BE- Building Efficiency 2019-2020 by A.G. Coombs

2019-2020

Queensland Children’s Hospital Melbourne Airport HMAS Cerberus CSL AlbuRx Western Sydney Stadium

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

It has been a year of significant growth and

Our leading contribution to the BIM MEP

AUS

I am very pleased to commend this year’s

development for the A.G. Coombs Group

initiative positions us at the forefront of the

edition of Building Efficiency to you. This

and it is pleasing to highlight the breadth of

industry and the innovative Virtual Buildings

publication shares the remarkable work of

innovative building services solutions delivered

Information System® is a key BIM to FM initiative.

our Group of Companies, and our teams.

Sophisticated digital asset management and

A.G. Coombs continues to grow and lead

in this edition of Building Efficiency.

We have seen the completion of a wide range of outstanding projects with our valued partners including the Rod Laver Arena Redevelopment in Melbourne, Western Sydney Stadium, University of NSW Science and Engineering

maintenance systems are helping our teams deliver significant improvements in system performance, increased plant life cycles, and reduced operating costs and environmental impacts.

the building services industry, developing our people, embracing new and emerging technologies, and delivering the quality standards and outcomes that have driven our Group’s success over the past 75-years.

Building, 839 Collins Street Melbourne and the

Sustainable business operations and providing

world’s tallest timber office building, 25 King

valued environmental services to our clients to

Street in Brisbane. These buildings feature the

improve the sustainability of their businesses

latest in services technologies and will serve

as they meet the challenges of a changing

A.G. Coombs is committed to enhancing the

climate remains a focus.

spaces that provide value to our clients and our

their owners, occupants and the community well into the future.

We are now engaged in many projects of note including major commercial redevelopment and reuse projects prolonging the life cycles of important built assets, significant healthcare projects in metropolitan and regional areas, large scale higher education facility upgrades, important defence facility upgrades, world leading pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and ground-breaking transport infrastructure initiatives. Along with a myriad of smaller but no less important projects for highly valued clients.

Major data centre infrastructure operations, the national broadcaster, major universities and hospitals, State and Local Government building portfolios and a large national retail shopping centre portfolio amongst other new clients have joined the list of key facilities where we provide specialist building services maintenance and technical management.

The safety and wellbeing of our people, their ongoing personal development and a strong Group-wide teamwork culture are central to our collective success. Our commitment to being

building services continues to differentiate us. Our talented Advisory team combining technical expertise and experience with leading edge technology has enhanced our clients project delivery and technology

communities – hospitals, learning institutions, commercial buildings, defence facilities, data centres, museums, sporting facilities and large-scale community and cultural facilities.

We bring to these buildings innovative,

incident and injury free wherever we work

reliable and valued building services solutions,

is fundamental.

providing optimum whole of life outcomes.

We are immensely proud of our commitment

We bring these buildings to life!

to corporate social responsibility.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan is evolving, helping to promote awareness, understanding and change in our industry. We continue to actively support community and charitable causes and our longstanding foundation charity partner Challenge.

Our strong values and organisational culture provide confidence and guidance.

These have been the cornerstones of our success for 75 years together with our talented

We have long been a values-driven organisation, and strongly maintain our commitment to quality, efficiency, safety, sustainability, bringing out the best in our people, and our industry. We strongly promote diversity and reconciliation.

The A.G. Coombs Group Board fully supports this commitment to values with a clear-sighted strategic vision for the future, a firm focus on sound governance, prosperity and success over the long term.

Group’s clear point of difference.

We are very proud of what we have achieved in

Looking to the future, the A.G. Coombs Group

the future. Thank you for your past support and

is well very positioned with a strong pipeline

we look forward to providing ongoing mutually

of work, respected relationships and leading

beneficial services to you.

in-house capabilities, including well-developed

applications, and facilitated step change

and robust business infrastructure, to continue

improvements in their facility and asset

to deliver outcomes of the highest standard for

performance, safety and sustainability.

our valued clients.

We continue to drive the digital transformation

Russell Telford

of building services design, off-site manufacture,

Managing Director

installation and commissioning at pace.

A.G. Coombs Group

Building Efficiency

is greater than the sum of its parts.

people who are our greatest strength and the

A.G. Coombs whole-of-life approach to

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Our contribution to the built environment

2019-2020

the last 12 months and excited by our plans for

Clive Weeks AO Chairman A.G. Coombs Group

Contents 04

University innovation Landmark Science and Engineering Building creates multiple research environments.

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Sands of time Predictive maintenance model driving transformative change.

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Hands on learning World-class HVAC Centre of Excellence for Australia.

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Regional good health State-of-the-art hospital to deliver expanded healthcare facilities for major agricultural region.

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A canvas of silence Two new conservatoriums enrich the study

12 14 For the care of our kids Maintaining a world-class environment for the care of sick and injured children.

16 New chapter in Australian success story Manufacturing facility meeting global demand and saving lives.

18 Closer to the action Stunning stadium for Sydney’s

of music and the arts in Australia.

rugby league, union and soccer fans.

12

20

Survival at sea

Arrivals and departures

Preparing Australia’s defence forces for

New building management system

the rigours of sea.

to control Melbourne Airport.

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 past and present and emerging.

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University innovation A new Science and Engineering Building at the University of New South Wales has reinforced A.G. Coombs’ capability to design, construct and deliver complex mechanical services systems that serve a multiplicity of research environments.

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he latest addition to UNSW’s Physical Sciences precinct at its Kensington campus in Sydney, the new Science

lecture theatres and classrooms to the perimeter.

and Engineering Building (SEB) features world-class

Ground and basement levels are dedicated to teaching and study

research facilities designed to foster learning and

facilities, the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC) and

research breakthroughs as well as provide contemporary spaces

UNSW’s Creative Practical Lab that features the state-of-the-art

for students and staff.

Io Myers Studio and Studio One performance theatres.

The ten-storey building – designed by Grimshaw architects and

Following a two year period of design development led by engineering

constructed by main contractor Multiplex – is a companion building

firm Arup, A.G. Coombs was engaged by Multiplex as the project’s

to the adjacent Hilmer Building, with the two sharing similar internal

mechanical services specialist contractor under a Design and

layouts, as well as a physical connection and a number of services.

Construct contract.

It features seven levels of modular laboratory spaces arranged at the

Taking Arup’s preliminary design, A.G. Coombs relied on its

core of the building. These labs are surrounded by light-filled offices,

engineering, building information modelling (BIM), prefabrication

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2019-2020

IMAGE: JOHN GOLLINGS AM

UNSW SEB features world-class research facilities designed to foster learning and research breakthroughs as well as provide contemporary spaces for students and staff.

and commissioning capabilities to deliver a range of complex mechanical services to support the multiplicity of spaces and functions within the building.

The modular laboratory arrangement and corresponding mechanical services layout was improved through A.G. Coombs’ design that saw the laboratory exhaust system removed from the services-heavy corridor space and instead run through the laboratories alongside the supply duct.

This had the effect of decongesting the corridor and allowing for an easier installation of all services, while minimising penetrations through the smoke-proof walls dividing the laboratories and corridors.

“A.G. Coombs is recognised for its technical capability, quality and experience in prefabrication and this is evident throughout the mechanical services systems that serve the variety of uses across this building.”

Luis Soares, Project Manager, Multiplex

Additionally, A.G. Coombs proposed the adoption of a manifolded fume cupboard exhaust system that required a risk assessment to be completed prior to reaching agreement with UNSW stakeholders.

It was shown that through the use of a manifolded strobic exhaust fan system, a static pressure could be maintained in the duct

the pump skids and large chilled water and condenser water pipe modules that serve the building’s central energy plant.

thereby enabling a single large fan system with N+1 redundancy

The use of prefabrication aided in the quality of construction,

to serve large numbers of fume cupboards without the need for the

reduced site activity and associated safety risks and accelerated the

same number of exhaust fans. This solution offered considerable

mechanical services installation significantly.

energy efficiency benefits.

A.G. Coombs also led the coordination of services and building

Where the use of some chemicals made a manifolded system

information modelling (BIM) – the latter critical in the delivery of the

non-permissible, dedicated fume cupboard exhaust fans with on-

project on time and on budget given the compressed construction

board scrubbers were used and a constant volume achieved via a

programme and complexity of services.

bypass sash.

Practical completion of the main works was reached in February 2019.

A number of other efficiency improvements were made in the final

The completion of the basement performance theatres and fitout of

mechanical services design.

Level 5 and 6 laboratories followed in mid-2019.

The equipment cooling water (ECW) system, used to support

“We are proud to have delivered the new Science and Engineering

laboratory equipment, was redesigned to a gravity return system

Building for UNSW and played a role in creating a world-leading

while the deletion of acoustic louvres at the cooling tower compound

research and education facility,” said Luis Soares, Project Manager for

was achieved through the adoption of low noise cooling towers

Multiplex.

featuring water silencers. Plantroom layouts were also reconfigured to improve installation and maintenance accessibility.

“A.G. Coombs is recognised for its technical capability, quality and

Corridor modules, services risers and laboratory supply air branches

the mechanical services systems that serve the variety of uses across

were all constructed off-site using prefabrication techniques, as were

this building.”

experience in prefabrication and this quality is evident throughout

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Sands of time A predictive maintenance model is aiming to help drive transformative change at one of Australia’s leading universities.

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here is a long-shared history between A.G. Coombs and the University of Melbourne.

From design and installation of building services systems in both new and refurbished buildings, to the

important role of independent commissioning agent (ICA) on others, the A.G. Coombs Group has had a hand in supporting the University’s facilities and status as a world-leader in tertiary and higher education.

Successfully tendering for the mechanical services maintenance contract in 2018, A.G. Coombs Service is working closely with the University of Melbourne to drive transformative change across its campuses as a predictive maintenance model is introduced.

Whilst recognised as one of Australia’s “sandstone universities”, the University of Melbourne’s buildings and facilities are ever-evolving, resulting in a dynamic mix of both historic and new state-of-the-art buildings featuring a wide variety of mechanical services assets of differing age, application and complexity.

Capturing the detail of these assets has been critical to the A.G. Coombs approach, with the first year on site being one of discovery as asset information, including condition, duty and associated expenditure history was captured. Equally important has been the management of the University’s existing fault-logging

procedures and determining the best methods of triage and prioritisation of the number of calls that come from the very large staff and student population.

A.G. Coombs is implementing a strategic maintenance-first approach that is expected to reduce the number of plant and equipment failures, leading to a lower number of reactive works and identifying opportunities to value-add.

To this end, a site-specific dashboard system has been implemented to geomap fault calls and the status of service technicians to enhance the management and response to jobs. This has also provided both the University and A.G. Coombs greater visibility of works in progress.

About to enter the second year of the contract, A.G. Coombs is planning to implement with the University a strategic maintenance approach based on the data gathered and learnings to date that is expected to further improve system performance, reduce the number

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State-of-the-art Melbourne School of Design building at the University of Melbourne

of plant and equipment failures and the resultant reactive works, and

“The servicing and operation of our buildings and facilities is critical in maintaining the University of Melbourne’s position as a world-leading university.”

Colin Reiter, Director Campus Services, University of Melbourne

improve equipment lifecycles and cost.

To deliver the maintenance model to date A.G. Coombs has formed a dedicated team of over 20 experienced technicians, management and support personnel to service the University’s campuses. This team works very closely with University management on site, with productive day-to-day dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders

“The servicing and operation of our buildings and facilities is critical in maintaining the University of Melbourne’s position as a worldleading university,” said Colin Reiter, Director Campus Services at the

is building the foundation for success.

University of Melbourne.

To assist in reducing energy consumption across a number of University

“Having a single provider like A.G. Coombs engaged with the

buildings, A.G. Coombs has commenced a process that will identify,

University, who is committed to being responsive and collaborative

scope and deliver in conjunction with the University environmental

with our team, will contribute to improvements in the operation of our

initiatives which will produce lasting savings and other benefits.

buildings for the benefit of our students and staff.”

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The 3D interactive model of the Centre allows the viewer to investigate various items of plant and equipment. Each “tag” provides detailed information about the asset as well as operational and maintenance information.

Hands on learning A.G. Coombs has played an important role in the creation of a new

A.G. Coombs Projects also carried out the installation and

world-class facility at Holmesglen Chadstone that brings Vocational

commissioning of the equipment and systems used for training.

Education and Training (VET) together with industry to secure the

This includes air handling units, variable air volume boxes,

future of mechanical services training in Australia.

ductwork systems, chillers, boilers, pumps, valve arrangements, an

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energy recovery ventilation unit, heat exchangers, chilled beams,

urpose-built, the HVAC Centre of Excellence is the first of its kind to offer applied learning and has been designed to offer mechanical services professionals with a clearer pathway from training to their career.

hydronic and underfloor heating systems and various split air conditioning systems.

As well as the latest HVAC equipment, the Centre also provides

The Centre is the result of a collaborative partnership between Holmesglen and the nation’s peak mechanical contracting body, Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA). It has also received government support through the Workforce Innovation Training Fund.

The training facility features cutting-edge equipment and technology in a simulated environment that replicates the technologicallyadvanced and environmentally efficient mechanical services systems found in today’s climate-controlled buildings.

As well as having been designed to upskill existing HVAC tradespeople and train tomorrow’s mechanical services professionals, the Centre also provides an opportunity for teachers to advance their skills and knowledge.

industry with a glimpse into the future of digital deliverables through a Building Information Modelling (BIM) laboratory, commissioning laboratory and an augmented reality environment.

The 3D interactive model of the Centre’s laboratory not only illustrates the size and scope of the facility, but also allows the viewer to investigate various items of plant and equipment. Each “tag” provides detailed information about the asset as well as operational and maintenance information.

The new HVAC Centre of Excellence at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus opened in late May 2019.

“The industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies continuing to emerge,” said Holmesglen’s Dean of Building, Construction

It is hoped it will also attract new teachers to meet the increasing demand for mechanical services training.

The A.G. Coombs Group is proud to have been intimately involved in the development of the Centre, including providing direction and input to the design of the training facility.

and Engineering, Ross Digby. “This Centre will allow us to stay at the forefront and give our future learners plenty of new training opportunities.”

In his role as AMCA National President, A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director Russell Telford said that rapid advances in the HVAC industry are bringing changes to the skills required by both qualified technicians and new entrants to the industry.

“This Centre will allow us to stay at the forefront and give our future learners plenty of new training opportunities.”

Ross Digby, Dean of Building, Construction and Engineering at Holmesglen

“The AMCA has committed to developing and growing partnership arrangements with TAFEs to address these challenges,” he said.

He has identified three key themes for industry and VET collaboration.

“The first is to establish a culture of co-investment between VET, industry and government. The second is renewing the focus of quality industry-led outcomes. And finally, elevating the status of apprenticeships by communicating how it will lead to a sustainable career pathway.”

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IMAGE: BILLARD LEECE PARTNERSHIP

Regional good health A state-of-the-art redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health in

The installation of all new fire protection systems and their

Shepparton will deliver new and expanded healthcare facilities

connection to the health service’s existing operating systems will

to meet the growing community needs of one of Victoria’s most

be completed by Walker Fire Protection with minimal disruption

important agricultural regions.

to the health service or patients. Careful management of materials,

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he $172 million expansion of GV Health’s Graham Street, Shepparton campus will see the addition of a new fivestorey inpatient unit (IPU) building accommodating 64 inpatient beds, 10 intensive care unit beds, four operating

theatres and a new kitchen. A new emergency department will increase its previous capacity.

delivery and handling on the spatially-constrained site has also been required to avoid inconvenience to hospital staff, patients and visitors.

The refurbishment and upgrade of existing facilities, services and systems at the health service is proposed and would form a second stage of the project.

The redevelopment will also include a women’s and children’s precinct, a new dialysis unit and the upgrade of existing facilities and services infrastructure.

With a proven track record of delivering major health projects, including the new Bendigo Hospital, the multi-stage redevelopment of GV Health Shepparton was awarded to managing contractor Lendlease in 2017.

The first two stages of the project are scheduled for completion in early 2020.

The installation of all new fire protection systems and their connection to the health service’s existing operating systems will be completed by Walker Fire Protection with minimal disruption to the health service or patients.

Walker Fire Protection was engaged by Lendlease in late 2018 to install and commission fire protection systems as part of

To this end, Walker Fire Protection completed a detailed survey of

an integrated fitout of the new IPU building. These works have

the existing fire alarm system to ascertain the available system

included the installation of fire protection systems serving a variety

capacity and its compatibility to the new systems being installed

of spaces in the building, including the car park, café, operating

as part of the redevelopment. An upgrade of the proposed fire

theatres, emergency department, dialysis unit, patient wards and

system network schematic was adopted that will allow for the

plant room – each with their own standards and code requirements

construction and testing of the new services to be conducted with

to be met.

minimal impact.

To avoid interruptions to critical hospital services and day-to-day

As part of the project’s local jobs policy, and the Victorian

operations during the construction and refurbishment works,

Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee, Walker Fire

detailed planning and coordination between GV Health and the

Protection has employed apprentices and local labour on the

project’s construction teams has been required.

project alongside its Melbourne-based project team.

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A canvas of silence

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music features one of the largest oculus windows in the world.

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Building on its reputation in the recital hall space, A.G. Coombs has played a key role in the commissioning of two new conservatoriums that will contribute to enriching the study of music and the arts in Australia.

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est known for his work with the Philadelphia Orchestra,

“A.G. Coombs’ expertise in building services commissioning, and

British conductor Leopold Stokowski is said to have

experience in similar projects, has contributed to the completion of

addressed an audience at New York City’s Carnegie Hall

a facility that all project members can be extremely proud of.”

with what would be his most famous quote:

“A painter paints pictures on canvas,” Stokowski said. “But musicians paint their pictures on silence. We provide the music, and you

Across Bass Strait, a similarly impressive landmark building is

provide the silence.”

nearing completion in the form of The Hedberg.

While his words quietened the audience in attendance, they also

Considered one of Tasmania’s most ambitious arts projects, the $96

hold true of any music venue and the people behind its design – each playing a vital role in the acoustic environment, or as Stokowski might put it, the canvas of silence.

Facilities like the Melbourne Recital Centre are world-renowned for their acoustic performance thanks, in large part, to the careful design, construction and commissioning of building services and noise controls.

million creative industries and performing arts development in Hobart incorporates the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music and the refurbished Theatre Royal – one of Australia’s oldest operating theatres.

Delivered by Hansen Yuncken, The Hedberg building features a contemporary recital hall, studio theatre and salon, as well as a range of teaching and music rooms.

It is through its involvement with the Melbourne Recital Centre that the expertise of A.G. Coombs continues to be called upon a decade later.

Engaged as Independent Commissioning Agents (ICA), A.G. Coombs Advisory has contributed to the construction of two new music Conservatorium projects in Melbourne and Hobart.

Central to the University of Melbourne’s $200 million Southbank campus redevelopment, the state-of-the-art Ian Potter Southbank Centre is the new home to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

With every building element of the Conservatorium affecting the acoustic performance and resonance of these spaces, the tuning and commissioning of the low air velocity mechanical services design was critical.

(MCM) – Australia’s oldest and most prestigious music institution.

Designed by award-winning John Wardle Architects and constructed by Lendlease, the building features a 400-seat cantilevered auditorium, 200-seat studio and numerous world-class performance, teaching, recording and rehearsal spaces. It is also home to one of the largest oculus windows in the world.

Continuing its long association with the University of Melbourne, A.G. Coombs Advisory was engaged as the ICA on the project in October 2017.

Providing building services commissioning advice to the project team, A.G. Coombs Advisory worked closely alongside building services engineers Aurecon and acoustics consultant Marshall Day. With every building element of the Conservatorium affecting the

Appointed ICA on the project in 2016, A.G. Coombs Advisory has provided specialist building services commissioning advice including detailed design, constructability and commissionability reviews as well as construction inspections and commissioning witnessing.

“In an environment where acoustic performance is paramount, there are a host of challenges associated with the building services that support the facility,” said Warwick Stannus, A.G. Coombs’ Independent Commissioning Agent for The Hedberg project.

“A.G. Coombs Advisory has applied its experience and technical expertise to ensure these challenges have been overcome, and the acoustic requirements of the project have been met.”

acoustic performance and resonance of these spaces, the tuning and

While each project has presented its own unique set of challenges,

commissioning of the low air velocity mechanical services design

the design of life safety systems, particularly given the complex

was critical. Air distribution, mechanical isolation and fire mode

arrangement of spaces and large number of patrons within the

were all considered during this process.

building at peak times, has been common to both.

“The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music is an important addition

A.G. Coombs Advisory’s contribution to the delivery of these special

to the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus,” said James

buildings will ensure Australia’s rich history of academic and

Dalglish, Project Engineer (ICA) at A.G. Coombs Advisory.

musical excellence is nurtured for years to come.

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IMAGE: © COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

Survival at sea

The Royal Australian Navy’s principle training establishment for naval personnel in Victoria, HMAS Cerberus has played a crucial role in preparing Australia’s defence forces for the rigours of sea since 1920.

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ocated 75 kilometres south-east from Melbourne

Modelled on an existing facility operating at HMAS Creswell in New

near Crib Point, on Western Port Bay, HMAS Cerberus

South Wales, the Dynamic Leak-Stop-Repair Training Unit (DLSRTU)

occupies over 1,500 hectares and includes training

is a multi-deck ship simulator that replicates the conditions of a navy

and recreational facilities, office and living-in

ship at sea. It is capable of being flooded and oscillated to 10 degrees

accommodation, two chapels and a marina.

As well as being home to approximately 980 staff, the base is capable of accommodating 1,100 trainees at any one time – providing 6,000 training places annually across 300 courses ranging in duration from one week to one year.

Following an engineering assessment on the condition, capacity and compliance of the facilities and infrastructure at HMAS Cerberus in 2013, the Department of Defence committed $463.1 million to the redevelopment and upgrade of the base’s training, support and accommodation facilities.

The project is being delivered by managing contractor Lendlease in two phases.

Phase One will see important infrastructure and services upgrades completed to HMAS Cerberus buildings and facilities.

Walker Fire Protection has been engaged by Lendlease to upgrade the fire and smoke systems within the base’s existing buildings, including training facilities, administration spaces, Living in Accommodation (LIA) and the base’s galley.

A separate works package, includes the construction of a

via a specially-designed hydraulic system to allow for realistic combat survivability training.

Another training facility replicates the environment of a fire onboard a navy vessel, such as that encountered in an engine or electrical room.

A.G. Coombs is designing and installing the mechanical building services required to create the training environments of each simulator, with Walker Fire Protection engaged to design and install a water mist system. Normally installed to quell a fire, the system installed within the firefighting simulator will instead be used as a training aid to create confusion among naval personnel undergoing training.

Project wide, all services are being designed and installed to strict Defence security requirements.

Both A.G. Coombs Projects and Walker Fire Protection have leveraged from the A.G. Coombs Group’s capability, and previous experience in Defence projects, in the successful delivery of the HMAS Cerberus redevelopment project. ““The HMAS Cerberus redevelopment will not only deliver key infrastructure improvements but will also enhance the Royal

new training ground and support facility for the new Royal

Australian Navy’s training capabilities,” said Barry Hope, Construction

Australian Navy School of Survivability and Ship Safety.

Manager for Lendlease.

A.G. Coombs Projects has been engaged by Lendlease as head

“A.G. Coombs and Walker Fire Protection have brought technical

contractor on this unique aspect of the overall project.

expertise across multiple disciplines to the project, as well as an

These new facilities include a simulator control building, a Dynamic Leak-Stop-Repair simulator, a gas-fired diesel

ability to meet compliance with well-documented processes and procedures, which is critical to a project like this.”

firefighting simulator and a portable extinguisher practical

Phase One of the HMAS Cerberus redevelopment is scheduled for

training fire pit.

completion in mid-2020.

“The HMAS Cerberus redevelopment will not only deliver key infrastructure improvements but will also enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s training capabilities.”

Barry Hope, Construction Manager for Lendlease

IMAGE: RENDER BY DESIGNINC

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IMAGE: JACK HARLEM @ RELOAD+CO

For the care of our kids Behind the colourful walls of the Queensland Children’s Hospital are a range of mechanical services systems that maintain a world-class environment in which sick and injured children receive highly specialised care.

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ocated in South Brisbane, the Queensland Children’s Hospital

Research, Queensland’s first fully integrated research facility focused

(formerly known as Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital) is the

on child and adolescent health research, is co-located at the hospital.

major children’s hospital for families living in Queensland Consequently, the Queensland Children’s Hospital features a number

and northern New South Wales.

Designed around the needs of patients and their families, the hospital opened to the public in 2014.

of specialist mechanical services systems to support the delivery of quality healthcare, training and research. This includes a central energy plant that satisfies the site’s entire power, heating, cooling and

As one of the largest and most advanced paediatric hospitals in Australia, it features a floor area in excess of 100,000m² across 16 levels.

steam requirements via a large trigeneration system featuring two gas-powered 2,400kWe generators.

Despite not being involved in the design or construction of the

As well as providing specialist healthcare to the most ill and injured

Queensland Children’s Hospital, A.G. Coombs Advisory has, from time

children in the state, the hospital plays an important role in paediatric

to time, been engaged by the hospital’s in-house engineering team to

training and medical research. The Centre of Children’s Health

provide technical support and advice on a range of matters.

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The Queensland Children’s Hospital is one of the largest and most advanced paediatric hospitals in Australia providing specialist healthcare to ill and injured children and playing an important role in training and medical research.

Given the critical nature of the hospital’s operations, the maintenance contract sets out a number of strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that need to be met.

This includes a requirement that 12-hourly checks of the steam boiler plant be conducted. To meet this demand, A.G. Coombs has introduced morning/afternoon shifts for its on-site technician team and a permanent 12 hour/3 day shift incorporating Friday, Saturday & Sunday. While unusual in the HVAC industry, this shiftwork approach has created opportunities for after-hours maintenance to be carried out in areas that are otherwise difficult to access during normal (peak) hospital hours.

“In the few months since A.G. Coombs has joined our team, the quality and expertise of their technicians has been evident – as has their ability to perform their work in a manner that puts hospital patients, families and staff first.”

Michael Caldwell, Hard FM Operations Manager for Medirest

Through this collaboration, the A.G. Coombs Group of companies

Clinical spaces such as clean rooms, infection control rooms,

has been able to demonstrate its capabilities and technical expertise

operating theatres, intensive care unit and specialist wards for

in a number of areas. This eventually led to A.G. Coombs pursuing

the treatment of burns and bone marrow transplants also require

the hospital’s mechanical services maintenance contract with a

a planned approach to maintenance in order to adhere to hospital

proposal that challenged the business-as-usual delivery model of HVAC maintenance.

In the last quarter of 2018, A.G. Coombs was formally engaged to deliver the contract from the 1st January 2019 under the hospital’s Facility Manager, Medirest – part of Compass Group Australia.

Required to mobilise in a period of less than two months, A.G. Coombs deployed a small but experienced team of skilled technicians permanently at the hospital. It then set about completing an asset verification program that also allowed the team to become familiar with all existing assets and building layouts.

Additionally, A.G. Coombs has implemented an alternative

processes. A complex fire matrix must also be negotiated carefully.

Building on the company’s experience at other critical healthcare facilities around Australia – including the Royal Children’s Hospitals in Melbourne – the A.G. Coombs team is working with Medirest to add value to the mechanical services maintenance contract.

Through the improved performance and maintenance of the mechanical services systems serving the Queensland Children’s Hospital, A.G. Coombs is playing an important role in delivering a world-class hospital environment for the benefit of patients.

“The Queensland Children’s Hospital is one of the state’s most important healthcare assets,” said Michael Caldwell, Hard FM Operations Manager for Medirest.

methodology and frequency of mechanical services plant

“In the few months since A.G. Coombs has joined our team, the quality

maintenance that aims to reduce the number of service and

and expertise of their technicians has been evident – as has their

fault calls, and identify opportunities where operational

ability to perform their work in a manner that puts hospital patients,

expenditure can be reduced.

families and staff first.”

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New chapter in Australian success story CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. The parent company, CSL Limited, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs more than 22,000 people, and delivers its life-saving therapies to people in more than 60 countries.

T

he CSL Behring Broadmeadows site in Victoria is Australia’s national plasma fractionator and is the only commercial-scale facility of its type in the southern hemisphere.

Now the addition of a new manufacturing facility at the site will help CSL Behring meet the growing global demand for Albumin – a protein derived from human plasma that is used in critical care to treat burns and shock.

Construction of the three-level, 23,900m building was managed by builder, Cockram Construction (now Icon).

In 2015, A.G. Coombs was appointed as the project’s mechanical services specialist contractor and tasked with bringing to life a highly complex mechanical services design documented by consulting engineer, Irwinconsult.

A.G. Coombs was appointed as the project’s mechanical services specialist contractor and tasked with bringing to life a highly complex mechanical services design.

This included the integration of specialist process systems for manufacturing requiring chilled water, heating hot water, steam and compressed air, as well as a services-heavy HVAC solution.

The design also called for the control and management of strict air pressure regimes including transitions between high pressure in good manufacturing process (GMP) areas and low pressure spaces such as corridors and offices.

In an Australian first, a specially-designed laminar air flow booth was also installed within the facility. Supplied from Europe and

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constructed on site by A.G. Coombs, the stainless steel facility

Construction attended, where outcomes were discussed and key

features HEPA filtration and dedicated air handling plant to manage

learnings documented.

the high number of air changes required per hour.

The lessons from the CSL AlbuRx project are now being applied

The A.G. Coombs project team worked with CSL engineers from the

in the delivery of a new manufacturing facility at Broadmeadows,

construction phase through to the commissioning process.

where A.G. Coombs has also been engaged as mechanical

A.G. Coombs led the coordination of all services on site, as well as the delivery of the project in BIM (building information modelling) to satisfy the high level of attention to detail required.

Additionally, a process for documentation management was implemented, with one A.G. Coombs project team member dedicated to seeing the commissioning period through to completion.

An A.G. Coombs commissioning technician also remained on the

services contractor.

“On a project as technically complex as CSL’s AlbuRx facility, it is important that all project team members are focused on delivering a high quality outcome,” said Louise McKinnon, Project Manager for Cockram Construction.

“A.G. Coombs’ technical abilities and attention to detail, as well as its dedication to seeing the commissioning of the facility through to the end has proved invaluable.”

site during the Defects Liability Period (DLP).

Following the completion of the project, A.G. Coombs hosted a client

The new facility required the integration of specialist process systems for manufacturing requiring chilled water, heating hot water, steam and compressed air.

de-brief conducted by an independent facilitator. Thirty-five people from the project, including key stakeholders CSL and Cockram

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Closer to the action A new 30,000-seat sports stadium in Parramatta is bringing rugby league, union and soccer fans in Sydney’s west even closer to the action.

A

key role was played by A.G. Coombs in the

A.G. Coombs’ early engagement as design and construct mechanical

construction of the new $360 million Western

services contractor in mid-2016 afforded the project team the

Sydney Stadium, now known as Bankwest

opportunity to explore a range of solutions, as well as influence final

Stadium.

architectural and structural design decisions.

Part of the NSW Government’s Stadia Strategy that seeks

By exploring alternate mechanical services design paths, the

to improve sporting infrastructure across the State, the new

aesthetic appeal of the stadium design was maintained while

stadium replaces the former Parramatta Stadium while

opportunities to reduce cost were identified.

increasing spectator capacity by 10,000.

For example, the A.G. Coombs Group’s experience in data centre CFD

Designed and built by a consortium led by Lendlease and designed

modelling was applied to validate alternate design concepts. The

by Populous Architects, Bankwest Stadium offers modern corporate

discharge of kitchen exhaust under the fabric roof and the thermal

hospitality facilities, including Australia’s first continuous suite deck

load on the stadium’s electric substation were two problems for which

and a new conferencing and banqueting centre. It also features the

CFD modelling was used to develop solutions.

steepest grandstands in the country, designed to bring fans closer to the action and amplify the noise of the crowd. The acoustics are further enhanced by the specially-designed roof.

The resulting substation design removed the need for the rigorous mechanical ventilation requirements set out by the energy provider and will influence similar designs in the future.

The project’s ambitions of achieving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification underpinned

A.G. Coombs’ early engagement as a full D&C mechanical services contractor afforded the project team the opportunity to explore a range of solutions, as well as influence final architectural and structural design decisions.

many of the mechanical services design decisions, and led A.G. Coombs to perform life cycle cost scenarios on the possible system solutions.

Life cycle analysis showed that because of the sporadic use of the air conditioned corporate facilities within the stadium two 1150kW aircooled chillers in a primary only pumping arrangement in conjunction with two 505kW gas-fired condensing hot water generators was the most cost effective arrangement. This system provides chilled water and heating hot water to the air handling units (AHUs) and fan coil units (FCUs) serving the five floors of the western stand.

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01 Bankwest Stadium features the steepest grandstands in the country, designed to bring fans closer to the action and amplify the noise of the crowd.

02 Two large air-cooled chillers were deemed to provide optimum performance over the 50-year life cycle of the stadium.

01

Selected with 65 per cent spare capacity on the calculated design

Distributed FCUs serve a variety of other spaces in the western

day load, the air-cooled chillers were deemed to provide optimum

stand that experience different usage profiles, including satellite

performance over the 50-year life cycle of the stadium. High

kitchens, stadium office spaces and the atrium. A number of smaller,

efficiency, variable speed pumps with N+1 redundancy were also

self-contained spaces located throughout the eastern, northern and

selected for both cooling and heating pumping systems.

southern stands are served by a mix of package units, split systems

The HVAC design serving the air-conditioned spaces of the

and ventilation fans.

western stand largely consist of variable flow AHUs serving variable

As the lead contractor for services coordination, clash reporting and

air volume (VAV) terminal units to provide local temperature control

building information model management, A.G. Coombs worked to an

and thermal zoning. The use of larger AHUs afforded the benefits of

accelerated construction program that saw the project completed on

economy cycles and CO2 control, reducing energy consumption and

time and under budget by late 2018.

helping to assure indoor air quality. Function suites are served by a VAV system that can be disabled when the spaces are not occupied.

On non-event days when the total demand on the chilled water

Four months later, the stadium held its first sporting event with a clash between NRL teams Parramatta Eels and West Tigers.

system is low, the large thermal inertia of the system is utilised

“The new Bankwest Stadium has been designed and built for

to condition spaces such as offices or preparation kitchens with

the people of Western Sydney and forms a key part of the

minimal chiller plant activation required. This design has avoided

transformation and revitalisation of Parramatta,” said Richard Yarad,

any requirement for a low-load chiller.

Construction Manager for Lendlease.

02

2019-2020

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Arrivals and departures A record 37.4 million people travelled through Melbourne Airport in the 2018/19 financial year, making it the busiest year in the airport’s 49-year history.

M

anaging passenger movement through the facility

appropriate path forward for a system upgrade. This took

securely, and in safety and comfort, is critical to

into account the current and future demands placed on the

Melbourne Airport’s growth and standing as one of the

system by a number of critical airport functions including

world’s leading international and domestic airports.

IT systems, energy efficiency, operational visibility, and also

More recently, management of the airport’s Terminals 1, 2 and 3 has been enhanced through the upgrade of its sophisticated building management control system (BMCS).

The upgrade is the result of three years of work undertaken by A.G. Coombs Advisory, on behalf of the airport’s owner, Australian Pacific Airports (Melbourne).

the potential for integration with third party systems such as lighting control, aircraft information systems, aerobridges and transportation systems.

Several options were identified; total BMCS replacement, upgrade of the aging, redundant system and then migrate the entire site to that platform, or upgrade and conversion of the redundant equipment to the more recent BMCS installation that already

Engaged in 2016, A.G. Coombs Advisory undertook a thorough

managed approximately one-third of the facility including the

review of Melbourne Airport’s existing BMCS to determine the most

new Terminal 4.

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“A.G. Coombs’ practical expertise, commitment and ability to add significant value to the project has ensured the BMS upgrade will meet the needs of the airport both now and into the future.”

Jeff Mansfield, Senior Development Manager, Utilities and Services, Melbourne Airport

A number of the airport’s sub-systems have been integrated into the new BMS including flight information, baggage handling, aerobridge, lighting control, metering and transportation systems to provide greater visibility and control of their operation.

approximately 50 network controllers, while the databases of over A substantial upgrade to its sophisticated building management and control system has enhanced Melbourne Airport operations and energy efficiency.

3,500 field controllers located across the airport have been converted and reinstated into the new BMCS. Additionally, the upgrade is being implemented with an eye to assisting the airport meet its energy efficiency targets. Consequently, a number of the airport’s sub-systems are being integrated into the new BMCS including flight information displays, baggage handling, aerobridge, lighting control, metering and transportation systems to

The cost, value and logistics of each option – including risk factors such as site disruption and business continuity – was evaluated against maintaining the most modern system and migrating the remainder of the airport’s buildings onto the same BMCS platform.

It led the A.G. Coombs Advisory team to recommend the third option, which was subsequently accepted by the airport owner.

Development of a new Melbourne Airport BMCS Standard was the key deliverable of the Concept Design Phase. Completion of a schematic design report followed, including documentation of the processes required to complete the upgrade. Additionally, thorough benchtesting of all steps in the controls upgrade process was completed in conjunction with the controls provider, Schneider Electric.

provide greater visibility and control of their operation.

The control strategies of the airport’s two large central energy plants have also been upgraded, with each plant re-commissioned and being tuned over the next 12-months for energy efficient operation.

The updated Melbourne Airport BMCS Standard reflects the upgraded system and now forms part of the airport’s Standards documentation.

A style guide for the look and feel of the new BMCS interface has also been developed.

A Building Efficiency Optimisation Program (BEOP) devised by A.G. Coombs Advisory is now underway to help the airport achieve its sustainability targets. This will include a deep-dive review of Melbourne Airport’s control strategies.

In consultation with airport management and project manager, Root

“The year-to-year growth of passenger numbers through Melbourne

Partnerships, implementation of the BMCS upgrade commenced in

Airport demands that we get the best and most out of our building

late 2017. It has been carried out around embargo periods such as

management control systems,” said Jeff Mansfield, Senior

major public holidays, with little impact to airport operations.

Development Manager – Utilities and Services at Melbourne Airport.

As well as the BMCS platform upgrade which included new

“A.G. Coombs’ process-driven and outcome focused approach, supported

graphic display pages, configuration of trend data, reporting and

by its technical and practical experience, has ensured the BMCS upgrade

alarm functionality, the project has involved the replacement of

will meet the needs of the airport both now and into the future.”

2019-2020

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21

News

AIRAH and Fire Protection Association Awards for A.G. Coombs Group Eliminating Overhead Drilling with Technology Exposure to silica dust and other risks from overhead drilling into the underside of concrete slabs to install building services fixings is a significant Work Health and Safety concern in the building construction industry.

A.G. Coombs pioneering use of digitally located Cast-In Anchors for pre-poured concrete decks significantly reduces the extent of overhead and at height work carried out during typical services installation. This eliminates potential exposure to silica dust, manual handling, working at height and debris in eye injuries 22

Building Efficiency

2019-2020

Leading performance in project innovation and sustainability has seen A.G. Coombs Projects and consultants AECOM recognised with the Australian Institute

A large centrally located energy efficient plantroom provides cooling and heating energy to the International Convention Centre complex.

of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Award for Excellence in Innovation, and the AIRAH Award for Excellence in Sustainability, both for the

Harry Marryatt Fire Protection Company

International Convention Centre Sydney.

of the - Year 50+ employees, and the Fire

Walker Fire Protection was recognised by

for the AIR5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training

the Fire Protection Association with the

System Facilities Project at RAAF Sale.

that can occur during drilling into the

construction may eliminate the need to

underside of concrete slabs.

overhead drill in excess of 10,000 holes and

The use of Cast-In-Anchors for services

thereby remove the potential risks associated

fixing on a new 20-level building

with that significant extent of work.

Protection Project of the Year Over $1 million

A.G. Coombs Goes Solar Solar power is flowing at A.G. Coombs Moorabbin and Port Melbourne facilities.

The 99.2 kW Moorabbin system is made up of 320 photovoltaic panels and the 37.8kW Port Melbourne system is made up of 122

Virtual Buildings Information System – A Key BIM to FM Industry Initiative

photovoltaic panels. Together the systems are expected to produce on average around 525 kWh per day and over 190,000 kWh annually, this is approximately 56% of the building’s total annual energy consumption.

There remains a significant gap between

information from digital construction

the digital models and data sets being

processes to building owners and facility

used for construction, and the hand-over

managers.

of useful information to facility managers.

There is also a functional disconnect

Developed by A.G. Coombs Advisory

between the modelling and the data set

with industry partners and significant

content that is useful to facility managers

assistance from the Victorian

such as operating and maintenance

Government’s Future Industries Sector

procedures, technical data sheets,

Growth Program the system is aligned to

schedules of equipment, commissioning and warranty information.

As a consequence, digital models and their associated data sets are significantly under-utilised post construction and their potential to support improved ongoing facility management, operation and maintenance is largely unrealised.

the Victorian Digital Asset Strategy VDAS, and based on an open syntax standard that will be freely available to the market.

This straightforward system makes

The greenhouse emissions avoided through the production of renewable solar energy is expected to be equivalent to those from: • 87 average passenger vehicles driven for a year, or • 1,232,000 kilometres travelled by one average passenger vehicle, or • 38 home’s electricity use for one year.

Implemented with support from the Commonwealth Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme the project substantially reduces the environmental

possible the calling up of useful

impact of A.G. Coombs operations.

information from a range of applications

A.G. Coombs are committed to reducing the

including Building Information Models and FM systems to link to associated data

environmental impact of our operations and to providing industry-leading technical and

The Virtual Buildings Information

sets seamlessly, regardless of what stage

advisory services to assist our customers

System facilitates transfer of valuable

in the building life-cycle. vbis.com.au

and business partners to do the same.

A.G. Coombs Young Apprentices, Trainees and Engineers recognised at AMCA Training Awards

Queensland 2019 Engineering Support Award – Ash Prakash, A.G. Coombs Graduate Engineer.

2019 Young Leader – On Site Trades Award – Justin Stroebel, A.G. Coombs

A.G. Coombs personnel continue to receive

Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’

recognition for their effort and dedication

Association (AMCA) training achievement

to training. In the past year six young

awards in Queensland, New South Wales,

2019 Apprentice of the Year Award –

A.G Coombs employees were recognised at the

ACT and Victoria, across three categories.

Philip Partridge, A.G. Coombs Drafting Trainee.

Mechanical Plumbing Apprentice.

ACT 2018 Engineer of the Year’ Award – Daniel De Valetin, A.G. Coombs Graduate Engineer.

New South Wales 2019 Apprentice of the Year Award – James Munson, A.G. Coombs Drafting Trainee.

Victoria 2019 Apprentice of the Year Award – Chris Adams, A.G. Coombs Refrigeration L to R: Karl Procter, Philip Partridge, Ash Prakash, Justin Stroebel and Stanley Hewett-Metuatini

and Air Conditioning Apprentice, finalist.

2019-2020

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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 75 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/

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

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

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

www.agcoombs.com.au 24

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