MARCH 2015
BUILDERS CHOICE www.thebuilderschoice.com.au
A COMPLETE 180 at
Mount Hawthorn HALO ON MOUNT – INNOVATIVE DESIGN CREATES STUNNING PERTH APARTMENTS
MIXING DOME’S SIGNATURE STYLE WITH LOCAL THEMES A SUCCESS
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS ENCOURAGE WOMEN INTO TRADES
LANSKEY PROUD TO BE PART OF KRISPY KREME’S FIRST WA VENTURE
STUNNING VIEWS & LUXURY FEATURE AT MINDARIE MARINA
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN OWNED
CAB MEMBER SINCE NOVEMBER 2010
‘‘Did you know we supply frames and trusses to builders’’
At Steelsmart Kit Homes you get to deal directly with the manufacturer. We produce frames and trusses in our factory to a minimum 6 star Energy rating giving you long-term savings on your energy bills, depending on the selection of materials you choose to use. What do you get? You get more input in designing and putting your house together. There is the option to choose from our wide range of plans, or your own design. You can select from a huge range of materials and products so that at the end of the day, your home reflects your personality. There is no need to look the same as the neighbours.
Seven reasons to choose a Steelsmart home 1. Cost-effective, strong, quality product 2. 70% lighter than timber – quicker and easier to assemble and transport
3. Non-combustible, safer 4. Built to last: will not shrink, warp or crack from 5. 6. 7.
movement typical with timber framed homes Ideal for sloping blocks Save on site works, construction and energy costs, environmentally friendly Impervious to termites and white ants
You get personalised service. We are a family run business and have been operating for over 15 years. We begin the design process with you and walk through the whole process with you to the end when you are ready to move in to your new home. Call us today to discuss your individual requirements, or browse the website at your leisure to see what we do.
7 Proffit Street, Davenport WA 6230 Phone: 08 9725 7373 Email: info@steelsmart.com.au
www.steelsmart.com.au
THE BUILDERS CHOICE contents
16
Photo Peta Kingdon
50
Contents
commercial
from the team
profile
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Latest news from The Builders Choice Magazine
profile
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Rondo Company Profile
profile
profile
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Kelwin Wong
profile
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Ian McGivern
on the cover
Krispy Kreme – Lanskey Proud to be Part of Krispy Kreme's First WA Venture
Jemma Green
profile Serena Giudice
33
Post Office Redevelopment Delivers
training and development
30 A new development at 180 Scarborough Beach Road embraces the site's rich heritage while pushing boundaries of modern, urban design.
4 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
New scholarships encourage women into trades
33
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THE BUILDERS CHOICE contents
38 commercial
38
47
Cockburn Gateway Stage 3 Development a Resounding Success
residential
44
Applecross Residence Mediterranean Luxury on the Riverside in Perth
commercial
47
James Squire Fortune Brew Bar Good Fortune for Perth with new James Squire Venue
commercial
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44 commercial
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Dome CafĂŠs at Butler, Bassendean and East Fremantle
50
Dalyellup College Stage 2 Beauty and Practicality Combine in College Building Project
residential
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Minimalist Lines with Views to the Ocean at City Beach
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THE BUILDERS CHOICE contents
60 66 residential
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Vibe on Wellington Convenience, Luxury and Style Create a Great Vibe in Perth
62
residential
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Marina Oceanside Apartments Stunning Views and Luxury Feature at Mindarie Marina
residential
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Shorehaven Display Luxury and Good Design at its Finest in Alkimos
residential
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Halo On Mount Innovative Design Creates Stunning Perth Apartments
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Mika Apartments Sophistication and Sustainability Define the Mika Apartments
Publisher Gary Boulos
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COPYRIGHT: Copyright to all original material in this publication is owned by the publisher, Business Promotions Australia, and cannot be reproduced in any form, whole or part, without prior express written permission of the publisher. DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made by the publisher to ensure the accuracy of the content of this publication, responsibility will not be accepted for any errors or omissions. The publisher believes all information supplied and featured in this magazine to be correct at the time of printing. Placement of orders for advertisements by advertisers or their agents will be deemed as being an indemnification of the publisher against all liability, claims or proceedings arising from the publication of material supplied by them. All advertising shall comply with relevant State and Federal Laws and the advertising codes of the Media Council of Australia. The publishers and staff of The Builders Choice Magazine do not necessarily agree with opinions expressed throughout the publication.
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THE BUILDERS CHOICE
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 11
THE BUILDERS CHOICE from the team
50 54 38
INNOVATION Rules the Season
T
his season we are seeing quite a number of projects making use of innovative building solutions around WA – where design, construction method or materials are 'outside the box' and have been utilised to create a truly unique finished product. Some examples include low-maintenance materials and energy-efficient design, vast use of low-e glass for views and light, combinations of luxurious design and hard-wearing materials, unique façades, and even a glass swimming pool. Quite a number of projects have been designed and constructed to reflect their location, whether that is a beach area or a region with a historic focus. Our feature articles will be covering some of these projects in this issue. A truly sustainable development is the Halo apartment complex, designed by Baltinas Architecture and situated within walking distance of the CBD. Halo incorporates energy efficiency and sustainable living throughout the entire project – making use of self-generating power to the common areas, low-maintenance materials, acoustic panels and windows, splitting of the building into 2 cores to maximise natural light, and a feature green wall watered from the rooftop. To provide protection from WA's harsh winds balconies have been made semi-enclosable to create a 'wintergarden' concept and to enable year-round use. Bunbury region's Dallyellup College completed the second stage of their extensions, which involved adding three high quality buildings and other works in an operational school within 52 weeks – a project that has been a major success for BGC Constructions. Being a school environment it was necessary to use materials that are sturdy and resilient, while still being luxurious and aesthetically pleasing – which is evident in the finished construction which provides plenty of light and views to the outside.
12 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
At City Beach a truly unique home has been constructed by Cambuild – who fulfilled the brief to build as high as possible to capture a panoramic view of the ocean and to build a home that would be light, airy and floating in appearance. This has been no mean feat in a home that contains over 800 tonnes of concrete and huge glass panels throughout! Features of the home include an alfresco area with views to the ocean, and a shimmering cantilevered glass pool that stands out from the street. Fans and patrons of Dome cafés will no doubt be pleased to hear that three new venues have been added at Bassendean, Butler and East Fremantle – with each one combining Dome's signature European-style interiors with a theme that reflects its location. The Bassendean Dome now has its own 1908 rail carriage which has been fitted out for use by customers, and which reflects the railway history of the region. The Butler Dome has been built on the edge of a lake and incorporates natural-looking rammed earth walls into the building, in effect blending two completely different designs very successfully. At East Fremantle the Dome sits on a private jetty and has a boathouse style in keeping with the location. Cockburn Gateway shopping centre completed the third stage of its upgrades to plenty of accolades in late 2014, and features new retail and dining areas and a piazza zone. The main difference with this stage was the use of 'Top Down' construction – which involved building the overall superstructure first before excavating the basement carpark. Builders Cooper and Oxley estimate that this method enabled trading to commence three months earlier than it otherwise might if more traditional building methods were used. With the Christmas shopping season approaching, timing was vital. It has been a pleasure to review these and other innovative projects and we hope you enjoy perusing this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
on time on quality on price on halo
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THE BUILDERS CHOICE profile
up close + personal with
PROFILE
Serena Giudice GERALDTON HOMES
Interviewed by Sadie Davidson
Photo Peta Kingdon
Tell me a bit about yourself, and how you became involved in this industry. I dabbled in a few different career paths and had never found anything that I really enjoyed. My Father Kevin Giudice was a builder in Geraldton and I think he could see I was a little bit lost. He asked whether I would be interested in coming to work for him as a trainee Estimator/Scheduler. I never considered the building industry as an option for me, but as soon as Dad suggested it, I jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back.
16 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
When taking on a project, where do you draw inspiration from? My clients, it's their project after all. My job is to give them what they want. What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career? My biggest career setback was the death of my father. Dad (Kevin Giudice) died in 2009. Even though I had been in a Managerial type
profile THE BUILDERS CHOICE
‘‘We certainly aren't the biggest building company in Geraldton, but we would like to think that we are the best.’’
role for several years, Dad was really well known and people assumed that our business would close down because he passed away. We rebranded to Geraldton Homes, created a new website and we've built on that low point to get to where we are today. We certainly aren't the biggest building company in Geraldton, but we would like to think that we are the best. We worked really hard, continuing to build beautiful homes, winning award after award. Therefore, keeping our clients beyond happy with the quality of our builds and the excellence of our service. What gets you through these challenges? The support of my family, my staff, my sub contractors and my clients. Their support has been the backbone of our success. What advice would you give other young people, in particular women, looking to make their mark in the construction industry? Firstly I would encourage women to consider the building industry as an option. It is one of the biggest employers in the country and there are unlimited opportunities just waiting to be grasped. As long as you do your best, are productive and dedicated to your job, the sky is the limit. Are there any upcoming project's you'd like to mention? I do enjoy building projects that are a little bit different from the normal 4x2. We're building a beautiful home at the moment. It's a mix of rammed earth, pine shiplap cladding, western red cedar, brickwork and metal cladding. It's such a joy to see a project like this come together. To see my client's vision come to fruition and to hand the keys over when all the work is complete. What important lessons have you learned through your work in this industry? That the development of relationships with people is really important. Without your employees, sub contractors, suppliers and clients you have nothing. How did it feel to receive the Master Builders National young builder Award, and what factors do you think contributed to the recognition? My Dad always said that he'd be proud of me no matter what I chose to do in life as long as I strived to be the best. Winning that award was a huge validation of that. It was an absolute honour. I think the volunteer work I do may have set me apart. It's one thing to run a successful building company, but it's also important to give back. I'm currently chairman of the local MBA branch in Geraldton and have been involved since 2007 and have worked as a mentor to help apprentices. I was just honoured as one of the 40 under 40 last night! Was great to see so many successful young people being acknowledges over a wide range of industry.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 17
THE BUILDERS CHOICE profile
up close + personal with
PROFILE
Kelvin Wong PROJECT ARCHITECT
Interviewed by Sadie Davidson
Tell me a bit about yourself, and how you became involved in this industry? I came to Perth in the winter of 2005 to do my further education in Architecture at Curtin University. I became involved in the industry quite naturally – I suspect it came from my father who was an engineer; drawing and working with my hands was something that was encouraged from a young age (and a lot of Lego sets!). Architecture was one of the disciplines provided by the University that allowed me to pursue and nurture both a technical and creative skillset.
18 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
Where do you draw inspiration from? What inspires you in your role as an architect? Inspiration is everywhere really – through travelling (especially to countries with a distinct construction method from what you're used to seeing) through to art galleries/design shops and even online blogs and articles. It doesn't have to be specifically related to architecture either, as even art can trigger compositions and scale that you might integrate into the conceptual sketches for architecture.
profile THE BUILDERS CHOICE What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career? One of the challenges is I find within architecture but would apply more broadly to any career, is having to be resourceful with your communication strategies. Often when you're presenting a proposal to several people in the room (which can be a mix of designers, clients and builders) their interpretation and understanding of the same set of information can be completely different. What gets you through these challenges? Having a sketch pad handy to go through specific elements visually can help, as well as being sensitive to asking the right set of questions to assure that the intent of your message has been received. Technology has also become increasingly helpful in helping present the same set of information quickly in different formats that allow the schemes to be understood (especially with 3D walkthroughs). I can also see technology becoming more supportive in this manner. Do you have a design ethos - guiding beliefs/characteristics/ ideologies that translate into your designs? It starts with the simple act of listening. Sometimes your clients come to your with a strong vision for their architecture dream, and sometimes they have a vague idea of what it might be. It comes down defining the brief through a series of questions, design style images, sketches, and lots of animated hand movements to really tease out what the idea design will grow into. How would you describe your current style? I think style evolves as time goes on, and is in continual development, but I have always had penchant for the Scandinavian design, and vintage dutch lines. However, on the other end of the spectrum, I do enjoy the tessellation forms or lines that show up in recent buildings and design. How do you approach each project, and where do you draw inspiration from? With each project, there needs to be consideration to its specific site. Design decisions are made as a result of a response or reaction to the site conditions, in terms of orientation, material palette, character (which may be guided by the council) and the personal preference of the client themselves. Inspiration comes from working between all these elements to try and find solutions or a scheme that can satisfy (most) of these elements. What sets your company/firm apart from the rest? One of the things that attracted me to work at Craig Steere Architects was one of their value statements that is available on their website; about their belief in supporting their staff through listening and training and encouragement of active involvement to help uphold their values. I believe when you work in a supportive and positive environment this will reflect in the work produced. There is a genuine desire to provide assistance to our clients to realised their unique architecture visions, and we work as a team to meet this need. Are there any upcoming project's you'd like to mention? We have submitted our recently complete project in Nedlands entitled the Gallery House for the Architecture Awards (WA) – so keep a look out for the project in the awards coverage. What important lessons have you learned through your work in this industry? Inevitably, long hours will be part of the job. It's been great to work with hard-working, positive colleagues, who share in your passion for design and architecture. Like any other industry, it is about maintaining and nurturing those relationships, and really utilising the collaborative energy from the whole project team (including the client, builders and suppliers) to create a project that is really special.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 19
THE BUILDERS CHOICE profile
up close + personal with
PROFILE
Ian McGivern MANAGING DIRECTOR – GOODLAND BUILDING Interviewed by Sadie Davidson
What does sustainability mean to you, and the houses that you build? Sustainability for me means finding alternate methodologies in construction that provide superior outcomes in terms of value for money, time and built form aesthetics, which provide long term solutions for stable construction industry. The projects we build must be better than conventional (brick
and concrete) products by delivering greater energy efficiency, less waste, less embodied energy and be able to be recycled or down cycled at the end of their life. Through better building techniques energy usage required to run the home need to be less than convention construction. Quality and finish need to be of an acceptable standard, but completed in a faster and more cost effective way, whilst still meeting the higher performance criteria.
Calibre Consulting delivers built environment solutions which meet client needs. We provide an inspiring environment for our staff to grow, accomplish client objectives, better the communities we work within, and deliver value to stakeholders. Buildings & Structures Energy & Resources Surveying Town Planning Transportation Urban Development Water & Environment
Calibre Consulting (WA) Pty Ltd (Offices in Perth & Bunbury) Level 7, 50 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
20 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
E info@calibreconsulting.co T 08 6220 1000 www.calibreconsulting.co
profile THE BUILDERS CHOICE
‘‘Through better building techniques energy usage required to run the home need to be less than convention construction.’’
Perfmet Engineering Pty Ltd – Proudly Western Australian owned and operated Metal Image Perforating Ali Wood Fencing panels
Is there a particular project that really stands out for you? Adara Apartments in Success proves that a better and more sustainable method of construction is achievable, providing faster build times, less inconvenience to the community during construction and superior built form outcomes. Curtain University studies on this project have confirmed a 30% saving in ongoing energy required to run the apartments. In a comparison conducted by Curtin University against conventional construction, the sustainable building achieved the following results:
Hand railing, Balustrading and Bollards Supply manufacture and Installation Custom made to your specification Established 21 years Limited only by your imagination
Construction costs: Funding costs: Construction time: Thermal performance: Waste: Social:
10-12% less 35% less 35-40% less circa 30% more thermally efficient 50% less far less disruptive to surrounding communities due to shorter construction time period and less traffic/congestion on roads. Market: strong acceptance for modular product evidence by comparable sales to market
What sets your company apart from the rest in its approach to sustainability? Although many companies are trying to become more sustainable through recycling or down cycling, they are not addressing the real issue, that is, we cannot continue to build as we have in the past by using vast quantities of raw materials. We have actively sought new methodologies and pioneered their use in WA, providing real data on the sustainable outcomes. Has your firm developed any new innovations or methods to increase sustainability? We have been working closely with modular manufactures now for the past three years, to provide a fully compliant product they will meet the standards required under our codes. At the same time these modules need to provide advance performance relating to sustainably in every aspect of the dwelling and yet still meet the need and expectations of the end user.
08 9209 1011 www.perfmet.com.au
Leaders in Architectural and Light Metal Fabrication March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 21
THE BUILDERS CHOICE profile
up close + personal with
PROFILE
Jemma Green RESEARCH FELLOW & DOCTORAL CANDIDATE – CURTIN UNIVERSITY Interviewed by Sadie Davidson
What does sustainability mean to you? To sustain means to stay the same. And in Western Australia, we want to sustain a certain lifestyle, but, to do that we need to do things differently. We need to build up rather than out. Otherwise we will cripple our city with the costs of infrastructure needed to services the Perth metropolitan sprawl. The problem is that conventionally built multi storey
buildings are very expensive. And so they have tended to be too expensive compared against options in the outer suburbs. To maintain, or rather to sustain the quality of life we are accustomed to we need to make higher density residential more affordable. Modular construction offers a way to do this. Sustainability to me means doing things differently to be able to maintain, or rather sustain our quality of life. Feasibility & Detailed Cost Planning Bills of Quantities/Schedules of Works Pre and Post Contract Construction Cost Advice Assets and Portfolio Valuation Assessments Contract Administration Contract Services and Dispute Management Serving the State of Western Australia
QUANTITY SURVEYING & COST CONSULTANTS
Level 24, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000 Integrity
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22 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
‘‘Providing financial advice on the built environment’’ info@chrysalisqs.com Trust
www.chrysalisqs.com Respect
Phone 08 6141 3319
Accountability
profile THE BUILDERS CHOICE
‘‘Modular construction offers a new way of delivering lower cost and high performance buildings’’.
What do you see as future challenges for sustainability in the construction industry? Perth is undergoing a shift – we recognise and are beginning to increase the density of our city. But this needs to speed up. The building industry needs to respond to this changing situation and develop product to meet the next phase of growth for Perth. What drives value is also changing. The next generation are willing to trade space for place. There is also a growing demand for sustainable product. The challenge for the construction industry is to innovate rather than resist these changes. Modular construction offers a new way of delivering lower cost and high performance buildings. Our research at Curtin University has shown that these buildings offer a range of benefits, compared against conventional construction. But the industry cant reach its potential unless the banks start to support this industry. Modular offers the potential for Perth to have higher density homes at a lower cost than conventional. But if the Australian financial services sector doesn't support the domestic market, imported modules will occupy this segment in Australia and crowd out the conventional building industry. If we don't develop our own modular market, this represents a significant disruptive threat to the construction industry, but in any case for the housing market, modular will make higher density a more affordable proposition. What important lessons have you learned through your work in this industry? The industry broadly occurs as though there is a reluctance to change and do things differently. Throughout history there are many examples of industries that did not see change coming or resisted it and then suffered the consequences. I see modular construction as being an enormous opportunity for delivering faster, better performing and more affordable product to the housing market. It could be a great story for the building industry and the manufacturing industry in Australia: If we tool ourselves up to offer this product and the banking industry supports it.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 23
COMPANY PROFILE
THE BUILDERS CHOICE company profile
MAJOR PROJECTS IN AUSTRALIA
Company Profile AUSTRALIAN MADE & OWNED Rondo has been manufacturing building products in Australia since 1964, with a 60,000m2 manufacturing facility in NSW that operates 31 rollformers. Rondo uses state-of-the-art manufacturing technology in the production of all of our prod- ucts and systems, enabling us to
produce large customer orders quickly and efficiently. We also have the capacity to perform custom roll-forming to meet specialised customer requirements. Our operations in Australia have allowed us to provide local jobs to the community, with a total of 230 Rondo employees in Australia, of which 98 work in Manufacturing.
Ascent Ascent HR provides effective, prompt and adaptable solutions that focus on managing your employees. Everything from HR policies & procedures, performance management, resource planning to assisting with mitigating
24 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
Phone: (08) 9485 7582
against unfair dismissal and solutions irrespective of the size of your business. Contact Mark for an obligation free consultation at ml@ascenthr.com.au or visit the website www.ascenthr.com.au
Mobile: 0448 452 970 Level 18 Central Park 152-158 St Georges Terrace Perth, WA 6000
profile THE BUILDERS CHOICE
DESIGN SOLUTIONS Every Rondo customer has access to the very best technical advice from our own engineers and technical services team, who offer a comprehensive design service to assist from concept design all the way through to the building completion. Rondo can provide professional engineering services and advice on everything from the design of non-standard ceiling and wall framing systems where specific wind pressure or seismic design is to be accommodated for, to design assistance with difficult bulkhead construction or curved walls or ceilings. Contractors can therefore have peace of mind knowing that they are receiving expert advice on specialised wall and ceiling designs such as internal static pressures, lateral point loads, shelf loads, deflection or load bearing requirements. MIXING OF SYSTEMS There’s no two ways about it, substituting other steel products into a Rondo wall or ceiling system can compromise the performance of the system, the safety of others, and will void the Rondo warranty. Replacing our rod, clips, primary or secondary sections with imported or locally manufactured products in a Rondo Ceiling System creates the risk of ceiling failure due to differing production and design tolerances and unfortunately, this has happened in the past. Rondo tests all of its systems to perform to our exact specifications. For optimum performance and safety, and to ensure you are warranted for your job, only use Rondo products in your system.
WON’T CORRODE WON’T SPLIT WON’T WARP COST EFFECTIVE DURABLE MAINTENANCE FREE COST EFFECTIVE 100% RECYCLABLE NO NAILS TERMITE RESISTANT
LOCAL BUSINESS IN WA Opened in 1976, the Rondo site located at Kewdale in Western Australia is 12,000m2 in size and has the capacity to hold twelve weeks’ worth of stock for any major project. Along with the WA State Manager, two fulltimeTechnical Representatives are based at the site and are readily available to liaise with Contractors and Rondo Distributors to provide technical assistance and conduct accurate forecasting to ensure continuous supply. In total, Rondo WA is a local employer of twelve people and also supports Authorised Rondo Distributors throughout the region.
Custom Built PVC Fencing Commercial, Industrial, Civil and Domestic Supply only – We can simply supply you with all the parts and you can erect your pvc fencing. Installation available – We can install your pvc fencing if you want the complete fencing solution. All Picket fencing Custom built – With our system you can create your own custom picket fence design. Single gates – We can supply you single gates to go into your fence. Double gates – We can supply you double gates to go into your fence. Sliding gates – We have a range of reliable manual and automatic sliding gates to suit your fence. Obligation Free quotations (Perth Metro) – We are happy to quote for the Perth metro area.
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QUALITY CONTROL As market leader, we have a reputation for uncompromising quality and total code compliance. Certification to Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance ISO 9001 is evidence of this. Rondo has been certified to ISO 9001 through thorough analysis and assessment by internal reviews and externally by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance since June 1993. Having a certified quality management system provides Rondo with a competitive advantage against uncertified companies and is a clear demonstration of our commitment to quality.
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March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 25
COVER STORY
THE BUILDERS CHOICE cover story
Post Office redevelopment delivers
Words by Sadie Davidson
A new development at 180 Scarborough Beach Road embraces the site's rich heritage while pushing boundaries of modern, urban design
B
TH ET EA M
uilt on the former Mount Hawthorn Post Office site, this mixed-use architectural development embraces the site's local history through the use of unique artworks. Housing a restaurant, retail outlet, seven office spaces and six residential apartments, the contemporary building is a shining example of cohesive mixed-use design and a collaborative approach between professionals. E Corp Project Management worked closely with architects Meyer Shircore and Associates and a team of consultants, contractors and local artists to deliver a stand-out building in the thriving coffee-strip district. The multi-layered planning approval process for the development was effectively managed by TPG Urban Planners managing director Tony Paduano. “At street level it engages retail and restaurant amenities, and has two levels of commercial offices with the apartments at the third
www.meyershircore.com.au Phone: 9381 8511 www.ecorp.net.au Phone: 9242 2444
26 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
level, which have great views,” Ecorp Project Management director George Naoum says. “It's a very good example of the mix of the three uses in a very desirable way; a sustainable type of living with six apartments and the commercial and retail uses, where there previously was only one residence.” A major focus for the architectural design was to recognise and embrace the site's previous incarnation as a Post Office through the commissioning of local artist Penny Bovell and assistant Therese Howard. Together the pair designed and constructed the History Wall located outside the entrance to the main foyer. “It's important to note that, although it was not a heritage listed building but we appreciated that the site being a former Post Office had an important history of service and social engagement to the local community,” George says. “So we spent a lot of time initially debating how we could get that right and recognise that going forward. The History Wall associated with this development and the facade treatment was the perfect way to recognise the social significance of the old Post Office.” A large feature artwork on the front facade reflects the history of the site through materiality and imagery. A contemporary version of a stamp, the copper-coloured powder-coated aluminium screen is adorned with patterns of old local street maps, and images of date and postal stamps. “The artwork brief was also to provide commemorative artwork about the original buildings' history, which had aesthetic value as an example of post-war international style of architecture,” Penny says. “From 1955 the Post Office staff provided much needed telecommunication services to the new suburb of Mount Hawthorn.
cover story THE BUILDERS CHOICE “The two artworks, a screen designed for the front facade and this sandblasted concrete panel draws on original letters, plans and photographs sourced from the National Archives of Australia, and the local History Centre at the City of Vincent Library,” she says. Vertical sun louvers also feature prominently on the street-facing facades of the new multi-storey building, which echo the vertical mullions of the old Post Office facade, further connecting this modern development to the significant site. The project's location proved to be quite a challenge in the construction phase due to its position on a major thoroughfare and its proximity to existing structures. “E Build Constructions – which was the lead contractor on the project- and construction manager Alex Milankov probably had the most interesting and challenging time,” George says. “We have a building situated on four boundaries in a busy precinct, so when you are going four levels up, on four boundaries, Alex understandably found a lot of challenges.” These challenges included keeping to schedules while maintaining momentum and various different issues such as having to close Scarborough Beach Road for the two major concrete pours. “Cranes and access were another big challenge, but the building company was able to purchase what they call a self-erecter,” he says. A self-erecter is a small but versatile crane that was permanently set in one corner at the rear of the site. “The new mixed development was designed to reflect the significant history of the site, as well as enhance the current and
changing streetscape,” says Meyer Shircore and Associates director Steve Shircore. “This History Wall (on which Steve's words are inscribed) displays imagery, plans and text of the old post office and its place in the Mount Hawthorn community. “The new building was designed incorporating modern material and construction techniques but importantly respecting the previous use of the site,” Steve says. While celebrating the past, the building design also needed to consider the current issue of climate change various measures were taken to ensure the sustainability of the project both in the construction and the day-to“The History Wall day running of the building. The building is based on associated with this an energy efficient design, development and the optimising natural light facade treatment was and ventilation. Steps were also taken to the perfect way to reduce energy use through the recognise the social installation of sensor-based significance of the old lighting and energy-efficient appliances in both communal Post Office.” and private quarters. In a bid to reduce congestion on the already-busy Scarborough Beach Road, facilities to encourage cycling were added including secured bike storage, showers and change rooms. Another priority was water efficiency with the use of efficient taps, fixtures and appliances.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 27
THE BUILDERS CHOICE cover story The push toward sustainability can also be seen throughout the toward a monochromatic palette in order to achieve a residential level of the building, which embraces the natural light contemporary and timeless aesthetic. and ventilation. “In the lobby, we have embraced a minimalist approach as seen Meyer Shircore senior interior designer DeShanon Naoum was with the juxtaposition of grey and black textured surfaces. The responsible for the design and planning of recessed linear lighting also highlights the “The new mixed the overall project. stone clad feature walls for a dramatic “The overall project was a successful development was designed effect,” she says. outcome and we are pleased with the end The focus of the apartments was firmly to reflect the significant result,” DeShanon says. placed on making the most out of a smaller history of the site, as well as living space while maintaining a bright and “Our key focus was to tie in the external elements of the building into the interior. enhance the current and open feel. This connection was an important feature as The use of a neutral palette creates a changing streetscape.” it not only creates uniformity but also the timeless yet modern feel while also creating a building's own identity seamless flow between the open-planned living areas. “Our client was open to our ideas toward both the interior In the apartments, space was also maximised through intuitive scheme and the building's external facade. The initial external storage solutions as seen in the kitchen where there is a clever use colour scheme consisted of gold and copper but we then steered of additional cupboard and pantry space.
28 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
cover story THE BUILDERS CHOICE
In the kitchen the cupboard space was optimised through manoeuvrable storage and organisation solutions, enabling residents to make the most of corner storage opportunities. Standout features of the apartments are undoubtedly the balconies. Stretching around the entire perimeter of each one, the balconies have more than enough room for entertaining, while overlooking the city views and treetops. Looking back on the project George says there is very little they would do differently.
“There is a complete satisfaction that we have achieved a wonderful outcome for all the tenants and the owners and I must say, on completion, the way the building has been put together with the colour schemes, aesthetics and architectural structure, that it's one of the most appealing buildings in the precinct here, and I don't think too many people would dispute that – it's a standout,” he says. “It's nice to say the end result is what you've hoped it would be.”
CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING www.calibreconsulting.co
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 29
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
THE BUILDERS CHOICE training & development
New scholarships encourage Women into trades Hon Liza Harvey MLA Tuesday, 3 March 2015 New $1.2m scholarship program for women in nontraditional industries and trades Up to 100 scholarships per year to the value of $3,000 each Liberal National Government delivers on election commitment
A
new State Government scholarship program has been launched to encourage women into trade and industry areas with low female participation. Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said the State Government had committed $1.2 million over four years for the program. “These scholarships will provide new opportunities for women to carry out training in a range of trade and industry areas including agriculture, automotive, aviation, construction, food, electrical, engineering, maritime and telecommunications,” Mrs Harvey said. “These are highly sought-after skills which can lead to a diverse, challenging and rewarding career.” The Minister said occupations where women make up fewer than 25 per cent of the total workforce were considered 'nontraditional' and it was these areas the Government was targeting through the scheme. Up to 400 scholarships - over four years - to the value of $3,000 each, will be available to women over the age of 18 who have left school and who undertake training at Certificate III level or above in specified qualifications. Eligible women FACT FILE Scholarship program applications open on March 16 and close May 15, 2015 The scholarship program is supported by the Construction Training Fund Further information and application packages, visit http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au Minister's office – 6552 5900
30 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship will receive $1,000, with $2,000 provided as an incentive for employers and to assist with training costs. “These trades can be rewarding career options and women working in these areas can become role models for other women considering a career in these non-traditional trades.” Mrs Harvey said. “Changing technology means many of these trades now require a different skill set, and may offer careers previously nor considered by women.” The Minister said the scholarships would help promote and enhance the economic independence and leadership of women.
training & development THE BUILDERS CHOICE
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 31
THE BUILDERS CHOICE training & development
Builders Training of Western Australia provides continual learning opportunities through industry training and education services. Quality building practices within the industry are a priority with BTWA and expert training is available in many delivery styles in a range of areas including building, estimating, contract administration, occupational health and safety requirements, industry codes of practice, building codes and project management. Builders Training of Western Australia has created significant employment opportunities throughout the industry, as well as provided many employer benefits. Building Industry training courses are conducted at our facility in Myaree and some regional centres. Since 2008 our small organisation has trained over 832 students and assisted 169 builders to become registered. Industry Training Courses Builders Training of Western Australia offers a wide range of industry training in specific areas like asbestos removal, estimating, contract administration, Building codes and safety which are 1 or 2 days nationally credited outcomes.
All training is provided by qualified trainers with Western Australia industry experience. Many of our training programs are approved by the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority which reimburses up to 30% of course costs for eligible course participants, upon successful completion of the course. Diploma Building & Construction the benchmark qualification Builders Training of Western Australia provides training for tradespeople to obtain their Diploma of Building and Construction (building). This program is the first step towards becoming a licenced builder. If you have completed a few subjects in the past , we can help you complete your qualification, as we have four training programs running (day and evening) each year. For more information on our courses, please contact admin@btwa.wa.edu.au or call (08) 9317 4468. Western Australia's specialists in assisting in applications and prerequisite Qualifications for residential/commercial builders licences.
Training facility: 98 North Lake Road Myaree 6154 PO Box 103 Melville 6956 Western Australia Phone: 61+ 08 9317 4468 Fax: 61+ 08 9317 3413 www.btwa.wa.edu.au www.ownerbuilderwa.com.au
32 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
COMMERCIAL
commercial THE BUILDERS CHOICE
Photos nickthake.com
Lanskey Proud to be Part of
Krispy Kreme's First WA Venture The project Lanskey Constructions was fortunate enough to obtain contracts for both the building owner and lessor (Westfield) and lessee (Krispy Kreme) in this instance, which meant that they were able to manage the needs of both clients at the same time. TH ET EA M
W
hen Krispy Kreme doughnuts started up in North Carolina in 1937, it was initially as a wholesaler. It wasn't until some time later that it became a 'hole in the wall' outlet, selling its doughnuts directly to customers. The company came to Australia in 2003, opening its first store at Penrith in Sydney, and the products quickly became popular. This led to several more stores being opened in the eastern states and in South Australia. In 2014, Krispy Kreme opened its first (and as yet, only) store in Western Australia, at the Westfield shopping centre at Whitford City, and is selling both from the store and via a 24/7 drive-through service. The building project for the new store, involving extensions and fit-out, was managed by Lanskey Constructions. The Salisbury company has had vast experience in commercial and industrial projects since 1986, as well as prior experience in managing Krispy Kreme fit-outs in Victoria. The project was completed in collaboration with Wembley design company Modus Design. The brief was to enlarge the outlet with extensions on the side and rear of the building, and to install the Krispy Kreme fit-outs, in time for the opening in November 2014.
www.lanskey.com.au Phone 9203 2400 www.moddes.net.au Phone: 9444 9511
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 33
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial
The Krispy Kreme building at Westfield had previously been tenanted by another takeaway food outlet and had been de-fitted, leaving a virtually empty shell for Lanskey to commence work in. However, before starting work, the project team needed to do some internal and external demolition work on the site. The building work was done in light-weight materials with additional structure for point loads. With the extension being on a
suspended slab with post tensioning, there was a considerable amount of work that needed to be done to ensure structural integrity and stability. The finished product is a bright and attractive building painted in a tan colour with the signature red, green and white colour accents of Krispy Kreme on the exterior, kitchen and a relaxing dining area inside.
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34 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
19 SANDRA PLACE, WELSHPOOL WA 6106 PHONE: 9472 9128 EMAIL: cheynet@westnet.com.au
commercial THE BUILDERS CHOICE
Challenges Project manager Cameron Morrison said that there were a number of challenges with the build. To start with, servicing the requirements of both clients became a touch convoluted at times, and entailed a little bit of “to-ing and fro-ing� to ensure both clients had their needs met! Matters were not made easier by the fact that the clients each had their preferred contractors,
which meant having to deal with different contractors both directly and indirectly at times. Other challenges revolved around the work itself, such as a ten-tonne weight restriction on the slab. This necessitated using smaller cranes, which restricted load sizes and weights, which in turn had the potential to slow the work down considerably.
With at least 30 years experience, our family owned and operated company prides themselves in having a reputation of professional and reliable service, with guaranteed high quality workmanship. iPlaster offers a wide range of plastering services and specialty finishes. New Homes, Renovations, Commercial jobs. No job is too big or too small. All Internal & External plastering, Acrylic Texture coating, Polished plaster, Dado finish, Limestone finishes, and much more. Please contact us anytime to enquire or for a free quote.
Contact: Marco Ienco info@iplaster.com.au 0408 733 142 PO Box 408 Osborne Park WA 6917
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 35
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial Another challenge involved finishing the work by the deadline. This was particularly vital, so that Krispy Kreme would have enough time to train their employees (about 100 of them in total) prior to opening day. In most cases, this would be managed by the company sending the workers to another store for training. But this was not a possibility with the store being WA's first Krispy Kreme outlet. Mr Morrison also pointed out that being WA's first store meant there was a certain degree of “hype” around the project, and quite a high level of expectation. However, the team were not perturbed by this and took it largely in their stride! The above challenges were managed well enough for any obstacles to be overcome and for the project to be completed in time for staff training and the public opening. Achievements Overcoming the challenges was in itself a major achievement of the project, particularly in light of the load restrictions which
36 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
could have led to considerable delays. Mr Morrison considers that “overcoming the site-based restrictions that came from being on a suspended slab” demonstrates the success of this project. Another particular achievement of the project according to Mr Morrison was “working and delivering for two separate clients on the one site.” The fact that both clients are satisfied with the results showcases the commitment and expertise that was put into this project. Another significant factor was that of being involved in WA's first Krispy Kreme store. Mr Morrison said they were “proud to be part of Krispy Kreme's introduction to the WA marketplace.” No doubt many Krispy Kreme fans and patrons are happy about that as well, and with a second store being planned at Myaree, it looks like there will be more of the colourful Krispy Kreme venues and the famous doughnuts to look forward to in WA!
commercial THE BUILDERS CHOICE
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 37
COMMERCIAL
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial
Cockburn Gateway Stage 3 Development
a Resounding Success
T
TH ET EA M
he City of Cockburn council region sits approximately 15km south of the Perth CBD on the lovely West Australian coastline, with five inland lakes running through the area. It is a growing and expanding region, with a current population of around 100,000. In keeping with the growth of the region, the decision was taken to renovate and extend the Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre in Beeliar Drive at Success. Stage 1 involved the addition of a supermarket and speciality stores, and was completed in 2005. Stage 2 added Big W and other stores and a food court, along with additional car parking. This stage was finished in 2007. Stage 3 of the development was completed and opened to the public on 30 October 2014 – in time for the Christmas shopping crowds. The $80 million project included a new retail centre and
www.cooperoxley.com.au Phone: 9387 9000 Buchan.com.au Phone: 9211 9898
38 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
the addition of 1,000 new car parking bays, bringing the total number of car spaces to 3,000. New stores in the centre include a concept Target, Coles, Woolworths and other majors, many specialty stores, and an external dining precinct that includes a piazza area that can be used for community events. The construction of Stage 3 was undertaken by Cooper & Oxley, a company committed to very high standards in the building industry, and with many decades of experience in commercial construction in both the private and public sectors. The structural engineering design and documentation was done by West Perth company Airey Taylor Consulting Engineers / Scientists. The building project The project brief included construction of the new retail centre and dining areas, as well as basement and roof-deck car parking, and redevelopment of existing car parks and road realignment. The building itself was constructed in painted pre-cast concrete panels, with entrances to the shopping centre clad in feature aluminium panelling. Internally, the building was finished to a high standard with a series of different patterned ceilings, and a large skylight with colour-back glass bulkheads and LED strip lighting. “The north elevation of the building which is occupied by the food and beverage outlets leads into a vibrant piazza zone which includes a water feature, amphitheatre seating, stage and shade structure, children's play area and undercover alfresco dining areas,” Cooper & Oxley said.
commercial THE BUILDERS CHOICE
“The area is finished with exposed aggregate concrete paving throughout the main street and piazza zone. Transplanted feature 8-metre tall cotton palms were also installed for immediate effect.” Method of construction One of the major differences between this project and the prior two stages was that this stage utilised the 'top down' method of construction. Top down is a method that enables the building of the overall superstructure prior to excavating the basement area – in this case, for the underground carpark. The top down method can result in considerable time and cost savings compared to the basement construction method, allowing quicker fit-outs and new tenancies to get into place sooner. Project manager Phil Durston explains the top down method for a shopping centre project such as this:
! Piles are installed from the existing ground level with grout injection
blocks in-between. This forms the foundations for the walls as well as ground retention for when the basement is excavated. ! Columns are installed from the existing ground level with steel sleeves within the basement zone. These will be exposed and painted later when excavation takes place. ! The ground floor slab that will form the basement roof is poured. After excavation is done, this will become a suspended slab. ! The building is then constructed in the traditional manner with cranes and propping from the slab. When the structure is complete, the basement can be excavated and the carpark built. Mr Durston estimates that using the top down method saved three months on the construction time of this particular project. This translated to considerable cost savings in that it enabled stores to open and to trade earlier than they otherwise might have done. Project challenges A major challenge for this construction was in working in and around the shopping centre environment while it was still operating. The construction team's professionalism and commitment to safety enabled this to take place without incident. A second challenge was in the waterproofing works to be done on the first-floor carpark deck. This proved to be particularly challenging and a series of trials had to be undertaken in order to find the most effective solution. Major achievements Overall, the project was a great success. “The project was completed on time and opened successfully to huge accolades and public crowds on opening day. Approximately 85%-90% of the centre was fitted out and trading on opening day, with the remaining stores open a few days later,” Mr Durston said.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 39
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial “The client was extremely satisfied with this result, as were Cooper & Oxley.” All-in-all this was certainly a huge development that will transform shopping in the region. Gateway Shopping Centre management describes it as having “transitioned the centre from a sub-regional to a regional shopping centre, and our advertising has now extended beyond our primary trade area.”
40 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial
Words by PURE PRODUCTS
PURE SUCCESS Pure Projects offers comprehensive project management & construction management services for a diverse range of industries including retail shopping malls, hotels and leisure, high-end retail and F&B fit-outs, clubs & casinos, commercial office building & fit-outs as well as residential (low & high rise). Just recently, Pure Projects was appointed to carry out a number of project delivery roles for the Cockburn Gateway Shopping City Stage 3 expansion project. The scope of works carried out included the following: Project Management and administration of the Contract between the Client, Perron Investments Pty Ltd and the Builder, Cooper & Oxley Builders Pty Ltd. Retail Tenancy Delivery for the specialty retail stores which involved working closely with the Leasing and Retail Design Management (RDM) team to deliver 70 tenancies in time for the grand opening. Tenancy Site Logistics co-ordination for the Tenant Fit-out Contractors ensuring that the contractors comply with all site rules. Pure Projects is well placed to provide effective delivery of retail shopping mall redevelopments along with providing sound advice on
42 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
the staging of critical construction works. The team has the ability to accurately assess the impact of buildability decisions on speed of construction and staging of works during Centre trading while providing minimal disruption to the Centre operations. Buildability issues are crucial in the redevelopment of existing centres where careful consideration must be given to tenants who remain trading during each stage. It's also essential to ensure compliance with existing tenancy lease agreements. Some other considerations in regards to the staging of the works include: Keeping mall entries visible to customers at all times (sight lines); Ensuring that pedestrian walkways are safe and easy to pass through to encourage shoppers to keep returning to do their shopping at their centre - but at the same time giving the Builder enough access to get on with the job in a reasonably cost effective way; The provision of temporary parking arrangements and staging of parking requirements Exploring and resolving temporary site entry and exit imperatives plus impacts on surrounding traffic; The location and access to temporary loading docks and centre operational requirements;
commercial THE BUILDERS CHOICE
Analysing and planning which tenants need to move and when; Understand that some tenancies may require more than one relocation in order to remain trading, temporary or pop up shops to be constructed to ensure continuous trade.
For this project, Pure Projects implemented a cloud based tenancy delivery system, which is a cost effective and systematic platform. This intuitive system streamlines processes by managing and minimising risk through identifying, reporting, tracking and ultimately mitigating delivery risk on one transparent platform.
Both nationally and internationally, Pure Projects is currently executing Project Management Services and Tenancy Coordination for a number of major retail and hospitality sector projects including: Midland Gate Target Development & Midland Gate Stage 2A Redevelopment Brookfield Place Tower 2 Forrest Chase Redevelopment, Perth, WA DFS Galleria, The Rocks Refurbishment, Sydney, NSW Chanel Store Fit-out and 70 Castlereagh Street Building Façade Upgrade, Sydney, NSW The Star Casino Capital Works Programme, Sydney, NSW Home @ Tuggerah Shopping Centre Refurbishment, Sydney, NSW.
Eastgate Shopping Centre Refurbishment, Sydney, NSW Estate 1 Retail Village, Melbourne, VIC Federation Centres Capital Works Wentworthville Leagues Club Shangri-La Hotel Refurbishment, Sydney Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort Expansion 70 Castlereagh Street Façade Replacement Epworth Freemasons Theatres and Services Upgrade Works Retail Remix Programme, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Singapore Crowne Plaza Vientiane Complex & Intercontinental Phu Quoc Resort AEON Tan Phu Celadon Shopping Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam AEON Long Bien Shopping Centre, Hanoi, Vietnam SC VivoCity, District 7 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Livat Shopping Centre, Wuxi, China
For more information contact Pure Projects (WA) Pty Ltd, Suite 5, Churchill Court, 335 Hay Street, Subiaco WA 6008, phone 08 6460 8433, website www.pureprojects.com
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 43
RESIDENTIAL
THE BUILDERS CHOICE residential
Mediterranean Luxury on the Riverside in Perth
I
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n the beautiful Applecross area of Perth, with its Jacaranda treelined streets named for places on the Applecross peninsula in Scotland, sits a beautiful brand new Mediterranean-influenced luxury residence. The five-bedroom home boasts three levels, many ornate features and finishes, an award-winning swimming pool, and even its own lift servicing all three floors. The building was constructed by Archistruct Builders and Designers, a company with around 30 years of experience in the building industry, with many of the intricate internal detail work designed by Maria Monaco and Associates interior designers. Construction material is double brick, with external light tan acrylic-textured finish, concrete floors, clay Roman-style roof tiles, and 'low-e' energy-efficient glazing. The home is located just 7km from Perth, and 200m from the Swan River and Applecross jetty.
Phone: 9414 7322
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Mediterranean influence The Tuscan look of the property is evident at first glance, with arches, cobbled driveway, decorative gable-end features, pillars, heavy wooden entry door, and wrought-iron scrollwork on the balustrades and gates. Innovative stonework - sourced from local stone - has been utilised to create external feature walls with a southern European influence and feel. The home features high, coffered ceilings, and both straight and curved bulkheads, some with feature light troughs.
residential THE BUILDERS CHOICE
“We have supplied and installed a wide range of feature plaster glass products, which include a large feature dome with light trough,” Dom D'Agnone of Archistruct Builders and Designers said. Internal finishes include Victorian ash timber handrails on the staircases and landings, decorative cornices, arches, crowns and corbels, and extensive feature wall beading. This intricate attention to detail in the home's interior makes this building truly unique.
The pool itself is really something to behold! It is covered over with a sturdy feature Villaboard ceiling which has over 200 fibre optic lights that appear like stars when switched on – creating a unique night sky effect. At one end of the pool area, there is a mosaic-tiled mural display depicting arches, pillars and a natural waterfall scene that is all very much in keeping with the theme of the home, and a spa that feeds into the pool, continuing the waterfall effect. ‘‘The home features high, coffered The pool area also boasts stepping Home layout stones, a wet-deck, and multi-coloured ceilings, and both straight and One of the most noticeable features on underwater LED lights. curved bulkheads, some with entering the property are the huge stoneThe Western Australian Swimming clad archways over the windows of the Pool and Spa Association declared this feature light troughs.’’ lower level or undercroft of the building. pool and spa combination the Gold This part of the house could be referred to as the entertainment Winner in the 2014 Indoor Pool category, stating it has “stand out area, as it includes a state-of-the-art theatre room, gymnasium, visual appeal that complements the Mediterranean style of the games room, alfresco area, indoor/outdoor pool and spa home” and that the “rear tiled wall mural raises the pool to an art combination, and a cellar that has vaulted ceilings and is lined with house standard.” hand-made bricks. The middle or main level of the home is where the living happens. There is a large gourmet kitchen with a scullery, stone bench tops and lacquered cabinets, an open-plan formal dining and lounge room, and a less formal meals and family area. There is also a guest bedroom with its own ensuite, and a second study. The home features natural stone-tile flooring throughout. The top level is where the other four bedrooms and bathrooms are situated, as well as a parents' retreat and a children's retreat. The main bedroom has its own ensuite and walk-in-robe, while one of the other bedrooms has its own ensuite and the remaining two bedrooms share a bathroom. This storey has timber flooring, and decking with a wrought iron balustrade. From this level there are views over the Swan River and across to the Perth CBD. The home also has three inbuilt gas log-fires and smart wiring throughout, and a garage with a car lift enabling two cars to be stored below ground level. The home was assessed for energy efficiency and was awarded a 6-star rating.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 45
THE BUILDERS CHOICE residential
‘‘The Tuscan look of the property is evident at first glance, with arches, cobbled driveway, decorative gable-end features, pillars, heavy wooden entry door, and wrought-iron scrollwork on the balustrades and gates.’’ Challenges Building height restrictions meant that the construction team needed to carry out excavations to be able to fit the three levels onto the available land. “Due to the overall height of the home we had to excavate into the site, which required piling to side boundaries so that the neighbouring houses were not affected by the excavation,” Mr D'Agnone said. Of course, good waterproofing and drainage was also required for building below ground level. This situation was managed without any incidents.
46 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
Achievements The complex nature of this home - from its size and level of ornate detail to the installation of its many unusual and unique features really showcases the achievements of the companies involved. Mr D'Agnone said the features he is particularly proud of in the project include the garage car lift, the vaulted ceilings in the cellar, and the fact that the pool won the best indoor pool award. Overall, it is evident that the completion of the home has been a successful construction project for the builders, designers and subcontractors involved.
COMMERCIAL
commercial THE BUILDERS CHOICE
GOOD FORTUNE for Perth with new JAMES SQUIRE
W
hen the lease for a 500 square-metre tenancy at the Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough came available, the Kapinkoffs couldn't resist the opportunity. The Kapinkoff family (represented by Adam Kapinkoff) already operates the Generous Squire in Perth's CBD, and with its beachfront location and views of the Indian Ocean, the Scarborough spot was ideally situated for their second James Squire-branded venue.
TH ET EA M
A challenging project In early 2013, HTS Consultants Pty Ltd were engaged to come up with initial conceptual plans and apply to council for a change of use from restaurant to tavern before making an application for the liquor licence.
www.oldfieldknott.com.au Phone:9381 6788 www.utopiaindustries.com.au Phone: 9309 5166
At the end of 2013, Architect Frank Iemma from Oldfield Knott Architects Pty Ltd was approached and commissioned to re-design, document and manage the project through to completion. The initial council approved conceptual plans were modified to reflect the Kapinkoffs' desire for a tavern venue that maximised patron space, serviced the customer easily, took advantage of the alfresco area and was operationally efficient from a back of house perspective. Until recently, the esplanade along Scarborough Beach had been known for rowdy behaviour and this had led to the closure of some of the licenced venues. A number of beachfront/foreshore re-development master plans were fore-shadowed by the City of Stirling, all with the aim of bringing the Scarborough Beach front back to life, and making it attractive for families & tourists. The Rendezvous Hotel became active in this revitalisation through a multi-million dollar refurbishment program that saw the creation of new food and beverage tenancies along the Esplanade for leasing to suitable operators. The Liquor Licensing authority expressed a willingness to support and grant Liquor Licences and once a Liquor Licence grant was issued, the project was ready to start in earnest. Design imperatives Creating a venue that was compact and cosy during the quiet season, yet could be opened up in the summer to accommodate the high volume of beach traffic, was imperative.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 47
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial “The right contractors were an essential part of that.” The Kapinkoff Family was very happy with their selection of Utopia Industries Pty Ltd, managed by Fabio Spera, as the Builder and fitout contractor on the project.
Mr Iemma worked closely with Squires' Sydney based interior designers – Collins and Turner to ensure the fit-out matched their branding guidelines, and constant co-ordination via conference calls and emails kept everyone aligned both in Sydney and in Perth. A “pressure cooker situation” The project had a deadline of 12 weeks from start on site to completion. Managing the logistics of transporting non-local materials and specialised manufactured items to Perth, while coordinating a local team of contractors, was achieved through effective and ongoing communication. “When you have tight timeframes it's important to get the right fit-out contractors who have good communication with their subcontractors. It was a pressure cooker situation in order to get it finished,” Mr Iemma said.
Working within an existing building posed “challenges” The combination of tight deadlines and working within the existing building posed challenges. The ceiling heights and the presence of existing slabs, sprinkler runs and other factors meant that it was tough to ensure the venue met the required standards for climate control and other issues. The kitchen canopy extraction system provided another challenge. The hotel had not provided a suitable connection point and they couldn't obtain permission to connect into the hotel's main service kitchen system nearby. Building above the tenancy and openings nearby meant you couldn't meet “distance and odour” regulations using a standard install. Following discussions with the kitchen design consultants, Mr Iemma recommended a specialist canopy system, one which was a two-stage filtered system designed to take smells out of the cooking area and discharge it outside at an agreed location. Although costly, they no longer had to adhere to the same proximity regulations. Branding essential The minimalist, raw finished and textured design palettes proposed by Collins & Turner were both challenging and helpful according to Mr Iemma. “They helped to some extent with the construction programme in that there were no secondary or third linings or additional finishing required to/on walls and ceilings in the major areas,” he said. The branding relies largely on rope, copper, wood and black mesh. Extensive use of graphics tells the story of James Squire on the internal walls of the venue, and these were done by Sydneybased firm Extra Black.
Prosperous Ceilings
Residential and Commercial Drop ceiling, partition and fit out Old house renovation 20 years experience All jobs 10 yrs warranty
0416 834 880 Email: prosperous.wong.ceiling@gmail.com 48 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
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Although the final outcome stayed true to the design intent and the branding, a few compromises had to be made. The flooring was originally supposed to be exposed aggregate concrete, but the inadequate setdown depth and condition of the existing concrete meant they couldn't lay the concrete in the thickness required, so had to opt instead for a concrete coloured/simulated tiled floor finish. The rope ceiling, which is the major design feature in the place, ‘‘The Kapinkoff Family provided an inherent ceiling line, was very happy with discreetly masking the airtheir selection of Utopia conditioning ducts, light fixtures, Industries Pty Ltd.’’ cabling trays and sprinklers that are exposed in all their rawness. It also it posed a challenge, as the 1.6km of 40mm sisal rope required was very difficult to find. The venue boasts a number of other unique features – a curved glasswall at the entry, amber glass over the kitchen servery opening and in the balustrading area off the lounge. LED lights are apparent behind the bar, under the bar top lighting the copper barfont, and in the toilets. Zincalume sheeting adorns the walls and resin mixed reconstituted concrete (manufactured by Popconcrete from Queensland & transported to Perth) was used for the bartop and toilet vanity units. The end result got a positive review from the Kapinkoff family. “We're happy with the aesthetics, happy with the layout and operationally it's come out very well.” Adam Kapinkoff said, “We now await The Duke”. The Duke is another new tavern project that the Kapinkoff family currently has underway which is due to open in May 2015 using the same Architect and Builder.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 49
COMMERCIAL
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial
Mixing Dome's Signature Style with
Local Themes a Success
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ome was established in Perth in the early 90s, and has been expanding ever since, not only in Australia but also overseas in South East Asia and parts of the Middle East. Dome cafés are designed with a distinctly European flavour, which is reflected in the menu as well as in the décor. During 2014, Dome expanded yet again to add three more cafés – at Bassendean, Butler, and East Fremantle. Refits of existing buildings were carried out by Masterbuilt Constructions, led by Michael Ogilby. The brief was to create three new café outlets that had the Dome signature European brasserie style, but that also reflected their location and a specific theme in keeping with the surrounding region.
Phone: 9418 7557
50 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
Bassendean café – a historic rail transport theme Bassendean has a long history of rail transport, and is the home of the Railway Museum which is run by Rail Heritage WA. It was decided to incorporate this historical railway theme into the café at the Bassendean shopping centre. To achieve this aim, an AR348 rail carriage from 1908 has been installed on the second level of the café and incorporated into the café itself. The carriage was restored to look much like it did after a previous makeover done in the 1950s. The rest of the café interior also has a historic focus, which includes a steel spiral staircase with timber handrails and steps, and balustrades in timber, steel and brass. Another major renovation was the addition of an alfresco and an AGA cooking area, both with tile brick floors, and a library with open fireplace. The café floors have been finished in walnut stain and polish, the ceilings in gloss stain, and walls in washed paint. The finished product combining the Dome signature style with the integration of the railway theme is so far proving a very popular venue for locals and visitors to the region. Challenges and achievements Masterbuilt's manager Michael Ogilby says the challenges of the project revolved around the design and construction of the spiral staircase, the complete design of the AGA section, and the
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incorporation of the train carriage into the fit-out – all within the time-frame specified. He said the fact that this has been achieved without any major problems or incidents is a testament to the expertise, commitment and good management of the construction team, the cooperation of all the contractors involved, and the project manager from Dome. Mr Ogilby feels that the major achievements of the build include incorporating the rail carriage into the café, and the integration of all of the elements to come together to form the finished product of a “café just off the rail line”. Butler café – a modern lakefront theme Butler is situated about 40km from the Perth CBD, and until relatively recently was a bushland area with a lake. It is now home to a number of new housing developments. The population of the area is rapidly growing, which no doubt makes it an ideal spot for the addition of a family-style café near the water. The Butler Dome is situated on the edge of the lake and is also near a playground, making it potentially a good venue for families
with children. It incorporates an alfresco area on the water's edge with a shaded patio and balcony – providing a great spot for people who want to just relax with their coffee or meal outdoors on the waterfront, or to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the water in the early evening. Similar to Bassendean, the European style was achieved with internal finishes such as walnut stain and the use of timber and brass. However with the Butler café, it was also decided to incorporate rammed earth walls into the building as a new design concept, to “incorporate Dome's standard finishes into a new modern freestanding building.” Our services include: New Homes Home Renovations Commercial Projects Some of the features we can provide: Decorative Cornice Feature Bulkheads Archways Suspended Ceilings Wall Partitioning Tile and Grid Ceilings Acoustic Ceilings Fire Rated Ceilings
Centaur Ceilings were proud to install the ceilings at the Dome Restaurant Bassendean At Centaur Ceilings, we take your ceiling project personally. From the finest architect-designed homes to multi-unit developments and sleek shop fit-outs, our experienced and professional team will efficiently fulfil all of your residential and commercial ceiling requirements to the highest standard. Competent in all aspects of the trade, our teams are knowledgeable of the latest industry techniques and
materials, ensuring that your project is completed with attention to detail and alacrity. Located centrally in Perth, Western Australia, we are available to assist throughout the state and take pride in providing high quality work and personal service at a fair price. We have a reputation among ceiling contractors in Perth for our commitment to getting the job done well. Our teams are on site, on time and on the ball.
Graham Heron: 0419 958 084
info@centaurceilings.com.au
www.centaurceilings.com.au March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 51
THE BUILDERS CHOICE commercial Challenges and achievements Mr Ogilby states there were no major challenges with this project and says the “blending of two completely different styles (building and fit-out) has been very successful.” Certainly the natural look of the earth walls blends in well with the surrounding environment.
52 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
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According to Mr Ogilby, incorporating the Dome standard specifications into such a unique building and location has been a major achievement
East Fremantle café – a boathouse theme Just about everyone loves to relax by the waterside and watch the boats sail by, and at East Freo there is plenty of opportunity to do this. This project is different again from the previous two as the building is situated on a private jetty on the river. The existing pile structure in the riverbed was used, and a boathouse theme was developed to reflect the location of the café. There was an operational restaurant already at the site, and this was scaled back to allow the entry of the Dome. The use of materials to create the boathouse theme of this project is very much in keeping with café's location and the region's maritime heritage. This was achieved while still maintaining the Dome European standard style - which included lining some of the walls and ceilings with timber panelling and weatherboard internally.
Challenges and achievements The two main challenges involved altering and installing services under the existing floor in a site that is over water, and completing the project while the existing restaurant continued to trade. These challenges were managed without any major problems or incidents. According to Mr Ogilby, incorporating the Dome standard specifications into such a unique building and location has been a major achievement, along with “creating a new café over the Swan River with some of the best views in Perth.” The future Dome looks like expanding still further in the future, with plans in the pipeline for new venues in both metropolitan regional centres of WA.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 53
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BEAUTY & PRACTICALITY combine in COMMERCIAL
College Building Project
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alyellup College is an independent public secondary school in a picturesque part of the Bunbury region of WA. The college is committed to providing high-quality education programs, and to nurturing and encouraging personal and educational growth in all its students. The school is in the process of undertaking considerable building extensions and modifications to create a college with state-of-theart facilities for up to 1,200 students from Years 7 to 12. The aim of the building program is to create additional flexible learning spaces that stimulate and motivate students in an environment that is not only beautiful to look at, but which also provides plenty of practical applications.
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The project brief Stage 2 of Dalyellup's building program involved the addition of two new double-storey learning centres on the eastern side of the campus, and a one-storey Design and Technology facility on the north-western side.
www.bgc.com.au Phone: 9722 3100
54 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
The program also involved modifications to the reception and some teaching areas, as well as the addition of outdoor sporting areas and a car park expansion. Other changes included extensions to and linking of existing pathways and courtyards, landscaping and paving works, and a 23m suspended bridge that links two of the buildings. The construction team The successful bid was awarded to BGC Construction, a company with considerable experience in commercial projects, and Parry and Rosenthal Architects. The companies were appointed by the Department of Finance, Building Management and Works. Achievements and highlights The Stage 2 program commenced in January 2013 with a deadline of the start of the 2014 school year. This meant that BGC needed to complete three high-quality buildings within 52 weeks and within a fully operational school environment – something which required a good deal of communication with the college as well as plenty of careful planning and scheduling. BGC's regional manager Ross Marshall felt that the main factor that made this project a success was client satisfaction. The construction team were able to complete the project on time and within the grounds of a fully-operational school without incident, and at the end of it all, still managed to remain “great friends” with the client! The completed buildings boast excellence in aesthetics, finish and workmanship. This includes the extensive use of glazing, cantilevered staircases with glass balustrades, polished concrete blocks with over 120 variations in colour, and beautiful timber finishes. Seraphic-coloured glass features and the use of artworks both inside and out add to the aesthetically pleasing and luxurious quality of the construction. This project also included a 75-seat lecture theatre with underseat ducting for heating and cooling purposes, providing a
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comfortable and modern learning environment for students and teachers. BGC also installed fit-outs such as a commercial-grade kitchen, and science and art equipment. External finishes included extensive use of concrete and block paving, concrete seating, landscaping, new sports court finishes, and 76 new car parking bays. A particular feature of the buildings are the floor-to-ceiling curtain wall windows. The windows are up to eight metres high, and boast energy-efficient 'low-e' coated glazing, which allows for plenty of natural light and views to the environment outside. Contrast has been provided by seraphic-coloured feature glass. A large school environment such as this one requires materials that are practical and that provide protection against continual wear and tear. Use of sturdy materials such as concrete block, stainless steel and low-maintenance metal facades should help maintain the quality of the buildings for current and future generations of students. Challenges The project did present a number of challenges. These were expertly overcome by the diligence and care taken by the construction team, and the cooperation of sub-contractors and college personnel. Chief among these was the issue of safety, especially with construction taking place within the school grounds and during normal school operating hours. This meant that deliveries and work activities had to be tightly scheduled so that they would cease during morning and afternoon school pick-up times – which was no mean feat! However, the team managed this situation without any safety issues occurring, which is certainly an achievement to be proud of. “To have completed such a project without event is a credit to the BGC staff and sub-contractors, the college staff and the students and parents,” Mr Marshall said.
Another challenge was the fact that one of the new buildings was situated 200m from the others. This presented a logistical problem of safely moving equipment from the building site to the isolated building within the grounds of the school. The team managed this successfully without incident. In addition, a shortage of tradespeople in the region at the time had the potential to cause considerable delays to the project. However, BGC used its extensive contractor network to effectively manage this situation. The high water table of the region also meant that in-ground drainage works needed to be planned and executed ahead of time to prevent delays and problems from occurring. Completion The new completed double-storey buildings are being used for Science, IT, senior school and general classrooms, as well as housing the lecture theatre, student services, staff facilities and a fitness centre. The new single-storey building is being used for Design and Technology and Home Economics. Dalyellup is clearly pleased with its new buildings and is looking ahead to the next stage of the building program, which will involve enclosure of the under-cover area to create a new gym. “It is fair to say that regionally this project has taken BGC to a new level. The value, complexity and delivery timeframe was 300% more challenging than for previous regional projects,” Mr Marshall said. “Modern and energetic facilities are motivating and transforming our young people and provide teaching professionals with pride of workplace. This new innovative facility's construction will stimulate students to attend, to participate and to contribute. The longevity of the finishes will ensure these beautiful buildings are maintained for many years to come.” Certainly it looks like this was a very successful partnership, and one with benefits that should serve the Dalyellup school community far into the future.
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 55
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Minimalist Lines with Views to the Ocean at City Beach
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f you can imagine living in a home that feels as if it's floating in the sky you'd be close to capturing the unique essence of this City Beach home. Designed and built to capture a 180° panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, it has a light and minimalist appearance that completely belies the level of engineering and the materials that went into its construction. The design and construction teams at Cambuild and Banham Architects have combined their creativity and practical expertise to incorporate an airy and almost 'floaty' feeling throughout this bespoke 4-bedroom 5-level home. Climbing the floating timber staircase to the top of the house creates a feeling of moving upwards towards the clouds, and the views of the evening and night sky from the top level are as stunning to behold as those of the sea. The height of this home enables the residents to see submarines and ships on the Indian Ocean, and even to glimpse passing whales if they catch the right moment – and all with the convenience of being just 20 minutes from Perth's CBD.
www.cambuild.com.au Phone: 9383 7959
56 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
How it was achieved The brief was to create a home that not only captured the outstanding views, but was easy to live in, light and minimalist in appearance and based on simple horizontal lines in keeping with the ocean's horizon. In short – a home that was not only welldesigned and constructed, but had a 'wow' factor designed to dazzle the senses. Success on such a project needs much more than creative vision – it requires the highest level of expertise and a team-wide ethos of innovative thinking and accepting nothing less than the best possible result. The collaboration between Cambuild and Banham Architects has certainly delivered on all counts. There are a number of striking features of the City Beach home that contribute to the final outcome. Glass Glass is featured extensively throughout the home. Cambuild Managing Director Cam Wilkie revealed that more than half the walls in the home are constructed from glass, with one particular feature wall containing over 1200kg of glass material. This use of glazing works to connect the inside of the home to the outside, and to maximise the northern aspect including the views to the sea and sky. It also allows an extensive level of natural light into the home creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Roof The choice of a flat concrete roof meant maximising the height of the home within height restrictions, and better capturing the views. The roof is particularly slender from the front view, appearing to just touch the top of the home and not overwhelm it. It sweeps out in an attractive curved shape over the balcony area.
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The pool The home boasts a unique cantilevered pool with ultra-clear glass walls at one end. Mr Wilkie is particularly pleased with this feature, and says that “looking into the clear end of the pool at night is striking because the glass mosaic tiles create a shimmering effect. It adds a sense of theatre”. Layout The typical home layout of living areas below and bedrooms upstairs would not have delivered the desired views and maximum natural daylight into the living areas, so it was decided to reverse the layout. The top level contains the open plan living area and kitchen which opens out onto the alfresco area, creating an expansive indoor/outdoor space perfect for entertaining and enjoying the vast oceanic views and colourful sunsets. There are excellent views from the master suite too, and the use of electric blinds and curtains enables the residents to catch the morning view on waking while still maintaining privacy.
Challenges and achievements There are always challenges with a custom design of this magnitude. One was the huge size and weight of the glass panels required for the pool. Imported from overseas these had to be removed from the shipping containers using a substantial amount of manual manpower as the use of machinery would have created a high risk of damage. This was managed successfully without incident. Another challenge was that of creating an essentially flat home on a sloping block. This was achieved by adapting the home to the shape of the block through incorporating split levels into the design. Achieving the desired floating look in a home with over 800 tonnes of concrete also took a great deal of activity and engineering according to Mr Wilkie. He's very pleased with the result and says at Cambuild they like to “think outside the box, and to challenge the usual design parameters”. The final outcome This project was 21/2 years in the making, and the finished product is a glamorous and comfortable home that appears two-storey from the front, but in fact has three full storeys and two split levels. A lift services all floors and other features include a large balcony, feature gas fireplace, glass waterfall, cellar, gym, 4-car garage, and a light and bright interior. While the home is packed with amazing features Mr Wilkie feels that the most striking of all is the panoramic view, which stretches out to Rottnest Island and Fremantle. The completed project is certainly a pleasing achievement for all involved. Cambuild describe it as a home that will be a “genuine sanctuary” for the owners, with “the sparkling pool and glass waterfall entry statement setting the tone for a home conceived to relax the mind and lift the spirits”.
www.sorrentoglass.com.au
Sorrento Glass is a premium supplier of glass pool fencing and balustrade products built for Australian conditions. Our products are backed by warranty and installed by our certified tradesmen to ensure a long lasting, perfectly straight, beautiful glass fence. Sorrento Glass were proud to be involved with Cambuild on this City Beach Residence featured.
U1/7 Hector St, Osborne Park, Perth WA 6017
t: (08) 9244 8504
m: 0403 064 821
info@sorrentoglass.com.au
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 57
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The building The building is constructed from pre-cast concrete, and has concrete feature panels and concrete floors. Contiguous piling was installed to the entire site perimeter during construction. The external rendering is in a light grey colour, with additional secondary, accent and feature colours. Sliding doors and windows are framed with powder-coated aluminium. The outside area of the construction includes landscaped areas and reticulated gardens. The 60 architecturally-designed apartments come in various sizes, layouts and colour schemes. In total, there are fifteen different styles of apartment, which include: 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom – ranging in total area size from 62m2 to 86m2. 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom – sized from 69m2 to 80m2. 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom 'penthouses' – from 133m2 to 171m2 in size. Each of the apartments has its own private balcony with glass balustrades, with the higher level apartments providing views to the river. The five larger penthouse-style suites are split over the top two storeys. There is also one commercial unit on the ground level. Facilities include a ground-level car park with a 16-bay car stacker, and storage areas, remote-controlled security gates, and aluminium letterboxes with key locks. There is a communal swimming pool and gymnasium on the first level, and communal rooftop areas including a BBQ, cinema-style theatre, and viewing deck.
Convenience, Luxury and Style Create a Great Vibe in Perth
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ibe on Wellington is a brand new eight-storey 60-apartment development in the Claisebrook precinct of east Perth. The Vibe apartment block is situated close to cafés, restaurants, parks, transport links, shopping, colleges and universities, and the lovely Claisebrook Cove on the Swan River. The Vibe's project team was led by Rodney Naef of east Perth company Ren Construction. Ren Construction has extensive experience in commercial building projects in Western Australia. For this particular project, NEXTGEN LIVING chose Ren Construction, with Aztec Architects, the Campion Design Group, and Melissa Legg Design for the interior design schemes.
rencon.com.au Phone: 9571 8638
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Interiors and style The apartments have modern, light and comfortable interiors with various colour schemes. They have been designed with a variety of budgets in mind, and would suit either investors wishing to take advantage of high rental demand, or owners desiring the convenience and benefits of inner-city living but without that 'crowded' feeling. Features include storage facilities, fire-rated self-closing entry doors, security intercom and alarm system, air conditioning as an option to unit purchasers, fully functional kitchens, built-in robes and ensuites, and a second bathroom in the larger apartments. Internal finishes include: Kitchens – reconstituted stone bench tops, square-edge laminate doors, mirror splashbacks, stainless steel appliances, and ceramic floor tiles. Ensuites and bathrooms – laminate benches and durable white vitreous china basins and toilets. Bedrooms – carpet on the floors, and built-in robes with aluminium-framed sliding doors. Living areas – acoustic underlay floorboards, open-plan living, large windows, and sliding doors to the outside balcony.
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Ren Construction describes the apartments as 'resort-style' which is quite apt given the combination of modern luxury living, clean lines, comfort, and convenience to the city, along with the offering of the pool and rooftop theatre. Living in one of these apartments might well feel like being on holiday! Challenges and achievements Ren Construction Director Rodney Naef commented that the company has had many years of experience in constructing buildings of this size and type. This meant that the build went fairly well according to plan, without any major problems. It was completed by the deadline and within budget, having been put together by “a great team of suppliers and contractors.” According to Mr Naef, the main challenge came not so much with the building itself but due to the adjacent heritage-listed single-storey home. Building next to an older heritage house of this type had the potential to create safety and stability problems. “After studying a structural engineer's report, it was decided that it was necessary to remove the outer layer of the west wall of the
heritage house, and install steel columns to support the degrading roof structure. We removed the outer skin by hand labour, so as to preserve as many of the original bricks as possible for reuse,” he said. Mr Naef stated that the car stacker in the basement, which was the company's first, and the rooftop cinema, were achievements of note. No doubt these features will be a drawcard for investors in the property. Investment opportunities These apartments have been built in an ideal location, being so close to the CBD but in treed and pleasant surrounds, and within close proximity to the river. The location factor, the high standard of construction and finish of the apartments, and the proximity of transport, freeways, parks, outdoor activities, shops and entertainment, should make them an excellent investment opportunity. Residents, whether tenants or owners, are likely to find apartment living at the Vibe on Wellington a pleasant and relaxing experience in a highly convenient location.
(08) 9418 4222
NEWPAINT (WA) COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC PAINTING CONTRACTORS
Specialists in all types of painting
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March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 59
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Photos nickthake.com
STUNNING VIEWS and Luxury Feature at Mindarie Marina
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orth of the Perth CBD is the delightful Mindarie Marina, with its sparkling blue water, boats, boardwalks, and places to eat, drink and relax. Around here, there is plenty to do, from swimming, fishing, surfing and kayaking to playing golf and visiting one of the four parks in the vicinity. It is also here that you will find the newly completed boutique Marina Oceanside apartments in Bristol Lane – 44 dwellings of various sizes and layouts that are built right on the water's edge, providing a spectacular view over the Indian Ocean.
www.pyramid.net.au Phone: 9340 9888
60 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
In 2013, the successful bid for the project went to Pyramid Constructions of Osborne Park – a company that has been committed to integrity and transparency in all its activities and to building strong relationships with clients since they began operating in 1999. The building Marina Oceanside Apartments is constructed over five levels with apartments varying in size from 73 to 154 square metres. Of the 44 apartments, one has three bedrooms, 32 have two bedrooms, and 11 have one bedroom. 14 of the dwellings have one bathroom, while the rest have two. All have spacious balconies with glass balustrades, and 29 have spectacular views of the marina. All the apartments have high security and keyless entry. Three of the five levels have car parking bays with the visitors parking bays located on level 3 – car parking is accessed from Bristol Lane – Outside, there are landscaped reticulated gardens, a shared open space and a boardwalk next to the marina.
residential THE BUILDERS CHOICE The building has a concrete-framed structure, metal deck roof cover, and AFS concrete external walls with a textured-paint finish. Windows are aluminium-framed with 'low-e' single clear glazing and external shading, while the balconies have ceramic floor tiles and semi-frameless glass balustrades. Internal walls are either AFS concrete, or lightweight steel stud frames lined with plasterboard and/or fibre cement sheeting. An Energy Efficiency Assessment was conducted prior to design finalisation and recommendations adopted regarding the type and location of wall and roof insulation needed, use of low-e glass where required, plus installation of external blinds and screens. The apartments The internal environment is comfortable, modern, and light. Finishes include glass splashbacks, stone bench tops and European stoves and cooktops in the kitchens, stone tops, vitreous china basins and chrome heated towel rails in the bathrooms, and carpet in living areas. A choice of colour schemes and fixtures was available. Luxury upgrade options included Miele appliances, timber veneer cabinetwork in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, tongue-andgroove timber flooring in the kitchen and living room, and wool carpet in the bedrooms. The main windows in the apartments face out to the west, providing residents the opportunity to relax of an evening, and simply enjoy the sunset and the ocean view. Challenges, solutions and achievements The project was finished by the deadline, allowing timely settlement with apartment owners, despite a number of challenges and difficulties. For a start, the building footprint occupied the entire site meaning that space and access for the formwork, scaffolding, unloading of materials and concrete placement was very limited. This was overcome by negotiating with the local authority for the long term temporary closure of Bristol Lane during construction The fact that construction took place in an established residential area also presented its own set of challenges. It meant that working hours were restricted and timeframes for large concrete pours were limited – which was resolved through careful planning and scheduling. In the initial stages, many local residents were also opposed to the building. This situation was able to be resolved through good communication and discussions. Acts of theft and vandalism also presented a challenge, which was managed by installing security cameras and by the apprehension of offenders by the police. Another issue to consider was the weather and climate. While the sea may be beautiful to look at and enjoy, the ocean environment can be harsh! As the site was subject to coastal environmental conditions, strong winds frequently prevented the tower crane from being used. Furthermore, constant monitoring of the winds and stacked light-weight materials was necessary to ensure that materials were secured and not a risk to the public. In addition, to reduce the corrosion risk, materials for roofing and balustrade fittings had to be carefully selected for the coastal environment. This was done through the selection of suitable
materials such as Colorbond Ultra roof sheeting, Duplex 20/25 stainless steel alloy for fittings and capping rails, and powder coating designed for marine environments, offering a 15-year warranty. A successful project The factors that have made this project successful include quality of workmanship, value-for-money, and client satisfaction. The highly favourable position, together with the visual appeal of the building and views of the marina that cannot be built out make a Marina Oceanside Apartment an attractive opportunity for discerning investors.
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Luxury and Good Design at its Finest
IN ALKIMOS
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ot far from the beach at Alkimos in WA sits a display home that really showcases the expertise of Rosmond Custom Homes when it comes to design and attention to detail. The two-storey home is more than just another display house – it has been designed to capture the theme of coastal living, while also providing excellent functionality and comfort for family life and entertainment. The home's quality has been officially recognised, achieving finalist status in the 2015 Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards.
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House layout The dimensions of the home are approximately 20m in length x 15m in width. The ground floor features a luxurious master bedroom and ensuite, study, open kitchen and scullery area, family and dining areas, and a spacious and quiet theatre room. Towards the back of
www.rosmondhomes.com.au Phone: 9440 6644
62 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
the home is a lovely alfresco area that is perfect for entertaining, and an outdoor pool and water feature. Upstairs there is a children's or teen zone, which features three more double bedrooms, a roomy activity area, bathroom, computer alcove, and a very generous balcony with great views.
Features of the home Outside and entry The outside of the home boasts a façade that makes it really stand out among the other buildings in the nearby vicinity. The roof is particularly striking in that it slopes upwards in a curve to reflect a wave, very much in keeping with the beach theme. Low-maintenance plants have been selected for the outside areas, along with an artificial lawn, making the garden easy-care and requiring only minimal watering. Acrylic render has been used on the external walls of the building. The entry area features a double-storey void and a bridge which leads to an ash timber-tread floating staircase. In keeping with the coastal theme, the wall in this area features wave tiles painted in a light sea-blue colour.
residential THE BUILDERS CHOICE Lower level The lower level is particularly focused on comfortable open-plan living and entertainment. The theatre room can be accessed from the main living area. The kitchen and family areas are modern and spacious with large feature windows that allow in plenty of natural light. The kitchen features Caesar-stone benchtops and an island bench, and is illuminated by numerous LED downlights. The kitchen also opens out into spacious sitting and dining areas, and looks out onto the partially-covered barbecue and alfresco area outside. Alfresco areas The alfresco area is special. There is an undercover cooking and dining area which opens out onto an outside patio, which in turn leads onto an additional undercover sitting area. A pool and a timber decking area also feature. Lighting Lighting throughout the home includes extensive use of LED downlights and strips, and a number of feature chandeliers in various areas. Products used inside the home include Caroma sink-ware, Dorf taps, Polytec and Laminex items, and practical wash-andwear paint on the internal walls.
‘‘The kitchen features Caesarstone benchtops and an island bench, and is illuminated by numerous LED downlights’’.
Rosmond's aim for the project According to Rosmond Custom Homes, the aim of the project was to “design and build an outstanding display home”. Before arriving at the final product, the design team drew up multiple sketches and collaborated on a wide range of ideas. They then gathered together the most appealing design elements to incorporate into the final home design.
A high level of energy-efficiency was another aim of the project, and the finished home was given a six-star energy rating. The use of Aircell cavity wall insulation, R4.0 insulation in the ceiling, and the low water requirements of the garden area all contribute towards the green living standards of the home. Challenges and achievements According to Rosmond designer Noorudeen Khan, the main challenge was achieving the unique look of the roof. The aim of the roof design was to create a wave form in keeping with the local beach environment. Mr Khan said this meant that every individual truss had to be 100% spot-on in order to create the desired curved shape of the finished roof. The design team found the challenges exciting rather than daunting, and everyone is satisfied with the outcome. Mr Khan feels the home is successful for a number of reasons. “The design has been well thought-out with all the features needed
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THE BUILDERS CHOICE residential
in a luxury home, and the zoning of the rooms creates privacy where needed,” he stated. “It is a stand-out on any street due to the unique façade. The finishes of the home are of a high quality, with no sign of cutting corners.” Mr Khan is particularly pleased with a number of elements of the finished product.
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“The entry in particular stands out for me purely due to the open grand feel, with a two-storey void either side of a bridge above that connects the first floor activity to the secondary bedrooms. Your eyes are then focused on the floating feature staircase, which is backed up by a textured wave tile. The entry sets a high standard for the rest of the home.” A home of this design in Alkimos would most likely suit
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buyers who want a place with plenty of light and space, an independent area for their kids as they grow, and who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle combined with plenty of scope for entertaining. The home provides occupants the opportunity to entertain at home, enjoy the beach, use landscaped parks, dine at nearby restaurants, and observe amazing views from the balcony.
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Photo nickthake.com
RESIDENTIAL
THE BUILDERS CHOICE residential
Innovative Design creates stunning
Perth Apartments
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ustainable living, innovative design, simplicity and amazing views are the hallmarks of the new six-level 23-apartment Halo on Mount development in Mount St, Perth. With restaurants, bars, transport, shopping, and the city close to the front of the building, and the beautiful Kings Park out the back, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – that of city living as well as green outdoor spaces. Development management on this project was undertaken by Baltinas Made, with Baltinas Architecture as the Architect. Both of these companies are fully committed to delivering projects that are both beautifully designed and based on green principles. The
www.resoluteconstructions.com.au Phone: 9225 4900 Batinas.com Phone: 9328 1887
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finished result in this case is a truly innovative and modern building of a very unique design. The building The building itself was constructed using precast concrete panels which were finished in a Dulux Acratex finish, creating the organic grey, black and brown of the exterior walls. The darker-coloured exterior walls are embedded with circular windows of varying sizes. The building exterior also includes a vertical green wall of evergreen creeper and plants that is watered from roof-collected rainwater.
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The façade could be likened to a modern interpretation of art deco, with its curved elements and 'halo' circular windows that reflect the constantly-changing city lights at night time. The interior A unique feature of this building is the way it has been developed around two lift cores, in effect splitting the building in two. The result of this is the creation of two individual lift lobbies, which increases the level of privacy for residents, and provides two outlooks for each apartment.
All apartments receive natural light from at least two sides, and have views of both the water and the city. This unique design element also enables cross-ventilation which reduces the requirement for mechanical ventilators. The apartments In total, there are 21 two-bedroom two-bathroom apartments, and two exclusive penthouses on the top level. The apartments have been constructed using low-emission building materials, low-odour green-certified paint, Reynaers double-glazed windows with acoustic sound-reducing frames, and sound-absorbing panels on balcony soffits. Indoor features include modern kitchens and European appliances, built-in robes to all bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, and plenty of storage. The overall interior design is light, spacious and airy with a focus on privacy and security. Each apartment has its own semi-enclosable balcony, with opening sashless Aneeta windows. The balconies are described by Baltinas Architecture as a unique 'wintergarden' concept that means residents “are able to make comfortable use of balconies throughout all seasons of the year and create an indoor / outdoor space that uplifts the spirit.” Other features include a ground-floor boutique café and a dedicated bike storage area. Registration No. 7623
FATHER & SON Painting
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email: fatherandsonpainting@hotmail.com
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Our team were proud to work with Baltinas Architecture and Resolute Construction on this inno vative designed project.
Unit 1/77 Chistable Way, Landsdale WA 6065 March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 67
THE BUILDERS CHOICE residential Energy efficiency/sustainability Energy efficiency has not been carried out in a token way here, but has been incorporated into the entire project. Apart from features such as double-glazing and the use of sustainable materials, the building also features energy efficient lighting, solar self-generating power to the common shared areas, and high-efficiency taps, showerheads and air conditioners. Overall, there is a strong focus in general on reducing energy and water usage, while still maintaining maximum comfort and enjoyment. Project challenges According to architect Barry Baltinas, one of the main challenges in this project was the proximity of the freeway and the potential for traffic noise. This was overcome through the use of the sound-absorbent windows and acoustic panels. Mr Baltinas also states that the site was previously not generally seen as a good spot for a residential development, being referred to as “a dead-end street by the freeway.” The sight of the finished building, however, has managed to change a few minds on that score, and the location is now seen as highly desirable! Another challenge was that of Western Australia's strong winds and harsh climate, especially as these factors tend to reduce residents' enjoyment of balcony areas. To overcome this problem, the enclosable 'wintergarden' balconies were developed to allow all weather use and enjoyment. Achievements Overcoming the noise and weather challenges were major achievements for the project in themselves. Other achievements include the two-core design to maximise
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privacy, light, and views, and the sustainability and energy efficiency of the building and the apartment themselves, through the combination of classic materials and modern technology. Mr Baltinas refers to the finished product as a “space that feels open, light and bright, and the same time very comfortable to be
SAS Surveyors prides itself on developing lateral solutions for clients, on time and on budget. With a specialist focus on Design & Construct Engineering and Cadastral Surveying projects. SAS Surveyors provides specialist knowledge to navigate your project from development to completion. With nearly 40 years experience in the Western Australian Market, SAS Surveyors has what you need to get the job done.
Phone: (08) 9409 6366
www.sorensen.net.au
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Reputation, delivery, quality and more...
Commercial Tiling Services WA are one of the largest, most respected and longest established Commercial Tiling and Stone operators in West Australia. Halo Apartments is the latest amongst many apartment blocks completed by CTSWA including a multitude of award winning, record breaking apartments at all levels of construction. CTSWA have built their reputation on the timely delivery of challenging high end projects to the highest level of finishes. Their history has seen them meet the biggest of challenges including Iconic Buildings, too many to mention top-end Apartment blocks, many of WA’s Railway stations (including Perth Central), shopping centres, universities, schools, stadiums, hotels and mixed use developments. As an example of CTSWA’s capacity, quality and timely delivery, the following short list of projects were all completed concurrently:
The Perth Arena, a job that introduced the most challenging of precision triangular granite paving externally along with fields of internal stone, tiling and first time used unusual products, with the addition of Kerb laying to Wellington Street and William Street along with Michael Angelo style installation of Trend Q feature sheeting on ceilings. At the same time as the above project, CTSWA completed the refurbishment of Hale House the Premier’s new offices for WA. Using Australian sourced stone, product and tiles, this job was completed internally and externally to the highest standard and the State architect’s full satisfaction. Again whilst pushing the above demanding program, 25 of their stonemasons completed the new Travertine clad
All Saints College Performing arts centre. East Links mixed use building on the Great Eastern again was during the same time cycle along with 4 smaller (all still important) jobs completing within a short time scale. Past award winning jobs CTSWA are proud to have been involved in range from small but important like the rebuild of the State War memorial, to the multi award winning Albany Entertainment Centre. CTSWA are currently completing Perth’s first 6 Star Hotel Old Treasury Building on St Georges Terrace, the challenging new Perth City Library, the new Virgin Terminal and other projects, whilst still only working to a fraction of their proven capacity. For further information contact: enquiries@commercialtiling.com.au
42 Wittenoom Street, East Perth 6004 - 08 9200 6191 - enquiries@commercialtiling.com.au
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The Aneeta Windows 2 pane sashless window has become a “standard” type of window specified in new and renovation housing and commercial projects. The market is becoming increasingly aware of the unique features and cost effectiveness of the product, resulting in an increase of brand awareness Australia wide. West Australian Showroom We have many models and variations available. For viewing a comprehensive range and getting the best advice on Aneeta products visit our main showroom below.
in.” This building could definitely be described as a truly visionary concept and one-of-a-kind in the Perth region. Investment opportunities The apartments may be suitable for investors, or owners who want to live near the CBD while enjoying fantastic views over the city and river, a high level of privacy and security, and the beautifully manicured Kings Park.
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t: f: m: e:
+61 8 9303 4724 +61 8 9303 4837 +61 (0) 409 934 968 pcalifano@aneetawindows.com
108b Furniss Road, Landsdale WA 6065
www.aneetawindows.com
RESIDENTIAL
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Photos Greg Hocking
Sophistication & Sustainability define the Mika Apartments
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he new Mika apartment development is situated within walking distance of South Beach at South Fremantle – a beautiful region known for its sandy white beaches, parkland, coastal bike trail, trendy cafés and bars, and views out to Rottnest and Garden Islands. East Perth company Resolute Constructions built the apartments. Resolute is a commercial construction company that has been specialising in multi-storey residential, commercial, industrial and educational developments since the late 1990s, mostly in and around Perth but also in other regions.
www.resoluteconstructions.com.au Phone: 9225 4900 www.ccnwa.com.au Phone: 9322 1566
The complex was designed by CCN Architects and developed by Match – a boutique property development company that has won numerous awards for innovation, sustainability and commitment to heritage values. In its projects, Match focuses on high quality, beauty, responsibility and longevity. The Mika complex includes 38 architecturally designed boutique apartments, 18 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom, many of which extend over four levels. Construction and materials As for all buildings located close to the coast, the project required the use of long-wearing and hardy construction materials, able to stand up to the harsh conditions. Architectural Framing System (AFS) and lightweight plasterboard walls were used for the construction, with aged copper for wall feature cladding. The copper is both robust and beautiful, and will take on a light green patina over time with oxidation. The roofing is
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made of Colorbond and other similar materials, the external balustrades are steel, and the windows are framed in semi-industrial aluminium. The internal walls are plasterboard finished in wash and wear paint. Kitchen and bathroom finishes include stone tops, Formica vinyl-wrapped cupboard doors, Bosch appliances and Rogerseller fittings and accessories. Carpeted areas have wool carpet with acoustic underlay, and ceramic tiles line the floors in the kitchen and the wet areas.
The apartments The interior of the apartments is geared towards sophisticated living, passive design and use of natural light, with a focus on reducing energy use for heating, cooling and lighting. Neutral, simple tones are used along with contemporary fittings throughout. The apartments have open plan living areas and courtyard balconies with vertical louvred screens. The screens provide privacy and protection from west coast weather changes, and also enable adjustment of the level of light entry. Each apartment is designed as a simple canvas that residents can personalise with their own touches. “Throughout the interior, the high quality of finishes set a suitably stylish, European tone for your own personal style to warm and re-invent,” Match said. “Through pieces of artwork or furniture, collections or discoveries, each contemporary living space can come alive and become yours.” The one-bedroom apartments are set over one or two levels. The single-level dwellings typically have a total of 67m2 of living area, with a 15m2 courtyard, while the two-level 'loft' apartments are 73m2 in size with 12m2 courtyards. Typical two-bedroom apartments extend over four levels, and have 88m2 of living area and 12m2 courtyards. The complex also has well-lit secure entrances and parking areas with remotecontrol gate access. Location Location is of course always a very big factor in the success of a building project. Mika is situated in a vibrant region. Apart from being near parkland and the beach, it is also close to the South Terrace precinct where there are bars, cafés, restaurants, art centres and galleries, as well as plenty of shopping. Opportunities for activities in the region also abound at the beach, parklands, the Swan River and the harbour. The region is also not far from the central town of Fremantle, and is around 23km from the Perth CBD. Project challenges Resolute Constructions has had many years of experience in this type of construction, and brought a high level of expertise and standard of building to the project.
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residential THE BUILDERS CHOICE
SAS Surveyors prides itself on developing lateral solutions for clients, on time and on budget. With a specialist focus on Design & Construct Engineering and Cadastral Surveying projects. SAS Surveyors provides specialist knowledge to navigate your project from development to completion. With nearly 40 years experience in the Western Australian Market, SAS Surveyors has what you need to get the job done.
Phone: (08) 9409 6366
www.sorensen.net.au
Steve Longden from Resolute Constructions was the project manager for the Mika apartments. Mr Longden said that construction went according to plan. The fact that the building didn't require a basement also made construction easier than it otherwise might have. Mr Longden states it was a “fairly straightforward and easy project with a very good client and architect to work with.” Both Resolute Constructions and the client are very satisfied with the outcome. Achievements The finished product definitely meets the brief for quality construction and finish. Materials have been selected to provide protection against the elements in the coastal location, and to meet the design requirements of the client. The fact that the client was satisfied with the outcome indicates that this was a successful building project for Resolute Constructions. Investment opportunities The apartments may suit investors wishing to buy into the area, or owners who simply want a well-designed and energy-efficient home. Rental demand in this region is high, with rental yields and capital growth being relatively strong. Given that the area is right on the coastline with all its benefits, this trend is likely to continue, which should make owning one or more of the Mika apartments a sound long-term investment.
(08) 9418 4222
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SUSTAINABILITY
THE BUILDERS CHOICE sustainability
words Marc Drexel
THE IMPACT of sustainable transport OUTCOMES ON OUR FUTURE HOUSING NEEDS
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n March I attended The Electric Vehicle Association motor show and what a good show it was, a credit to the EVA for putting this event on. For me there was one stand out message. As I was being driven around the race track in a brand new luxury car with 4 other adults on board, all seated in air conditioned comfort, I spotted out of the corner of my eye a Ferrari and Lamborghini competing on the adjacent race track. The driver of our car put his foot down to accelerate and in supreme quietness
www.arcactive.com.au
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we reached state speed limit in less time than either the Ferrari or Lamborghini would have taken to achieved the same speed. It was at this point I realised I was seeing the end of the combustion age and the beginning of the electric age. Whilst the Tesler Model S is a highly desirable and very expensive car it's also a spectacular window into the future. It was also at this show that I was able to observe eMD's (electronic mobility devices) in action. Think electric skate boards, electric bikes, electric scooters, Segways, plus a range of homemade and exotic electric cars. When I stopped to consider all these transport options I realised that how we commute directly impacts to how we live and with all the fast changing technology and electronic mobility platforms, significant changes are needed to meet the consumer's evolving requirements, both with the built form and in urban planning. We live with the legacy of the great Australian dream, which in essence is a legacy of the great American dream and sprawling suburbia is the by-product. It is interesting to note that Perth's geographical urban foot print is already lager than both London and Paris. Although we are seeing new policies being developed and implemented to address the urban sprawl, in particular directions 2031, with its focus on high density dwellings on busy roads, major arterials linkages and railway connections. We are also seeing
sustainability THE BUILDERS CHOICE government lack the courage of their convictions, with the Light Rail debate recently a hot topic in the media. I am confident that common sense will prevail and we will see this logical and much need policy unfold in time. In the apartment market we are already seeing a number of developments being offered with no car parking bays. Others are being offered with scooter bays and increasingly the more intelligent developers installing electric charging stations into their parking solutions to help future proof their developments. The simple reality of why they are doing this is there is a commercial need and a sophisticated market that's prepared to accept this outcome. Developers are not in the business of giving the market what they don't want. How you may ask can no parking be offered – it's simple, if you're living in a house or an apartment near all facilities; shopping, hospitals, schools, close to good public transport, some purchasers are saying do they really need a car? Other families are choosing to say do I need two cars. Combine this with the flexibility of working from home; we are seeing an increase in the number of people wishing to transition into this new paradigm. leaders keep up to date [and hopefully show leadership] in What then is the garage of the future? Is it a drawer for your embracing this enormous change that is destined to have a scooter – with a charging device, is it a cupboard with built-in profound effect on the way we all live. chargers for your electric bikes or is it a sophisticated garage where So what is the take home message? We're going solar power is fed directly to vehicles. to see houses increasingly built on small lots, close Something consumers I speak too regularly say is, “they would like ‘‘It's vital that our leaders to transport hubs, with one or maybe no carpark provisions, we're going to see tech–nologically to be OFF THE GRID” and let me assure you keep up to date and enhanced garages, and we're going to see the technology is now readily available and becoming cheaper by the day allowing us to hopefully show leadership sophisticated home office environments as a expectation for purchasers as we harness free solar energy and divert to our in embracing this enormous significant transition into this new paradigm. Whichever own battery power banks. Whether that change that is destined to Government finally addresses the fundamental power be exclusively diverted to your eMD or the home power needs as well. For have a profound effect on need of a sophisticated light rail outcome which fulfils the requirements of a fast evolving city will example on my next project I will be using 12 the way we all live’’. be remembered as the party that embraced volt throughout the house with this method our future. of energy supplying all my lighting needs. Below are some of the various eMDs choices that are Note there is one rider in all of this and that's not the person available today. pedalling the eMD – its government and policy! It's vital that our The advantage with E-bikes, E-skateboards or E-scooters is the ability to use them for local transport i.e. to the pub, your mate around the corner, taking dog for a walk or a quick run to the shops. The ability to use on bike paths, with the need to respect other riders and road traffic laws of course, but often much faster than taking the car. Ideal if easy to fold away and put in the back of a car on a bus or train Best set up for off road – larger tires, able to cut across parks and curbs. Some E-Bikes have generous ranges and are easy to ride over extended distances Don't discount Electric cars either – i.e. the Teslar model S has a range of over 400km and is faster than a Lamborghini.
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Alkimos Beach Sets the bar for world leadership green communities TH ET EA M
ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
THE BUILDERS CHOICE alternative methods of construction
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uesday 17 March 2015: Alkimos Beach in Perth’s northern coastal corridor has been awarded Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating for a residential master-planned project from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). The first 240 hectares of the 710 hectare master-planned community is being developed by Lend Lease and LandCorp, and is set to become the most significant coastal development north of Perth in 50 years. Upon completion, the first stage will deliver more than 2,000 homes for 6,000 residents. Green Star – Communities, operated by the GBCA, is one of the world’s first independent, transparent, national schemes designed to assess and certify the sustainability of large-scale master-planned development projects. GBCA’s Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew said that Lend Lease had achieved many ‘firsts’ in the sustainability space over more than a decade, but up until now these have all been in buildings and fit-outs. “This 6 Star Green Star rating for a community project sets the bar for world leadership community development and
demonstrates a long-term commitment to sustainability at scale,” she said. Alkimos Beach was assessed against best practice benchmarks for governance and innovation, design excellence, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and liveability. Chief Executive Officer of Lend Lease’s Property business in Australia Tarun Gupta said that the 6 Star Green Star rating was an example of the integrated capability of Lend Lease combined with disciplined execution enabling the delivery of outstanding results. “Our team in partnership with the Western Australian land development agency LandCorp has achieved world leadership in environmentally sustainable planning, design and construction at a precinct scale,” he said. “We are very proud about achieving an Australian first and on leading the market on sustainability and community development. What better way to demonstrate our vision of creating the best places?” LandCorp chief executive officer Frank Marra said LandCorp’s key focus is growing WA in a planned and sustainable way.
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“We encourage innovation and are delighted that our Alkimos Beach project has been recognised by the nation’s authority on sustainable buildings and communities and acknowledged as a world leading development with global significance,” he said. The project site will eventually host 3.6 hectares of playing fields, six hectares of conservation reserves and 41 hectares of dune and foreshore reserves. All homes will be within 800 metres of both the local centre and transport links. Thirty per cent of the site will be reserved for open space; no home will be more than 200 metres from a park, and walking and cycle paths will link the beach, the town centre and the train station. WiFi will be provided in major public spaces to foster economic and social opportunities. “We applaud the range of initiatives – from education campaigns to financial incentives to technology – that will help the residents of Alkimos Beach embrace more sustainable living,” Ms Madew said. “The importance of this rating cannot be understated. Lend Lease, LandCorp and the people of Alkimos Beach now have independent proof that this community will deliver economic, social and environmental sustainability. And the industry has proof that ‘world leadership’ benchmarks in community development are achievable”. Key sustainability innovations at Alkimos Beach currently include: Mandatory solar panels and gas boosted solar hot water systems as well as other energy-efficient appliances, supported by a financial incentive package from the Alkimos Beach development partners that range from $4,500 to $6,000 are expected to reduce home energy bills by up to 50%. Smart water initiatives are planned throughout the site including stormwater retention, bore water irrigation and water efficient appliances in each home. Fibre-to-the-Premises internet connectivity is being provided throughout the development to encourage the notion of working from home. About Lend Lease Lend Lease is a leading international property and infrastructure group. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and with circa 13,700 employees worldwide, Lend Lease’s capabilities span the
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property value chain. In Australia we offer development management; investment management; project management & construction and asset & property management. Our expertise covers multiple sectors including commercial, residential, retail, retirement and infrastructure. Lend Lease have been creating large-scale, master planned urban communities in Australia for more than 50 years. We've built strong expertise in areas such as community enterprise, education, creating town centres, economic development, environmental initiatives and affordable housing. For more information http://www.lendlease.com/ About LandCorp LandCorp is a leader in land and infrastructure development across Western Australia on behalf of the Western Australian Government. LandCorp is focused on growing WA in a planned and sustainable way. We deliver economic and employment growth by working with our partners, because we believe when people work together great things happen. Our commitment is to deliver tangible outcomes in land development to benefit all Western Australians. In its role as the Government of Western Australia’s land and property delivery agency, LandCorp acts commercially to identify, design and implement a range of diverse projects. By partnering with others, LandCorp delivers the highest standards of development possible. About the Green Building Council of Australia The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is the nation’s authority on sustainable buildings and communities. The GBCA’s mission is to accelerate the transformation of Australia’s built environment into one that is healthy, liveable, productive, resilient and sustainable. The GBCA works with industry and government to encourage policies and programs that support its mission. The Council educates thousands of people each year on how to design and deliver sustainable outcomes for Australia’s buildings and communities. And it operates Australia’s only national, voluntary, holistic rating system for sustainable buildings and communities – Green Star. See: www.gbca.org.au
alternative methods of construction THE BUILDERS CHOICE PRESS RELEASE 19.03.15
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popular amongst installers and builders because they are super-soft and easy to handle. Like other Earthwool products, DriTherm Cavity slab is made using recycled glass and with ECOSE® Technology, a revolutionary binder that contains no added formaldehyde or petrobased chemicals.
“As a high quality, non-combustible glasswool insulation product, DriTherm Cavity slab has high thermal performance, it's the only cavity wall insulation product available in Australia that is silicone treated, so installers and homeowners can rest-assured this certified insulation product will resist moisture transfer for the life of the building.”
DriTherm Cavity slab is 600mm wide, which makes installation fast as no spacers are required and because the insulation fully fills the cavity there's no requirement to consider an air gap. Guy Manthel, Technical Product Manager at Knauf Insulation said: “Cavity wall insulation is a common requirement for Western Australian homes and DriTherm Cavity slab provides an ideal solution to improve the thermal performance of the external wall.”
DriTherm Cavity slab is the latest in a new range of products for Australia from Knauf Insulation, which also includes a specialist blow-in glasswool product, Supafil® CarbonPlus, which can be retrofitted in existing cavity walls. To find out moe information visit www.knaufinsulation.com.au
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 79
INDUSTRY NEWS
THE BUILDERS CHOICE industry news
NEW Ronald McDonald House a step closer to completion
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major construction milestone was celebrated recently with the completion of the uppermost level of the new $27million Ronald McDonald House. Designed with the psychological and emotional requirements of the families and their children in mind, the new House will include a welcoming façade, modern facilities including a gym, indoor and rooftop gardens and communal spaces. Doric Executive General Manager Mr Vince Mulholland said the construction team was proud to bring to life a building that will provide children and their families with a calming and healing space to reside. “Natural light and vegetation are a large feature of the building which makes use of a central light well and indoor and outdoor garden areas to create a soothing environment for people who may be feeling displaced and anxious,” Mr Mulholland said.
www.doricgroup.com.au Phone: 9388 2655
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“With a design intended to create a sense of connection and support between the families, giving them the opportunity to relate to each other and heal together, we had the opportunity to use new construction methods and materials. “Knowing the importance of this project to support families who will need to use the new Perth Children's Hospital, we have worked hard to deliver it on time and on budget.”
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THE BUILDERS CHOICE Building Products & Services
MANDURAH SHADE SALES
Mandurah Shade Sails is a local, family-owned company, established over 11 years ago to meet the high demand for topquality shade sails, blinds and awnings in the area The family team has over 20 years' experience designing and manufacturing solutions to customers' requirements. All fabrics used are recommended by architects, engineers and manufacturers for their quality, strength and colour We deliver a high level of service with customer satisfaction guaranteed.
9582 3666 1110 Estuary Road, Bouvard WA 6211
0404 644 943 or 0416 291 754 Email: gwyn@mandurahshadesails.com.au
88 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015
display listings THE BUILDERS CHOICE CABINET MAKER
CEILINGS & PARTITIONS
CONCRETE
EARTHMOVING
ELECTRICAL GOODS
FORMWORK
GARAGE DOORS
GLASS
Phone: 9725 4956 pcrosby@cgdoors.com.au www.cgdoors.com.au GYMNASIUM EQUIPMENT
ENGINEERING SURVEYORS
LIFTS/ELEVATORS
OUTDOOR COOLING SYSTEMS
March 2015 – The Builders Choice Magazine 89
THE BUILDERS CHOICE display listings PAINTING
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROOFING
SCAFFOLDING
Property Underwater Weddings Landscape
t 0404 420 183 e sales@nickthake.com w nickthake.com SCAFFOLDING
SCAFFOLDING
SHUTTERS & BLINDS
TANKS
TILING
TURF
WATER CONSERVATION
WATERPROOFING
LEADER IN DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL GREY WATER DIVERSION • Over 10 years experience • Wide range of systems to suit all applications • Approved in all states • Patented self-cleaning • Extra low maintenance Commerical applications • Mining camps • Surf lifesaving clubs • Commercial laundries • Aquatic centres
1800 911 150 www.greyflow.net.au 90 The Builders Choice Magazine – March 2015