A lasting legacy Iconic institutions become focal points for reflection, playing an important role in our nation’s story and community fabric. When it comes to being a part of the project team for the Australian War Memorial development, the A.G. Coombs team has approached this project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The $550M redevelopment project of the Australian War Memorial includes a new southern entrance, a new Anzac Hall and glazed link, new gallery fitouts in the main building creating additional exhibition galleries, an extension to the CEW Bean Building to house a new research centre and Reading Room, and Parade Ground and landscaping works to accommodate increased attendance at events.
and building management and control systems to a consistent asset information standard that is information platformagnostic. This data capture and digital labelling of all components is designed to provide consistency in asset information classification and structure that will be essential to facilitate fast and accurate access to the information and insights needed to run and maintain the facility.
Across most of these works, the A.G. Coombs Advisory team is playing a key role representing the Memorial. Led by Canberra-based Daniel De Valentin, Senior Engineer at A.G. Coombs Advisory, the team is acting as an Independent Commissioning Agent to ensure head contractors and their specialist services subcontractors are designing and commissioning systems to meet the Memorial’s specified requirements.
“There are several packages of major works occurring simultaneously by different head contractors and the Independent Commissioning Agent role played by A.G. Coombs has been invaluable to ensure the overarching ambition of these various projects is delivered cohesively, to the original specifications and on schedule,” says Jonathon Dahl, Services Manager, Australian War Memorial. Harnessing the earth’s energy
A balancing act The sheer scope of the refurbishment, and individual parcels of specialist works, have necessitated separate head contractors to address three different scopes. The Independent Commissioning Agent role also acts as a connector between the different project teams. “We interrogate and validate that everything is being delivered back to a holistic outcome, especially where elements of one project interact with another project, ensuring a cohesive outcome for the Memorial,” adds Daniel. The Memorial has utilised the Virtual Buildings Information System (VBIS) asset data system, effectively aligning Building Information Modelling (BIM), asset registers,
16
Building Efficiency 2024-2025
One of the most technically-complex and intensive projects at the Memorial is the new central energy plant. Supported by a closed-loop underground geothermal heat exchanger, the plant will provide heating and cooling for the Memorial and, upon completion, will be one of the largest geothermal installations of its type in the world. The system features 70km of pipe work in 150m deep boreholes and will use the ground’s relatively consistent temperature and thermal potential to significantly reduce the Memorial’s energy costs and attributable greenhouse gases. “We have been directly involved with helping develop the commissioning strategy for the central energy heat pumps and chillers,” says Daniel.
“Ensuring the correct commissioning of this plant is absolutely critical as it ensures a comfortable environment for visitors and the required reliable internal conditions for the protection of the national collection.” Ongoing care In recent months, the Integrated Technical Management (ITM) team has been appointed as the facilities management provider for the Memorial. Integrated Technical Management is an A.G. Coombs Group company that provides technical facility management services, particularly to complex and sophisticated facilities such as the Australian War Memorial. “We have been meticulous in the demarcation between A.G. Coombs Advisory’s clear project role and ITM in its facility management role,” says Terri Hosking, ITM General Manager. “As we embark on this collaborative service relationship, we will be supporting the Memorial in enhancing its asset management capabilities and maintaining these critical facilities to deliver optimal performance, ensuring the Memorial’s operational objectives are achieved. We’re extremely proud as a business to have been entrusted with a custodial role for this iconic national institution.”