M / Construction

Iconic Innovation

Albany Warehouse Project Embraces Indigenous Business Vision

Aflagship commercial project has played a key role in incorporating both Indigenous cultural identity and workplace skills into Western Australia’s building industry.

The Bunnings warehouse in Albany was constructed by M/Construction in conjunction with Aboriginal-owned company Marawar. Established in 2018 to help reinforce a strong and resilient

THE TEAM

Phone: 6380 0400 www.mconstruction.com.au Indigenous presence in the construction sector, Perth-based Marawar (which means “west” in Nyoongar) is led by Aboriginal people, has a 55 per cent Aboriginal workforce and supports local Indigenous supply channels.

Located beside Chester Pass Mall in the regional south-west town, the Bunnings warehouse site is also highlighted by the installation of a new local landmark and tourist attraction, reminiscent of the “silo art movement”. A 64-panel Indigenous artwork covers two massive water tanks, and is inspired by the region’s diverse sea life and its deep connection to the land’s original owners.

Major Construction Features Extending across a 15,000 square metre site, the Bunnings warehouse comprises more than 260 pre-cast panels and over 270 tonnes of structural steel roofing.

Designed by Meyer Shircore Architects in conjunction with Bunnings store consultants, the development plan took into consideration the site’s surrounding buildings as well as

“M/Construction and Marawar create an employee relations climate that supports workplace safety, workforce capability, staff empowerment and a high regard for customer service”

environmental conditions, to enhance the warehouse’s longevity and minimise future maintenance and repairs.

According to Michael Read, Director of M/Construction, Bunnings has a strict set of guidelines to ensure that a consistent theme is carried across all its stores, including the iconic Bunnings green colour and the company’s logo. “As the store does not have any feature designs, the main focal point is the finish of the external walls, and by using pre-cast panels you create a uniform finish and minimal defects which will then assist in catching the eye of the customer.”

As Albany is subject to frequent rainfall and strong winds, which would have hindered the production of tilt panels on site, the precast concrete wall panels were transported from Perth to provide a higher level of finish.

In addition to the external finishes, strict guidelines are also applied to internal features, especially the concrete burnished slab, which is specially designed for each store to ensure a smooth and shiny finish. The concrete mix for the slab underwent a series of tests and preapprovals by Bunnings’ nominated concrete consultants before being poured. “The mix for the concrete is crucial as, once it is set, it is cured and polished to achieve a shiny finish.”

With lighting playing a major role internally in displaying and selling products in the store, a specific lighting layout was designed to ensure the aisles are adequately lit – thus ensuring an even distribution of light.

Meticulous Project Management As with all M/Construction projects, the contract was preceded by extensive planning and interaction with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.

An initial challenge was presented by the discovery of unforeseen buried waste and highly reactive soil – coupled with the frequent rain in Albany. “However, we were able to reschedule our program to continue other works while removal of the waste was undertaken, and all parties worked together to overcome these constraints and achieve the common goal of producing a high-quality building.”

“A 64-panel Indigenous artwork is inspired by the region’s diverse sea life and its deep connection to the land’s original owners”

Servicing Albany and surrounds with a fleet of trucks plus various reliable earthmoving equipment. We hold all equipment licenses required for the job. Construction Works Gravel, sand & rock supply • Plant and truck wet hire • Roadworks • Sand pads and structural fill • Land development

Although an initial programme was established, all stakeholders needed to be kept informed of evolving circumstances. “Therefore we consistently reviewed and updated the schedule to ensure it was as efficient as possible and accommodated neighbouring business operations without impacting the overall programme.”

In that respect, one major difficulty with the site was the adjoining existing shopping centre, which required safe and constant access by customers and staff. It was imperative for M/Construction to work closely with the shopping mall managers and tenants to ensure minimal disruption was caused during construction, and to ensure any issues could be resolved in a prompt manner and thus avoid delays to the program. “This was apparent when negotiating the use of the delivery service-laneway as we were required as part of our build contract to upgrade the in-ground services to the shopping centre as well as reinstate the laneway.”

Most importantly, M/Construction needed to ensure a close working relationship with the client, a national brand well-known in almost every home, and requiring adherence to strict guidelines and a brief in accordance with Bunning’s individual brand specifications. “Open communication and being transparent is an important part of ensuring the client is kept up to date with progress, and maintaining trust and a positive partnership.”

Commitment to Safety and Sustainability As the site is rural, M/Construction continually provided site progress photos including time-lapse camera shots, and drone photos to capture all sections of the site. “We pride ourselves on our site safety, which is enforced by upper management with our subcontractors and is evident in the positive feedback we received from Bunnings management during the build.”

First-aid facilities and emergency procedures were actively practised, and regular internal and external safety audits highlighted areas of concern where M/Construction took appropriate action to make areas safer for all workers on site. “By conversing openly with staff and subcontractors, M/Construction provides positive leadership, and creates an employee relations climate that supports workplace safety, workforce capability, staff empowerment and a high regard for customer service.”

The company’s projects, including Bunnings Albany, always comply with statutory environmental obligations and commitments under the code of conduct during construction, for controlled waste manage ment, dust control, site access, local traffic disruption and parking.

Setting the Pace for Indigenous Industries Referring to the warehouse project, Nyoongar traditional owner and Marawar director Gerry Matera said, “As a business, we set out to not merely change attitudes, but to change lives by transforming the construction industry and, in turn, the prospects and potential of Aboriginal people and communities.

“The construction of Bunnings and other large-scale projects undertaken by Marawar in Perth has been instrumental in demonstrating how effective and reliable the Aboriginal workforce can be. It sets the pace for Indigenous industries to break down restrictive misconceptions about the Aboriginal workforce.

“With the construction of Bunnings under our belt, we believe we are clearly demonstrating how much can be achieved. We have always remained true to our vision and it is great that the business community is now starting to embrace us as an effective means to meet their social responsibility and procurement targets.”

The Indigenous artwork commissioned by M/Group was created by five traditional local Indigenous artists: Lyn Knapp, Michael Cummings, Tameka Cummings, Kathleen Toomath and Margaret Miller.

According to M/Group Managing Director Lloyd Clark, the Indigenous artwork pays homage to Albany’s extraordinary natural asset as well as standing as a tribute to Indigenous communities’ significant contribution to the development of the property.

“The new Bunnings is the first of its kind to be constructed by Indigenous building services company Marawar and supported, where possible, by a fully owned and operated Indigenous supply chain. It is part of M/Group’s commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan to support Indigenous programs and initiatives.

“The Bunnings development has allowed us to create a platform for Aboriginal people to demonstrate their sheer capacity in delivering outstanding work. The new artwork installation will serve as an enduring reminder of their involvement and a visual backdrop to those visiting the new Bunnings building.”

Phone: 9842 8448

Mob: 0427 937 539 Email: alplasco@westnet.com.au

The National Anzac Centre

■ Pre finished CFC made in Albany ■ Installation on metal façade baton system ■ Internal walls and ceilings ■ Bulkheads and any feature ceiling ■ Plywood panelling internally ■ All aspects of Large and Small Commercial and Residential Projects

Projects completed by Albany Plasterboard

■ The Centennial Park Football Stadium Project ■ Albany Health Campus ■ The Centennial Park Football Stadium Project ■ Juniper Korumup Residential Aged Care www.albanyplasterboard.com.au ■ Student Housing – Serpentine Road ■ North Albany Senior High School – Teaching Block ■ Bunnings Albany – Chester Pass Road