Kane were engaged by Metro South Health under a D&C contract to undertake a major services upgrade of the Radiation Oncology Mater Centre building, staged over three levels whilst remaining operational. The project also included architectural refurbishment to all wall, ceiling and floor finishes.
A key challenge with this project is that it incorporated 17 intricate stages to ensure the building remained operational throughout the programme, and had as little impact as possible to its daily function. To address this, a formal works schedule was issued to the client and superintendent on a weekly basis. Informal workshop meetings were held daily with the client on upcoming impacts to the hospital, including noisy works. Any services shutdowns were planned well in advance to ensure they occurred outside operating hours, including a replacement of the entire main switchboard over the Easter long weekend. Some new services were added, including backup generator, chiller and UPS systems.
Given the sensitivities of the building’s use, the project team had to comply with strict infection control guidelines, including mitigating dust transfer from the work site to the operational areas with the use of Zipwall. As a design and construct project Kane took the initial tender design and completed it to 100%. This was done in close consultation with the Architect and services engineers, under the guidance of the client’s requirements to ensure the building is fit for purpose. During design development it was identified that acoustics to the patient areas were a priority, therefore Kane installed a mixture of specially selected acoustic timber ceilings, wall panels and sound absorbing plaster ceiling tiles. A new CCTV security system was also added to the building.
Multiple cost savings were provided to the client during construction. Kane identified areas where existing duct work was in suitable condition to be reused. These areas were cleaned and certified. This not only provided a significant cost saving for the client but was also beneficial for the programme. Kane used impact and hospital grade Whiterock to corridor walls as a bumper protection rather than standard Acrovyn. Another cost saving included the installation of Cel-Fi system instead of a DAS system for mobile coverage boosters within the building.
The project was particularly delicate due to the close proximity of neighbouring hospitals eg Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital and the shared building with Mater Hospital. The project was a complete success, finished ahead of programme.