Services design for a project with specific security and infrastructure requirements, including two sites within heritage listed environments and 24-hour operability, was always going to be a challenging brief. When combined with inherent space restrictions and the need for the highest security clearance, this Canberra project would necessitate a determined approach.
Engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young (NDY) provided mechanical, electrical & hydraulic services for this unique project and according to NDY associate and CAD technical manager Trudi Fajri, space, or lack of, was a significant challenge from day one.
“Due to the inherent building restrictions, space was an ever-present issue,” says Fajri. “Restricted spaces for new services to serve the fitout were mainly due to the initial intent that no new works were to run above existing services including acoustic, security and access. Taking note of restricted space clearances due to ceiling baffles and wrapping of services for acoustic purposes was crucial. The architect was required to document areas with lowered ceiling and perimeter bulkheads to enable access for mechanical services ductwork to condition areas which had the existing reticulation of existing graded hydraulics pipework running at levels that would be running very close to the proposed ceilings – therefore the bulkheads to run services below these pipes.”
The sensitive nature of the project necessitated that NDY staff working the project obtain a clearance in order to handle design documentation. This also required the adoption of an appropriate protocol for documenting information and ensuring that this was approved by the relevant security agency prior to issue.
NDY was also simultaneously improving the longer-term life cycle the building by designing the inclusion of services for future tenancies on above levels.
“Structural site measurements commenced with accurate building representation in 3D,” says Fajri. “This was followed by measurement and inclusion of existing services to be retained including all pipework, electrical, communications and security services cable trays. Our design process also allowed for the identification of existing services requiring relocation as well as detailing all additional services installed throughout the design phase, including those services being fed through the fitout area serving areas outside the scope of works.”
“Combined with all other requirements of the project, accuracy and resolution of all details was a non-negotiable. On site issues challenged intended outcomes (base building services variations) resulting in innovative resolutions to retain integrity, whilst meeting the programme milestones.”
Not satisfied with the incumbent challenges of the project, NDY decided to raise the bar further by taking the CAD designs into a Navis environment.
The Navis design environment allowed for all existing services to be visually retained or relocated, along with the inclusion of structural elements. Importantly for Fajri, the 3D modelling provided accurate representation of ‘tight’spots, by providing a visual representation of the site throughout all stages of the design process.
“The incumbent size restrictions of the site were ideal for a 3D design process. It also allowed for the provision of architectural modifications during the design process, such as full height acoustic walls. Using conventional design methods this would have translated to headaches in however the 3D process allowed for an integrated solution to ensure new building services were re-routed to maintain the rating integrity of walls and ceilings.”
Senior Interior Designer from Peckvonhartel, Karen Clutson, says the fitout strategy was both visual and behavioural. “To ensure maximum opportunity the project design was engineered out of the project purpose. As the intended outcome was to be a large change from the current status, linking the design into something that each of the owners understood the purpose was paramount. This ensured focus was on improving the operation was refined and improved as user consultation was high value.”
This approach allowed for flexibility in the design process for mitigating potential risks and aligning solutions with the client.
“As the project brief was emerging, the solutions to interact with unknown specified AV elements had to be extremely flexible,” says Cluston. “The solution worked well when components where finally installed, leaving the legacy of flexibility for future developments and growth.”
For Fajri, there is a deep sense of achievement in contributing to the successful outcome of such a secure and challenging heritage listed facility.
“Paramount to the successful outcome of this project was not only the collaboration internally at NDY but also with the client, architects and interior designers. Working in an innovative and flexible 3D environment delivered significant design efficiencies whilst ensuring the design integrity remain uncompromised.”
