Kane Constructions was awarded the University of Melbourne Bio21 Stage 2C Advanced Microscopy Facility in April 2019.
The $16 million development consists the construction of a new two storey mass timber laboratory building at the bioscience campus in Parkville. Works also include preservation of the heritage listed market wall, refurbishment of the historic Veterinary Research Institute Building, a new link to the recently completed Nancy Millis building and major infrastructure upgrades to support the new facility.
Kane's Project Director Paul Christian (pictured right) led the tender process for the project.
“The design constraints for cyro electron microscopes to be housed in the new facility are very strict in terms of permissible vibration allowances on the structure, and the building services requirements to maintain constant power and temperature control to the facility are onerous. This makes this project a perfect fit for Kane’s skill sets, we are excited at the challenge, and we are thrilled to be partnering with the University of Melbourne and BIO 21 Institute to deliver this flagship project."
When complete, the new facility will include:
- Multiple new labs, one with passive EMI shielding
- Optical microscopy facilities – including the $10 million Titan Krios electron microscope
- Sample preparation rooms
- Mezzanine level housing office accommodation
This project will reach Practical Completion in the third quarter of 2020.
Kane have a strong working relationship with The University of Melbourne having recently delivered a range of projects including the $53M Werribee Campus Redevelopment, $63M Western Edge Bioscience Stage 1 Main Works, $13m Old Quad Redevelopment, $14m Victorian College of the Arts The Stables and multi-award winning $66M Arts West Redevelopment.
