Peace of mind for bushfire building protection
With the right measures in place, the risks to buildings in bushfire prone areas can be minimised through the use of safe construction. That’s why the Victorian Government has introduced strict codes and why the fire engineering team at WGE take protecting your development very seriously.
Whether you’re surveying residential apartments, a commercial building or a rural hospital complex, we have the experience and methodology to identify potential threats and put tried and tested bushfire protection solutions in place to safeguard both new and existing buildings.
“Detailed analysis is absolutely critical in bushfire protection,” explains Luke Curtis, Fire Safety Engineer at WGE. “We have two different methods for determining Bushfire Attack Levels, which depend on the site conditions and specific results sought. We follow strict fire procedural steps and complete robust calculations to assess the building and surrounding site to give you clear, practical and location-appropriate advice to protect the asset.”
The WGE fire team know the Australian standards inside and out, basing their methodology on Government guidance and codes including AS3959-2009.
Our team offer world best practice in fire protection to give you peace of mind when it comes to avoiding tragedy and protecting buildings in bushfire prone areas.
Luke Curtis
Fire Safety Engineer
(03) 8554 7038
Fire Engineering Section Manager
(03) 8554 7055
Melbourne office recognised for Excellence in Construction
Mitcham Private Hospital has received an Award for Excellence in Constsruction of Commercial Buildings $3M-$5M by the Master Builders Association of Victoria. Announced earlier this month, the awards showcase outstanding craftsmanship and professional standards and demonstrate commitment to building excellence in the commercial and industrial sectors throughout Victoria.
WGE’s structural and civil teams were engaged to assist in delivering the new ward expansion, carpark and theatre renovations at Mitcham Private Hospital in Mitcham, Victoria. The $8 million project involved delivery of a new 21 bed mental health ward extension created over an existing carpark, which was sunk into the ground to become an undercroft carpark.
Complex internal renovations were required to create an expanded second operating theatre, gymnasium and auxiliary spaces. In order to maximise headroom in the undercroft carpark, the gantry frame supporting the modular mental health ward was optimised along with the hydraulic and wet fire strategy.
WGE were integral to successfully delivering the project to the tight design and construction timeframe, which was a key client objective. Modular construction was used to land and complete the ward, carpark and theatre renovations within 6 weeks compared to a conventional build time of 6-7 months.
Congratulations to Ashley Willis and Dara McGrenaghan from WGE, Zack Ashby from Team 2 Architects and the team at Shape Group who contributed to this successful project.
Regis Chelmer: defining the future of aged care
The aged care industry has undergone significant change in recent years, with the trend towards modern, sophisticated and flexible facilities that are focused on resident care and comfort. The Regis project in Chelmer is a new project that incorporates state of the art design to create a warm and inviting environment for residents whilst ensuring the highest standards of care.
WGE’s involvement encompasses structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire protection, fire engineering, acoustics and sustainability services.
Building a community, not just a facility
The $20 million project involves construction of a new four-level building along with renovation of the existing mansion allowing for 120 low and high care residents, due for completion in 2017. Regis Chelmer includes a café, cinema, hairdressing salon, eZone and landscaped gardens for residents.
The facility has been designed with a number of features that ensure ongoing costs are manageable for future residents such as:
- Heat recovery air conditioning and constant pressure exhaust systems designed to deliver energy savings
- A plumbing system has been designed to isolate cold water to each wing and hot water to each floor to minimise service interruptions for residents during routine maintenance
Project challenges included:
- The design of two internal courtyards to include effective stormwater drainage systems whilst maintaining wheelchair-friendly access to the space
- To minimise the risk of stormwater entering internal spaces, a graded floor and two independent drainage systems were implemented to cope with Queensland’s heavy rain storms
Utilising digital engineering
WGE provided BIM services to ensure coordination between services and improved communication with contractors and local authorities throughout a complex construction process. Additionally by utilising 3D design techniques our team was able to crystallise the project design intent and develop the construction methodology whilst identifying and minimising any cost or programme risks.
New alternative energy solutions are coming soon
Tesla are back in the local media spotlight with their announcement that Australia will be one of the first countries to receive their energy storage solution. We may see this product in our market in late 2015.
With utility power consumption rates rising and the costs of providing grid supply to new and remote developments soaring, alternative energy technology is already a key consideration for all new developments.
We are now entering an exciting time where battery storage costs are no longer a prohibiting factor in reducing grid reliance. Storing excess renewable power in batteries allows it to be used at times when it’s needed. Therefore this technology means historically low “feed-in” or “export” tariffs may be coming to an end. The energy revolution is upon us – probably sooner than most had anticipated.
Wood & Grieve Engineer’s Technology Sector team are at the forefront of the battery storage revolution, already assisting our clients in reducing their grid reliance and improving system paybacks.
Tesla’s Australian market offering is eagerly anticipated. The product’s sleek design and the affordable pricing may be a game-changer, but we’re more excited about the market competition it will hopefully create.
Is your project considering being an “early adopter” of battery storage technology? You’re not the only one. Consult with WGE to help answer your questions.
Brisbane office welcomes Michael Lanchester to lead Acoustic Engineering section
Wood & Grieve Engineers has recently welcomed Michael Lanchester to lead the newly established Acoustics section in their Brisbane office. In response to industry growth and client demand, expert advice on building and environmental acoustics will now be offered locally on projects in Queensland.
With over 20 years’ experience in acoustic consulting, Michael has extensive knowledge in delivering creative acoustic design solutions that achieve the optimum balance between technical accuracy and cost effectiveness. He has a strong portfolio of projects with a particular background in the health, commercial, education and defence sectors.
Michael says that in his 20 years in the industry he’s faced and overcome a wide range of acoustic design challenges.
“Some of my previous challenges include a jet engine test cell and audiometric booths,” says Michael. “While providing acoustic advice on projects, I like to bring ideas from similar projects that would be of benefit so that all acoustic elements are seamlessly integrated into the desired design.”
Brisbane office manager Johan Sadie said, “We are pleased to welcome Michael to the team and offer our clients acoustic expertise as we grow and expand the Brisbane office. It is an exciting time in the industry and we look forward to working with clients to develop acoustic solutions alongside our current engineering disciplines.”
