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campus refurbishment can be one of the most disruptive
activities for tertiary facilities, next to out-of-control
O-week escapades. Continual construction works that
disrupt learning and displace staff and students dramatically affect
productivity, results and satisfaction.
A badly managed refurbishment project doesn’t just leave a
sour taste in the mouths of students and administrators, it also can
cause long-term financial impacts if budgets blow out.
Staying on track and on budget doesn’t have to be as hard as
studying advanced engineering though. Solid planning from the
start, as well as appointment of the right project partners, can
greatly assist in minimising issues on refurbishment projects.
Australian fit-out and refurbishment company SHAPE Australia
has completed more than $78 million worth of construction
work in the education sector already this financial year, for
tertiary institutions including Curtin University, Deakin University,
Queensland University of Technology, the University of Sydney,
University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Western
Australia. After delivering thousands of jobs across Australia, five key
tips for staying on track have emerged.
INVOLVE YOUR CONTRACTOR EARLY
Engaging a contractor during the preliminary design phase is the
number one way to save money, prevent issues and keep the
process on track. It is at this phase when their advice has the greatest
impact, as they are able to anticipate any buildability issues early and
resolve them to the satisfaction of both designers and the client.
SHAPE research shows that completion dates can be brought
forward by up to 30 per cent through early contractor involvement,
as it also allows the trade procurement process to run in parallel
with the design development. This allows the contractor to commit
to orders with long lead times at no additional risk.
In addition, market-tested, open book pricing from the
contractor can provide real-time guidance to the project team
on design choices within the budget. The earlier this advice is
considered, the more influence it can have on prioritising the
most valuable design outcomes.
UNDERSTAND HOW YOU USE SPACE
Five tips to ensure your
refurbishment project runs
on time and to budget.
By Ed O’Sullivan
At the heart of minimising disruption is considering how space is used.
Determine when the peak periods of usage are and when the space
will be quiet. Then, most contractors will plan their build around this,
to minimise noise disturbance and displacement. As many contractors
in education are willing to work 24/7 to minimise disruption, arming
these teams with a good knowledge of usage is important.
Tasked with a major refurbishment of the University of Sydney’s
Fisher Library last year, SHAPE started by studying how the space
was being used. The library was to be dramatically altered, with the
demolition and replacement of about 80 per cent of its interior, the
installation of a double concrete lift shaft and much more.
With careful planning, SHAPE was able to install the double-lift shaft,
including extensive drilling works while students used the space. This
was achieved by understanding peak usage periods and planning
every element of construction around them. Loud drilling was done
after hours, while quieter works proceeded during the day to ensure
the project was delivered according to the agreed upon timescale.
FINALISE THE DESIGN AND GET MOVING
In construction projects, one of the main culprits causing cost and
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