The electrification upgrades form part of the University’s net zero strategy and includes 3 buildings of varying ages over 25,000 m² and 14 levels. The overall project objective is to completely remove reliance on gas for heating and water.
We’ve been engaged to undertake the design, documentation and construction phase services for the project providing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and structural services.
Challenges and solutions
The mechanical services installed throughout the site include original equipment installed between 1965 and 1975 and equipment of various ages installed, modified or replaced over the subsequent 50 years.
The lack of accurate documentation presented a challenge when determining how the new systems could integrate with ageing field devices.
We undertook a detailed condition assessment and analysis of available site load data to determine appropriate capacity of the new thermal plant.
Parallel to this exercise, we carried out a structural assessment of the roof to determine optimal location for new plant platforms without excessive structural upgrades to the building. Through careful use of existing concrete elements, the platform design was able to be developed to minimise impact to the existing roof solar panel array.
After considering different equipment types, manufacturers, acoustic performance and supply water temperatures, the low temperature option was the preferred choice.
Part of this assessment included reviewing the impact of reduced water temperatures throughout the site on a winter design day.
This analysis identified that future air side upgrades would be required to fully benefit from the reduced supply water temperatures and further site investigative works were undertaken to clearly define the areas of concern and recommended remedial works.
Through close consultation with the cost consultant and project stakeholders at the conclusion of each project milestone NDY was able to fine tune the project cost plan to provide a high level of confidence in the required project budget.
The works have recently been tendered, and construction is due to commence soon.
Project Details
Market Sector:
Education
