by builder, CPB Contractors, as

within recirculating and exhaust systems was required to be fully

During the project’s peak, the A.G. Coombs Group of companies had in excess of 30 personnel working on multiple work fronts across the complex 144 hectare site.

the project’s mechanical services specialist contractor and worked in

rigid with internal acoustic lining sealed under an impervious membrane and was prefabricated offsite.

To improve maintenance access and minimise the lengths of stainless steel ductwork, A.G. Coombs rearranged the Avian plantroom layout within the constraints set out in the design.

Additionally, ductwork was colour-coded to match the colour scheme of the respective containment unit, providing visual clarity to maintenance staff.

parallel with Walker Fire Protection who was contracted to install and Other buildings include a Bees facility to accommodate the import

Connections between smoke detection and the facility’s occupant

of bees and promote the growth of bee larvae, a 3,140m² greenhouse

warning system, HVAC and security systems required a high level

During the project’s peak, the A.G. Coombs Group had in excess of

space for plants imported into Australia, and a ruminants compound

of detailed finishing during installation. These ensure immediate

30 personnel working on multiple work fronts across the complex

for cattle and sheep.

shutdown of systems in the event of fire for the safe egress of

commission specialist fire protection systems.

144 hectare site.

But it is the four-storey, 2,250m² Avian facility that is the site’s

At the heart of the post-entry quarantine facility is a central utilities building (CUB) that provides chilled water and heating hot water, as

most complex.

highest level of biosecurity containment – with dedicated HVAC plant

To validate compliance with the biosecurity containment requirements

type or plant. These include separate buildings to house dogs and

serving one laboratory level.

under various operating scenarios, A.G. Coombs worked closely

2018-2019

protection systems for facility manager, JLL. Walker Fire Protection has applied specialist pro-active maintenance techniques to avoid false alarms from the complex systems, minimise Fire Brigade call outs and disruption to the facilities operation.

Familiarity with this complex site has proven to be a significant advantage when carrying out maintenance and routine inspection and testing of these systems. Strict protocols and access requirements must be followed, and all maintenance technicians are required to complete specific decontamination processes when entering and exiting each quarantine compound.

flexibility was designed and built into the installed systems to allow

Each uniquely-designed facility accommodates a particular animal

Building Efficiency

while Walker Fire Protection has been engaged to maintain fire

To accommodate the unknown effects of inertia and room tightness,

A first of its kind in the world, the Avian facility houses imported

10

requirements of the sophisticated mechanical services at the site,

occupants and the protection of livestock.

well as other services, to all 14 quarantine buildings on the site.

birds in strict quarantine conditions and includes five BC3 units – the

A.G. Coombs Service has since fulfilled the maintenance

for adjustments to be made during commissioning.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

11

Growler’s ground support

“A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise and track record in providing certainty of outcome, has been an important element in delivering a technologically advanced project such as this.”

Twelve EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft have recently joined Australia’s largest air force base near Ipswich in southern Queensland, providing a technologically-advanced new capability for the Australian Defence Force.

Lee Hughes, Project Manager, Lendlease

IMAGE: © COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 2018

T

o support their arrival at RAAF Base Amberley last

A new workshop and warehouse in close proximity to the No.6

Additionally, an extension to the existing flight simulator building

Project wide, all services have been designed and installed to strict

year, Stage 1 of the multi-million dollar RAAF Growler

Squadron building provides storage and facilities for maintenance.

means the facility will now jointly house two existing Tactical

Defence security requirements.

Airborne Attack Capability Facilities Project has recently been completed.

The RAAF Growler Airborne Attack Capability Facilities Project

Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs) and two new Growler TOFTs.

A.G. Coombs led the coordination of all services on site and

also included the refurbishment of a number of existing buildings

Operating in much the same way as a high-density data centre, the

implemented BIM (building information management) for drafting

The much anticipated facilities have been designed to accommodate

across the 1,600 hectare base, where alterations to existing

building is served by an underfloor displacement air conditioning

and coordination purposes.

a world-class, electronic warfare system that provides ground support

mechanical services were made to accommodate an increase in

system with down flow precision cooling units (PCUs). Air is distributed

to the RAAF Growler fleet.

personnel numbers.

via a raised floor system within the room through heavy duty computer

The project has included the construction of new squadron and

For example, the Guided Weapon System Program Office (GWSPO)

hangar facilities for the new aircraft, as well as refurbishment to

building was extended, with a new internal fitout undertaken.

room floor grilles, with opposed blade dampers behind the grilles.

minimise inefficiencies resulting from the restriction of movement

Despite such challenges, Stage 1 of the RAAF Growler Airborne Attack

other support spaces.

Capability Facilities Project was completed and commissioned on time and to schedule earlier this year.

Engaged by the project’s Managing Contractor, Lendlease, A.G. Coombs brought its expertise and experience in Defence projects

“The RAAF Growler Airborne Attack Capability Facilities Project is

to RAAF Base Amberley and worked closely with the

an important addition to Australia’s defence capabilities,” said Lee

Department of Defence, and Wood & Grieve Engineers

Hughes, Managing Contractor’s Representative for Lendlease.

on the installation of the mechanical services.

“A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise and track record in providing

The new No. 6 Squadron headquarters consists of a hangar for

certainty of outcome, has been an important element in delivering

operational level maintenance of Growler aircraft and working

a technologically advanced project such as this.”

accommodation for over 200 Air Force personnel.

A.G. Coombs is now involved in Phase 2 of the project, which includes

The two-storey facility is located within the high security, fast-jet

works on three buildings at RAAF Base Amberley, including the Air

precinct of the base, and houses a variety of secure areas, crew rooms, auditoriums, briefing facilities, office areas, workshops and functional spaces. A centralised chilled water plant and reticulation system serves both constant and variable volume air handling units.

The hangar is served by tool (compressed) air and breathing air systems, along with a fuel tank ventilation system designed to purge fuel tanks prior to and during tank entries.

Building Efficiency

strict security supervision at all times, requiring detailed planning to across work sites.

existing workshops, flight simulators, administration offices and

12

Additionally, A.G. Coombs personnel were required to work under

2018-2019

Combat Electronic Attack Systems Program Office.

This included the installation of a multi-head VRF (variable refrigerant

Chilled water pipework is distributed under the raised floor to serve

flow) heat recovery system, with dedicated exhaust fans and make-up

the PCUs, which are provided with an integrated humidifier and an

air provisions to serve individual workshops and offices.

additional electric heating element.

Due to the processes undertaken in these spaces, local contaminant

The PCUs operate 24 hours a day under the control of the

monitoring systems have been installed with flashing strobe lights to

BMCS (building management and control system) via high

alert occupants when acceptable indoor levels are exceeded.

level interface.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

13

Growler’s ground support

“A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise and track record in providing certainty of outcome, has been an important element in delivering a technologically advanced project such as this.”

Twelve EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft have recently joined Australia’s largest air force base near Ipswich in southern Queensland, providing a technologically-advanced new capability for the Australian Defence Force.

Lee Hughes, Project Manager, Lendlease

IMAGE: © COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 2018

T

o support their arrival at RAAF Base Amberley last

A new workshop and warehouse in close proximity to the No.6

Additionally, an extension to the existing flight simulator building

Project wide, all services have been designed and installed to strict

year, Stage 1 of the multi-million dollar RAAF Growler

Squadron building provides storage and facilities for maintenance.

means the facility will now jointly house two existing Tactical

Defence security requirements.

Airborne Attack Capability Facilities Project has recently been completed.

The RAAF Growler Airborne Attack Capability Facilities Project

Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs) and two new Growler TOFTs.

A.G. Coombs led the coordination of all services on site and

also included the refurbishment of a number of existing buildings

Operating in much the same way as a high-density data centre, the

implemented BIM (building information management) for drafting

The much anticipated facilities have been designed to accommodate

across the 1,600 hectare base, where alterations to existing

building is served by an underfloor displacement air conditioning

and coordination purposes.

a world-class, electronic warfare system that provides ground support

mechanical services were made to accommodate an increase in

system with down flow precision cooling units (PCUs). Air is distributed

to the RAAF Growler fleet.

personnel numbers.

via a raised floor system within the room through heavy duty computer

The project has included the construction of new squadron and

For example, the Guided Weapon System Program Office (GWSPO)

hangar facilities for the new aircraft, as well as refurbishment to

building was extended, with a new internal fitout undertaken.

room floor grilles, with opposed blade dampers behind the grilles.

minimise inefficiencies resulting from the restriction of movement

Despite such challenges, Stage 1 of the RAAF Growler Airborne Attack

other support spaces.

Capability Facilities Project was completed and commissioned on time and to schedule earlier this year.

Engaged by the project’s Managing Contractor, Lendlease, A.G. Coombs brought its expertise and experience in Defence projects

“The RAAF Growler Airborne Attack Capability Facilities Project is

to RAAF Base Amberley and worked closely with the

an important addition to Australia’s defence capabilities,” said Lee

Department of Defence, and Wood & Grieve Engineers

Hughes, Managing Contractor’s Representative for Lendlease.

on the installation of the mechanical services.

“A.G. Coombs’ technical expertise and track record in providing

The new No. 6 Squadron headquarters consists of a hangar for

certainty of outcome, has been an important element in delivering

operational level maintenance of Growler aircraft and working

a technologically advanced project such as this.”

accommodation for over 200 Air Force personnel.

A.G. Coombs is now involved in Phase 2 of the project, which includes

The two-storey facility is located within the high security, fast-jet

works on three buildings at RAAF Base Amberley, including the Air

precinct of the base, and houses a variety of secure areas, crew rooms, auditoriums, briefing facilities, office areas, workshops and functional spaces. A centralised chilled water plant and reticulation system serves both constant and variable volume air handling units.

The hangar is served by tool (compressed) air and breathing air systems, along with a fuel tank ventilation system designed to purge fuel tanks prior to and during tank entries.

Building Efficiency

strict security supervision at all times, requiring detailed planning to across work sites.

existing workshops, flight simulators, administration offices and

12

Additionally, A.G. Coombs personnel were required to work under

2018-2019

Combat Electronic Attack Systems Program Office.

This included the installation of a multi-head VRF (variable refrigerant

Chilled water pipework is distributed under the raised floor to serve

flow) heat recovery system, with dedicated exhaust fans and make-up

the PCUs, which are provided with an integrated humidifier and an

air provisions to serve individual workshops and offices.

additional electric heating element.

Due to the processes undertaken in these spaces, local contaminant

The PCUs operate 24 hours a day under the control of the

monitoring systems have been installed with flashing strobe lights to

BMCS (building management and control system) via high

alert occupants when acceptable indoor levels are exceeded.

level interface.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

13

Bendigo’s new golden era

A Public Private Partnership (PPP) project has delivered the state’s largest regional hospital to the central goldfields city of Bendigo.

Adiabatic heat rejection delivered water savings and mitigated Legionella risk.

T

he new Bendigo Hospital represents one of the largest and

plant assists in meeting the building’s base electricity load, as well

The hospital’s large, horizontal floor plates on the lower levels also

most complex regional health projects to be undertaken

as simultaneously generating useful heat and cooling.

proved challenging in maintaining a productive workforce. To ensure

anywhere in Australia.

Elsewhere, individual AHUs serve the operating theatres, and feature

The new facility offers world-class, state-of-the-art acute

healthcare to the region. It accommodates 372 inpatient beds, 72 same-day beds, 11 new operating theatres, an integrated cancer treatment centre and an 80 bed psychiatry services facility – making it around 60 per cent larger than its predecessor.

The project’s focus on patient wellbeing is evident in the building’s design that incorporates an abundance of natural light, fresh air and open, internal spaces.

pressurisation, humidification, HEPA filtration and allowances for ultra-clean ventilation filtration.

The hospital’s data centre is serviced by a concurrently maintainable, computer room air handler unit. An economy cycle is also provided to take advantage of the region’s cool climate.

A significant amount of engineering went into the selection and design of the mechanical and HVAC services, including the modelling of water and energy consumption.

As the design and construct mechanical HVAC services contractor, A.G. Coombs Projects, played a key role in the project’s delivery, as part of the Lendlease design and construction team.

The mechanical services design incorporates an impressive 8.5MW chilled water and 9MW heating hot water plant connected to fourpipe airside equipment to deliver a world-class indoor environment to hospital patients, staff and visitors.

The use of adiabatic heat rejection instead of traditional cooling towers

spaces, and use a combination of single and multi-zone air handling units (AHUs) that incorporate heat recovery from exhaust and relief systems. This design allows for smaller VAV thermal zones and

In total, 50 prefabricated vertical services riser modules and over 300 horizontal modules, containing multiple services, were installed.

As well as helping to overcome local labour expertise constraints and the cost of relocating staff from Melbourne, prefabrication delivered significant on site installation efficiencies, improved quality control and reduced workplace safety risks.

the design phase, with the facility comprehensively modelled in 3D using BIM MEP AUS templates across the consultant/contractor team.

Such is the scale of the facility, that the mechanical services systems

The BIM model will be vital in supporting and informing modification

include some 35,000 pieces – or 40 kilometres – of ductwork, as well

works in the future as healthcare needs and technologies change.

and about 5 kilometres of pipework.

“The new Bendigo Hospital represents one of the largest regional

An incredible 40 kilometres of wire hanging cable has also been used

complexity of the project presented the design and construction team

to support the ductwork, cushion heads and lightweight services.

with a number of unique challenges, and A.G. Coombs has played an

development that required a staged user group review process,

to provide sufficient redundancy, while an energy efficient trigeneration

all whilst the construction continued to advance.

during installation, including the timing of the services design

Gerard Dillon, Senior Services Manager, Lendlease

lead role in coordinating multiple services trades in this regard.

allowed for the most efficient configuration of the chilled water plant.

Variable speed, water-cooled chillers are provided in a N+1 configuration

2018-2019

into the design from the earliest stages and A.G. Coombs took the

BIM (building information modelling) was also utilised from early in

A.G. Coombs Projects was presented with a number of challenges

Building Efficiency

Modularisation and prefabrication techniques were incorporated

the region’s water supply, but has also mitigated Legionella risk and

delivers efficiencies in both fan energy and thermal cooling.

14

were broken down into smaller, “virtual” areas.

has not only delivered water savings and reduced the site’s impact on

as over 800 air conditioning and ventilation fans, more than 130 AHUs

Variable air volume (VAV) systems serve the majority of the hospital’s

the onsite team maintained efficiency and reached milestones, these

“The new Bendigo Hospital represents one of the largest regional healthcare facilities to ever be built in Australia. The scale and complexity of the project presented the design and construction team with a number of unique challenges, and A.G. Coombs has played an important role in successfully delivering a new standard of healthcare to the people of Bendigo,”

healthcare facilities to ever be built in Australia. The scale and

important role in successfully delivering a new standard of healthcare to the people of Bendigo,” said Gerard Dillon, Senior Services Manager for Lendlease.

The new hospital was officially opened in August 2018.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

15

Bendigo’s new golden era

A Public Private Partnership (PPP) project has delivered the state’s largest regional hospital to the central goldfields city of Bendigo.

Adiabatic heat rejection delivered water savings and mitigated Legionella risk.

T

he new Bendigo Hospital represents one of the largest and

plant assists in meeting the building’s base electricity load, as well

The hospital’s large, horizontal floor plates on the lower levels also

most complex regional health projects to be undertaken

as simultaneously generating useful heat and cooling.

proved challenging in maintaining a productive workforce. To ensure

anywhere in Australia.

Elsewhere, individual AHUs serve the operating theatres, and feature

The new facility offers world-class, state-of-the-art acute

healthcare to the region. It accommodates 372 inpatient beds, 72 same-day beds, 11 new operating theatres, an integrated cancer treatment centre and an 80 bed psychiatry services facility – making it around 60 per cent larger than its predecessor.

The project’s focus on patient wellbeing is evident in the building’s design that incorporates an abundance of natural light, fresh air and open, internal spaces.

pressurisation, humidification, HEPA filtration and allowances for ultra-clean ventilation filtration.

The hospital’s data centre is serviced by a concurrently maintainable, computer room air handler unit. An economy cycle is also provided to take advantage of the region’s cool climate.

A significant amount of engineering went into the selection and design of the mechanical and HVAC services, including the modelling of water and energy consumption.

As the design and construct mechanical HVAC services contractor, A.G. Coombs Projects, played a key role in the project’s delivery, as part of the Lendlease design and construction team.

The mechanical services design incorporates an impressive 8.5MW chilled water and 9MW heating hot water plant connected to fourpipe airside equipment to deliver a world-class indoor environment to hospital patients, staff and visitors.

The use of adiabatic heat rejection instead of traditional cooling towers

spaces, and use a combination of single and multi-zone air handling units (AHUs) that incorporate heat recovery from exhaust and relief systems. This design allows for smaller VAV thermal zones and

In total, 50 prefabricated vertical services riser modules and over 300 horizontal modules, containing multiple services, were installed.

As well as helping to overcome local labour expertise constraints and the cost of relocating staff from Melbourne, prefabrication delivered significant on site installation efficiencies, improved quality control and reduced workplace safety risks.

the design phase, with the facility comprehensively modelled in 3D using BIM MEP AUS templates across the consultant/contractor team.

Such is the scale of the facility, that the mechanical services systems

The BIM model will be vital in supporting and informing modification

include some 35,000 pieces – or 40 kilometres – of ductwork, as well

works in the future as healthcare needs and technologies change.

and about 5 kilometres of pipework.

“The new Bendigo Hospital represents one of the largest regional

An incredible 40 kilometres of wire hanging cable has also been used

complexity of the project presented the design and construction team

to support the ductwork, cushion heads and lightweight services.

with a number of unique challenges, and A.G. Coombs has played an

development that required a staged user group review process,

to provide sufficient redundancy, while an energy efficient trigeneration

all whilst the construction continued to advance.

during installation, including the timing of the services design

Gerard Dillon, Senior Services Manager, Lendlease

lead role in coordinating multiple services trades in this regard.

allowed for the most efficient configuration of the chilled water plant.

Variable speed, water-cooled chillers are provided in a N+1 configuration

2018-2019

into the design from the earliest stages and A.G. Coombs took the

BIM (building information modelling) was also utilised from early in

A.G. Coombs Projects was presented with a number of challenges

Building Efficiency

Modularisation and prefabrication techniques were incorporated

the region’s water supply, but has also mitigated Legionella risk and

delivers efficiencies in both fan energy and thermal cooling.

14

were broken down into smaller, “virtual” areas.

has not only delivered water savings and reduced the site’s impact on

as over 800 air conditioning and ventilation fans, more than 130 AHUs

Variable air volume (VAV) systems serve the majority of the hospital’s

the onsite team maintained efficiency and reached milestones, these

“The new Bendigo Hospital represents one of the largest regional healthcare facilities to ever be built in Australia. The scale and complexity of the project presented the design and construction team with a number of unique challenges, and A.G. Coombs has played an important role in successfully delivering a new standard of healthcare to the people of Bendigo,”

healthcare facilities to ever be built in Australia. The scale and

important role in successfully delivering a new standard of healthcare to the people of Bendigo,” said Gerard Dillon, Senior Services Manager for Lendlease.

The new hospital was officially opened in August 2018.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

15

One byte at a time

Diving into service

While off-site prefabrication is now commonplace in the commercial

“Whilst the facility is small, it has been designed and built to a

building sector to enable parallel construction, the move toward

standard that is found in larger mission critical Data Centre facilities,”

modularisation in Data Centres has seen similar strategies flourish.

says Luke Walford, Associate Director and Infrastructure Manager at

M

odular design and construction is rapidly changing the face of the Data Centre industry.

As well as offering Data Centre operators the ability to fast-track construction to more quickly meet client

Southern Cross University.

“A.G. Coombs provided a solution that was value for money, satisfied our technical requirements and delivered the project with a high degree of professionalism.”

demands, modularisation enables scalability and allows for capital

The Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences boasts an internationally

Since mid-2017, A.G. Coombs has worked collaboratively with the

recognised collection of historical items that demonstrate how

Museum to refurbish the buildings’ existing HVAC systems and

technology, engineering, science and design have impacted Australia

improve reliability and performance, including upgrades to the

and the world.

Powerhouse building’s unique seawater cooling plant.

W

ith a wealth of experience providing service and

This system utilises the original open tunnels that once fed cooling

maintenance to similar facilities, A.G. Coombs has

water to the building’s electric rail power plant. Today, these tunnels

been charged with the task of maintaining three

are used to feed cool seawater to a basin located beneath the

sites operated by the Museum – the Powerhouse

museum’s chiller plant, which is used for heat rejection.

Museum and adjacent Harwood building in Ultimo, and the Sydney Observatory in The Rocks.

During a critical risk assessment of the Museum’s HVAC plant,

Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity in these spaces all

the tunnel supply as being a potential single point of failure and in

year round is critical in ensuring the Museum’s collection is exhibited

need of urgent replacement.

A.G. Coombs identified the valves that isolate the chiller plant from

and maintained in its best state.

Leveraging the company’s experience in maintaining seawater

expenditure to be aligned with tenant agreements and revenue.

Such strategies also deliver other project benefits including safer work environments, improved quality control and reduced waste and associated costs.

Already an industry leader in off-site prefabrication, A.G. Coombs is applying its capability in Data Centre design to deliver a range of bespoke modular solutions that make scalability and even portability a reality.

This was the case when the A.G. Coombs’ Projects Data Centre team was engaged by Southern Cross University (SCU) to design and develop a turnkey “edge computing” facility for its Coffs Harbour campus.

As well as service the campus’s local computing needs and integrating with the University’s primary data centre located on the Lismore campus, the University required a solution that was space efficient

This is particularly the case at the Powerhouse Museum, where

cooling plants around the country, A.G. Coombs worked with a local

temporary and permanent exhibits of historic importance include

marine fitter and turner to manufacture four timber bungs which were

one of the oldest steam engines in the world to still operate.

submerged into the basin and hammered into the tunnel openings by

Whilst just 26m² in floor area, A.G. Coombs was able to deliver a

professional divers.

prefabricated solution with all the hallmarks typical of an Enterprise

By isolating the seawater supply from the chiller plant, A.G. Coombs

and relocatable should campus ICT facility requirements change.

Service technicians were then able to replace the system’s valves

The facility features four, scalable ICT racks with a total 25kW

without risk of flooding the plant.

computing capacity, and a design based on high availability,

Frances Cray, Acting Property Services Manager, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences

Museum’s HVAC services, and confidently put in place a plan for

16

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

since, including upgrades to the plant’s pumps, heat exchangers and reticulation systems. These works, among others, have

resilience and redundancy with N+1 cooling, N+1 modular UPS (uninterruptable power supply) and backup power from a dedicated standby generator.

improved redundancy and significantly increased the reliability

A.G. Coombs has also successfully deployed an energy efficient cold

and performance of the chiller plant serving the Museum.

and hot aisle containment cooling solution within the limited space,

“Since it’s appointment, A.G. Coombs has proven to be a valuable,

served by a variable speed cooling plant.

proactive partner to MAAS,” says Frances Cray, Acting Property

While the site was prepared, including the installation of concrete

Services Manager at the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.

footings, electrical sub-mains, standby generator and connections,

“A.G. Coombs was able to quickly ascertain the condition of the

Luke Walford, Associate Director and Infrastructure Manager, Southern Cross University

Class Data Centre.

“A.G. Coombs was able to quickly ascertain the condition of the Museum’s HVAC services, and confidently put in place a plan for restoration and refurbishment that has reduced risk and improved reliability and performance for the benefit of our collection as well as visitors.”

This important project has allowed further works to be conducted

“Whilst the facility is small, it has been designed and built to a standard that is found in larger mission critical Data Centre facilities. A.G. Coombs provided a solution that was value for money, satisfied our technical requirements and delivered the project with a high degree of professionalism.”

the data centre facility was constructed in A.G. Coombs’ Integrated Prefabrication facility in Melbourne.

restoration and refurbishment that has reduced risk and improved

All critical power, cooling and fire systems were fully tested and

reliability and performance for the benefit of our collection as well

precommissioned in the factory environment prior to the building being

as visitors.”

transported and installed on the Coffs Harbour campus late last year.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

17

One byte at a time

Diving into service

While off-site prefabrication is now commonplace in the commercial

“Whilst the facility is small, it has been designed and built to a

building sector to enable parallel construction, the move toward

standard that is found in larger mission critical Data Centre facilities,”

modularisation in Data Centres has seen similar strategies flourish.

says Luke Walford, Associate Director and Infrastructure Manager at

M

odular design and construction is rapidly changing the face of the Data Centre industry.

As well as offering Data Centre operators the ability to fast-track construction to more quickly meet client

Southern Cross University.

“A.G. Coombs provided a solution that was value for money, satisfied our technical requirements and delivered the project with a high degree of professionalism.”

demands, modularisation enables scalability and allows for capital

The Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences boasts an internationally

Since mid-2017, A.G. Coombs has worked collaboratively with the

recognised collection of historical items that demonstrate how

Museum to refurbish the buildings’ existing HVAC systems and

technology, engineering, science and design have impacted Australia

improve reliability and performance, including upgrades to the

and the world.

Powerhouse building’s unique seawater cooling plant.

W

ith a wealth of experience providing service and

This system utilises the original open tunnels that once fed cooling

maintenance to similar facilities, A.G. Coombs has

water to the building’s electric rail power plant. Today, these tunnels

been charged with the task of maintaining three

are used to feed cool seawater to a basin located beneath the

sites operated by the Museum – the Powerhouse

museum’s chiller plant, which is used for heat rejection.

Museum and adjacent Harwood building in Ultimo, and the Sydney Observatory in The Rocks.

During a critical risk assessment of the Museum’s HVAC plant,

Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity in these spaces all

the tunnel supply as being a potential single point of failure and in

year round is critical in ensuring the Museum’s collection is exhibited

need of urgent replacement.

A.G. Coombs identified the valves that isolate the chiller plant from

and maintained in its best state.

Leveraging the company’s experience in maintaining seawater

expenditure to be aligned with tenant agreements and revenue.

Such strategies also deliver other project benefits including safer work environments, improved quality control and reduced waste and associated costs.

Already an industry leader in off-site prefabrication, A.G. Coombs is applying its capability in Data Centre design to deliver a range of bespoke modular solutions that make scalability and even portability a reality.

This was the case when the A.G. Coombs’ Projects Data Centre team was engaged by Southern Cross University (SCU) to design and develop a turnkey “edge computing” facility for its Coffs Harbour campus.

As well as service the campus’s local computing needs and integrating with the University’s primary data centre located on the Lismore campus, the University required a solution that was space efficient

This is particularly the case at the Powerhouse Museum, where

cooling plants around the country, A.G. Coombs worked with a local

temporary and permanent exhibits of historic importance include

marine fitter and turner to manufacture four timber bungs which were

one of the oldest steam engines in the world to still operate.

submerged into the basin and hammered into the tunnel openings by

Whilst just 26m² in floor area, A.G. Coombs was able to deliver a

professional divers.

prefabricated solution with all the hallmarks typical of an Enterprise

By isolating the seawater supply from the chiller plant, A.G. Coombs

and relocatable should campus ICT facility requirements change.

Service technicians were then able to replace the system’s valves

The facility features four, scalable ICT racks with a total 25kW

without risk of flooding the plant.

computing capacity, and a design based on high availability,

Frances Cray, Acting Property Services Manager, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences

Museum’s HVAC services, and confidently put in place a plan for

16

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

since, including upgrades to the plant’s pumps, heat exchangers and reticulation systems. These works, among others, have

resilience and redundancy with N+1 cooling, N+1 modular UPS (uninterruptable power supply) and backup power from a dedicated standby generator.

improved redundancy and significantly increased the reliability

A.G. Coombs has also successfully deployed an energy efficient cold

and performance of the chiller plant serving the Museum.

and hot aisle containment cooling solution within the limited space,

“Since it’s appointment, A.G. Coombs has proven to be a valuable,

served by a variable speed cooling plant.

proactive partner to MAAS,” says Frances Cray, Acting Property

While the site was prepared, including the installation of concrete

Services Manager at the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.

footings, electrical sub-mains, standby generator and connections,

“A.G. Coombs was able to quickly ascertain the condition of the

Luke Walford, Associate Director and Infrastructure Manager, Southern Cross University

Class Data Centre.

“A.G. Coombs was able to quickly ascertain the condition of the Museum’s HVAC services, and confidently put in place a plan for restoration and refurbishment that has reduced risk and improved reliability and performance for the benefit of our collection as well as visitors.”

This important project has allowed further works to be conducted

“Whilst the facility is small, it has been designed and built to a standard that is found in larger mission critical Data Centre facilities. A.G. Coombs provided a solution that was value for money, satisfied our technical requirements and delivered the project with a high degree of professionalism.”

the data centre facility was constructed in A.G. Coombs’ Integrated Prefabrication facility in Melbourne.

restoration and refurbishment that has reduced risk and improved

All critical power, cooling and fire systems were fully tested and

reliability and performance for the benefit of our collection as well

precommissioned in the factory environment prior to the building being

as visitors.”

transported and installed on the Coffs Harbour campus late last year.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

17

Service and sport align Enjoying a successful relationship since 2013, the Richmond Football Club and A.G. Coombs are breaking new ground in the facility management of community sports and leisure centres throughout Victoria.

As a 100% owned subsidiary company of the Richmond Football Club, Aligned Leisure offers whole-of-facility management of community sports and leisure centres around Victoria.

T

he company aims to maximise the community benefit of these valuable assets by aligning them with the sporting programs and services offered by the Richmond Football Club, including its award-winning Tiger PAW program that

educates primary school aged children about physical activity, mental health, diversity and nutrition.

In forming Aligned Leisure, the Club hopes to transform its business plan and diversify its revenue streams to better benefit members,

“As well as the high quality, consistent delivery of service we have come to expect from A.G. Coombs, the partnership has provided us with a clear point of difference when presenting our model to clients.”

Shane Dunne, Chief Executive Officer, Aligned Leisure

supporters and the wider community.

Since launching in 2016, Aligned Leisure has won contracts to manage numerous local government owned sports and leisure facilities in suburban Melbourne, as well as four facilities in Albury-Wodonga.

Its presence on the border aligns with the Richmond Football Club’s academy zone, allowing it to better connect with the local community of the region.

From a local government perspective, the benefits of engaging one company to operate all aspects of their sports and leisure facilities – from activities programs to hard services like mechanical, fire and electrical – are proving attractive. As well as enhancing the community programs offered through these facilities, Aligned Leisure’s approach reduces operating costs while providing for greater efficiencies.

In partnering with Aligned Leisure, A.G. Coombs Service and Integrated Technical Management (ITM) provide facility management, maintenance and servicing of all mechanical, fire and electrical infrastructure.

Considered a “game changer” in this sector, this asset collection allows for data-driven analytics to be used in much the same way as they are in the commercial sector, providing both Aligned Leisure and their clients with a clearer picture as to the life cycle of the equipment serving their facilities.

This whole-of-life approach to the maintenance and servicing of hard services has already delivered improvements in performance and energy efficiency in some facilities.

“Our partnership with A.G. Coombs has been instrumental in the success of Aligned Leisure to date,” says Shane Dunne, Chief Executive Officer of Aligned Leisure.

“As well as the high quality, consistent delivery of service we have come to expect from A.G. Coombs, the partnership has provided us with a clear point of difference when presenting our model to clients.”

Recognising this as a true partnership, A.G. Coombs has invested in the development of a sector-specific delivery model that draws upon over 70 years of in-house technical expertise and specialist resources.

And as part of this model, A.G. Coombs is conducting asset audits at all facilities under Aligned Leisure’s management.

Considered a “game changer” in this sector, this asset collection allows for data-driven analytics to be used in much the same way as they are in the commercial sector.

A.G. Coombs developed a sector specific delivery model for the maintenance and servicing of hard technical services in community leisure facilities.

18

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

19

Service and sport align Enjoying a successful relationship since 2013, the Richmond Football Club and A.G. Coombs are breaking new ground in the facility management of community sports and leisure centres throughout Victoria.

As a 100% owned subsidiary company of the Richmond Football Club, Aligned Leisure offers whole-of-facility management of community sports and leisure centres around Victoria.

T

he company aims to maximise the community benefit of these valuable assets by aligning them with the sporting programs and services offered by the Richmond Football Club, including its award-winning Tiger PAW program that

educates primary school aged children about physical activity, mental health, diversity and nutrition.

In forming Aligned Leisure, the Club hopes to transform its business plan and diversify its revenue streams to better benefit members,

“As well as the high quality, consistent delivery of service we have come to expect from A.G. Coombs, the partnership has provided us with a clear point of difference when presenting our model to clients.”

Shane Dunne, Chief Executive Officer, Aligned Leisure

supporters and the wider community.

Since launching in 2016, Aligned Leisure has won contracts to manage numerous local government owned sports and leisure facilities in suburban Melbourne, as well as four facilities in Albury-Wodonga.

Its presence on the border aligns with the Richmond Football Club’s academy zone, allowing it to better connect with the local community of the region.

From a local government perspective, the benefits of engaging one company to operate all aspects of their sports and leisure facilities – from activities programs to hard services like mechanical, fire and electrical – are proving attractive. As well as enhancing the community programs offered through these facilities, Aligned Leisure’s approach reduces operating costs while providing for greater efficiencies.

In partnering with Aligned Leisure, A.G. Coombs Service and Integrated Technical Management (ITM) provide facility management, maintenance and servicing of all mechanical, fire and electrical infrastructure.

Considered a “game changer” in this sector, this asset collection allows for data-driven analytics to be used in much the same way as they are in the commercial sector, providing both Aligned Leisure and their clients with a clearer picture as to the life cycle of the equipment serving their facilities.

This whole-of-life approach to the maintenance and servicing of hard services has already delivered improvements in performance and energy efficiency in some facilities.

“Our partnership with A.G. Coombs has been instrumental in the success of Aligned Leisure to date,” says Shane Dunne, Chief Executive Officer of Aligned Leisure.

“As well as the high quality, consistent delivery of service we have come to expect from A.G. Coombs, the partnership has provided us with a clear point of difference when presenting our model to clients.”

Recognising this as a true partnership, A.G. Coombs has invested in the development of a sector-specific delivery model that draws upon over 70 years of in-house technical expertise and specialist resources.

And as part of this model, A.G. Coombs is conducting asset audits at all facilities under Aligned Leisure’s management.

Considered a “game changer” in this sector, this asset collection allows for data-driven analytics to be used in much the same way as they are in the commercial sector.

A.G. Coombs developed a sector specific delivery model for the maintenance and servicing of hard technical services in community leisure facilities.

18

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

19

IMAGE: © THENNICKE

Advance Australia Fair Overlooking the nation’s capital, Australian Parliament House in Canberra is the heart of Australian parliamentary democracy and one of the largest public building projects to ever be built in the southern hemisphere.

T

his year marks 30 years since Australian Parliament House

Asset “parent/child relationships” have also been identified and

officially opened in Canberra.

recorded to give facility managers a better understanding of the

Built at a cost of $1.1 billion, the building was designed to have a notional life of at least 200 years and replaced the

provisional Parliament House (now known as Old Parliament House), which served the nation for 61 years between 1927 and 1988.

Fundamental to its design was a capacity for the building to respond to the changing demands of Australia’s Parliament. While much of this capacity can be attributed to the original design of Mitchell/

network of assets in the building, and the impact each has on another.

As with all analytics, the success of a predictive asset management system relies heavily on the accuracy and quality of the data provided.

Giurgola & Thorp Architects, the management of the building has been critical to ensuring its longevity.

The system designed for Australian Parliament House integrates

In May 2017 the Department of Parliamentary Services engaged

with the department’s existing maintenance and service systems, to

A.G. Coombs Advisory to review the systems and processes used to

capture data from both in-house maintenance activities as well as the

manage Parliament House’s engineering assets.

After completing an asset condition audit, A.G. Coombs spent seven months developing a predictive asset management system to enhance building management into the future.

Designed to allow assets to be replaced “just in time”, predictive asset management systems provide for better long-term maintenance cost projections and capital expenditure planning, optimising expenditure and resource planning.

activities of external contractors.

It attributes a broad range of information to each asset including installation date, criticality ranking, failure risk consequence, expected life, running time, calculated life, replacement cost, condition rating, obsolescent date and reason, replacement value and other factors such as environment, maintenance and operation.

This information is then reported by dashboard to provide the department with an overview of the state of all assets including

The asset management system designed by A.G. Coombs Advisory for Australian Parliament House meets the ISO 55000 international standard covering the management of physical engineering assets.

current condition, projected costs and project capital requirements – as well as the status of maintenance works.

While still early in its implementation at Australian Parliament

It takes into account the life-cycle of almost every asset in the building

House, it is expected that the predictive asset management

– from hard services such as mechanical, electrical, fire, hydraulics and

system will lead to improved system performance and provide the

plumbing equipment, to carpet. The system can even account for items

department with the tools and information necessary for life cycle

of infrastructure not normally considered as assets, such as copper

planning and capital expenditure budgeting – both for the short and

piping networks that are prone to leaks at an age of 30 to 40 years.

long term.

20

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

A.G. Coombs’ ISO 55000 compliant predictive asset management system will enhance building management and performance into the future.

Built at a cost of $1.1 billion, the building was designed to have a notional life of at least 200 years and replaced Old Parliament House, which served the nation for 61 years between 1927 and 1988.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

21

IMAGE: © THENNICKE

Advance Australia Fair Overlooking the nation’s capital, Australian Parliament House in Canberra is the heart of Australian parliamentary democracy and one of the largest public building projects to ever be built in the southern hemisphere.

T

his year marks 30 years since Australian Parliament House

Asset “parent/child relationships” have also been identified and

officially opened in Canberra.

recorded to give facility managers a better understanding of the

Built at a cost of $1.1 billion, the building was designed to have a notional life of at least 200 years and replaced the

provisional Parliament House (now known as Old Parliament House), which served the nation for 61 years between 1927 and 1988.

Fundamental to its design was a capacity for the building to respond to the changing demands of Australia’s Parliament. While much of this capacity can be attributed to the original design of Mitchell/

network of assets in the building, and the impact each has on another.

As with all analytics, the success of a predictive asset management system relies heavily on the accuracy and quality of the data provided.

Giurgola & Thorp Architects, the management of the building has been critical to ensuring its longevity.

The system designed for Australian Parliament House integrates

In May 2017 the Department of Parliamentary Services engaged

with the department’s existing maintenance and service systems, to

A.G. Coombs Advisory to review the systems and processes used to

capture data from both in-house maintenance activities as well as the

manage Parliament House’s engineering assets.

After completing an asset condition audit, A.G. Coombs spent seven months developing a predictive asset management system to enhance building management into the future.

Designed to allow assets to be replaced “just in time”, predictive asset management systems provide for better long-term maintenance cost projections and capital expenditure planning, optimising expenditure and resource planning.

activities of external contractors.

It attributes a broad range of information to each asset including installation date, criticality ranking, failure risk consequence, expected life, running time, calculated life, replacement cost, condition rating, obsolescent date and reason, replacement value and other factors such as environment, maintenance and operation.

This information is then reported by dashboard to provide the department with an overview of the state of all assets including

The asset management system designed by A.G. Coombs Advisory for Australian Parliament House meets the ISO 55000 international standard covering the management of physical engineering assets.

current condition, projected costs and project capital requirements – as well as the status of maintenance works.

While still early in its implementation at Australian Parliament

It takes into account the life-cycle of almost every asset in the building

House, it is expected that the predictive asset management

– from hard services such as mechanical, electrical, fire, hydraulics and

system will lead to improved system performance and provide the

plumbing equipment, to carpet. The system can even account for items

department with the tools and information necessary for life cycle

of infrastructure not normally considered as assets, such as copper

planning and capital expenditure budgeting – both for the short and

piping networks that are prone to leaks at an age of 30 to 40 years.

long term.

20

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

A.G. Coombs’ ISO 55000 compliant predictive asset management system will enhance building management and performance into the future.

Built at a cost of $1.1 billion, the building was designed to have a notional life of at least 200 years and replaced Old Parliament House, which served the nation for 61 years between 1927 and 1988.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

21

News A.G. Coombs Group joins the Actsmart Business Recycling Program Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of the Land Plaques have been unveiled at each of

Reconciliation Australia in unveiling the

our office locations to acknowledge the

plaque commemorating the occasion.

traditional custodians of the land on which we gather and work.

In Brisbane Shannon Ruska, a Yuggera elder performed a traditional water blessing in our office and shared the story of his people and their history.

At the Walker Fire Protection Port

A.G. Coombs recognised for Service and Project Excellence

Melbourne office Aunty Carolyn Briggs,

The biennual ARBS (Air-conditioning

A.G. Coombs was a winner in this category

Refrigeration Building Services) Industry

in the inaugural ARBS Awards in 2010.

Boon Wurrung Foundation elder, offered

A.G. Coombs and consultants AECOM were

smoking ceremony.

Awards recognise excellence in the Australian HVAC&R and building services industry. This year A.G. Coombs has been

also recognised as a finalist in the Project

awarded in the Outstanding Maintenance

Excellence category for the International

and Service Provider category for

Convention Centre Sydney. A highly

demonstrating excellence in delivering and

collaborative team approach as part of the

maintaining customer service initiatives,

Lendlease team delivered mechanical and

improving standards and performance of

HVAC systems that set a new benchmark

equipment with a focus on energy efficiency,

for the Australian industry in terms of

safety and sustainable innovation.

innovation, scale, quality and performance.

A.G. Coombs apprentices recognised with Achievement Awards

a Welcome to Country and performed a

In Sydney, Uncle Allen Madden, Gadigal elder joined us for the unveiling of the plaque at our Newington office performing a Welcome to Country and shared the rich history of his people, and their continuing connection to the local lands.

A.G. Coombs are proud to join over 900 businesses across the ACT and Queanbeyan in signing up to the Actsmart business recycling initiative.

By joining the 10-step Actsmart program for our Canberra operations we cement our ‘practice what we preach’ philosophy of corporate responsibility and show our commitment to minimise the environmental impact of our activities and enhance sustainability at all stages of our client’s buildings; from design through installation, commissioning and ongoing operation and maintenance.

In Moorabbin we were joined by Janet Galpin from the Boon Wurrung Foundation.

At our Port Park office, the plaque was unveiled as part of the graduation ceremony

Ngunawal Elder Wally Bell attended our

for participants of the Richmond Emerging

Canberra office and performed a Welcome

Aboriginal Leaders Program (REAL Program),

to Country and cleansing ceremony.

which forms part of our partnership with the

He was assisted by Patrick Orme from

Korin Gamadji Institute.

A.G. Coombs lands its 300th Prefabricated Vertical Riser!

A.G. Coombs 300th prefabricated vertical

A.G. Coombs apprentices and trainees

Named after the Company’s founder

continue to receive recognition for their

Mr Allan George Coombs AM, the award

effort and dedication to training.

commenced in 2000 and is conferred

The 2018 Victorian Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association

annually. It recognises the merit of application, effort and dedication shown by Apprentices and Trainees in

(AMCA) Training Achievement Award was presented to A.G. Coombs Mechanical Plumber, Jessica Malouf at the annual

all fields across the A.G. Coombs Group of Companies.

services riser was lifted into the 839 Collins Street development in Melbourne’s Docklands. This 20-level A-grade office tower with a 6 Star Green Star rating includes 21 prefabricated frames and is scheduled for completion in 2019 with the ANZ Banking Group its anchor tenant.

A.G. Coombs pioneered the application of

industry dinner.

large-scale prefabricated services frames in

The award was presented by Victorian

site time and improving quality, program,

Skills Commissioner, Mr Neil Coulson.

safety and system performance outcomes.

The prestigious Allan Coombs

A.G. Coombs’ prefabrication methodologies

Australian building construction reducing

Training Award winner for 2017 was

have been recognised by a number of

presented to A.G. Coombs (QLD) 3rd Year Refrigeration Apprentice, Ryan Leather.

22

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

2018 Victorian AMCA Training Achievement Award recipient, Jessica Malouf

government and industry innovation and safety awards.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

23

News A.G. Coombs Group joins the Actsmart Business Recycling Program Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of the Land Plaques have been unveiled at each of

Reconciliation Australia in unveiling the

our office locations to acknowledge the

plaque commemorating the occasion.

traditional custodians of the land on which we gather and work.

In Brisbane Shannon Ruska, a Yuggera elder performed a traditional water blessing in our office and shared the story of his people and their history.

At the Walker Fire Protection Port

A.G. Coombs recognised for Service and Project Excellence

Melbourne office Aunty Carolyn Briggs,

The biennual ARBS (Air-conditioning

A.G. Coombs was a winner in this category

Refrigeration Building Services) Industry

in the inaugural ARBS Awards in 2010.

Boon Wurrung Foundation elder, offered

A.G. Coombs and consultants AECOM were

smoking ceremony.

Awards recognise excellence in the Australian HVAC&R and building services industry. This year A.G. Coombs has been

also recognised as a finalist in the Project

awarded in the Outstanding Maintenance

Excellence category for the International

and Service Provider category for

Convention Centre Sydney. A highly

demonstrating excellence in delivering and

collaborative team approach as part of the

maintaining customer service initiatives,

Lendlease team delivered mechanical and

improving standards and performance of

HVAC systems that set a new benchmark

equipment with a focus on energy efficiency,

for the Australian industry in terms of

safety and sustainable innovation.

innovation, scale, quality and performance.

A.G. Coombs apprentices recognised with Achievement Awards

a Welcome to Country and performed a

In Sydney, Uncle Allen Madden, Gadigal elder joined us for the unveiling of the plaque at our Newington office performing a Welcome to Country and shared the rich history of his people, and their continuing connection to the local lands.

A.G. Coombs are proud to join over 900 businesses across the ACT and Queanbeyan in signing up to the Actsmart business recycling initiative.

By joining the 10-step Actsmart program for our Canberra operations we cement our ‘practice what we preach’ philosophy of corporate responsibility and show our commitment to minimise the environmental impact of our activities and enhance sustainability at all stages of our client’s buildings; from design through installation, commissioning and ongoing operation and maintenance.

In Moorabbin we were joined by Janet Galpin from the Boon Wurrung Foundation.

At our Port Park office, the plaque was unveiled as part of the graduation ceremony

Ngunawal Elder Wally Bell attended our

for participants of the Richmond Emerging

Canberra office and performed a Welcome

Aboriginal Leaders Program (REAL Program),

to Country and cleansing ceremony.

which forms part of our partnership with the

He was assisted by Patrick Orme from

Korin Gamadji Institute.

A.G. Coombs lands its 300th Prefabricated Vertical Riser!

A.G. Coombs 300th prefabricated vertical

A.G. Coombs apprentices and trainees

Named after the Company’s founder

continue to receive recognition for their

Mr Allan George Coombs AM, the award

effort and dedication to training.

commenced in 2000 and is conferred

The 2018 Victorian Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association

annually. It recognises the merit of application, effort and dedication shown by Apprentices and Trainees in

(AMCA) Training Achievement Award was presented to A.G. Coombs Mechanical Plumber, Jessica Malouf at the annual

all fields across the A.G. Coombs Group of Companies.

services riser was lifted into the 839 Collins Street development in Melbourne’s Docklands. This 20-level A-grade office tower with a 6 Star Green Star rating includes 21 prefabricated frames and is scheduled for completion in 2019 with the ANZ Banking Group its anchor tenant.

A.G. Coombs pioneered the application of

industry dinner.

large-scale prefabricated services frames in

The award was presented by Victorian

site time and improving quality, program,

Skills Commissioner, Mr Neil Coulson.

safety and system performance outcomes.

The prestigious Allan Coombs

A.G. Coombs’ prefabrication methodologies

Australian building construction reducing

Training Award winner for 2017 was

have been recognised by a number of

presented to A.G. Coombs (QLD) 3rd Year Refrigeration Apprentice, Ryan Leather.

22

Building Efficiency

2018-2019

2018 Victorian AMCA Training Achievement Award recipient, Jessica Malouf

government and industry innovation and safety awards.

2018-2019

Building Efficiency

23

A.G. Coombs Group The A.G. Coombs Group is a privately owned Australian group of companies that provides an integrated range of technical services for all systems in buildings, from design through to installation, commissioning, maintenance and ongoing operation and management. Operating for over 70 years, A.G. Coombs has a national capability with major operations on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Melbourne 03 9248 2700 | Sydney 02 8020 6000 | Canberra 02 6217 5600 Brisbane 07 3648 0500 | agcoombs.com.au

A.G. Coombs Projects A.G. Coombs Projects leverage a National Centre of Excellence approach, where teamwork and project management skills set the company apart. This approach also provides high end engineering, project management and site personnel to deliver successful projects throughout Australia.

03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/projects/

A.G. Coombs Service A.G. Coombs Service is a specialist provider of air conditioning, mechanical services, building controls and bundled services maintenance. Delivering 24/7 building support, the company is a preferred supplier to the Facilities Management Industry and provides professionally managed, highly qualified technical staff to achieve improved reliability, lower costs and regulatory compliance in commercial, retail and industrial buildings.

03 9676 4600 | agcoombs.com.au/service/

A.G. Coombs Advisory A.G. Coombs Advisory provides quality advice and consulting services across numerous disciplines including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and fire protection services and building technologies.

A.G. Coombs Advisory is Australia’s leading provider of Green Star Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) services for projects requiring Green Star ‘As Built’ Certification.

03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/advisory/

Walker Fire Protection Walker Fire Protection provides a range of fire protection and detection services, from high end project engineering advice and consultancy through to concept and detailed design, installation of all types of fire detection and suppression systems, and ongoing inspection, testing, maintenance and regulatory compliance support.

03 9279 7100 | agcoombs.com.au/walkerfire/

Integrated Technical Management Integrated Technical Management is a high quality provider of Technical Facilities Management specialising in technically complex and critical facilities such as data and internet centres, major commercial complexes and sophisticated industrial plants.

03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/itm/

Head Office: 26 Cochranes Road (PO Box 1136) Moorabbin, VIC 3189 General Enquiry: 03 9248 2700

www.agcoombs.com.au

Rod Laver Arena Redevelopment

Sustainability: this publication is printed on HannoArt Plus Silk, an FSC certified paper manufactured with ISO 14001 EMS accreditation and elemental chlorine free pulps.

COX ARCHITECTURE

A.G. Coombs Group Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra.