Project Update — Transforming The Monash University Caulfield Campus
Major works are underway as our team transform the Monash Caulfield campus.
The construction of a brand new seven-storey lift shaft and amenities upgrade is currently underway at Monash University Caulfield. To date, this is the largest vertical structure that Alchemy have been tasked with constructing. We recently spoke with our team on site to get their take on the works progressing at the University.
The incredible design, in partnership with NH Architecture and Monash University, will provide a landmark on the University Caulfield campus, and will provide improved vertical transport access to all levels of Building B and Building C.
A hugely technical project, the new construction and upgrade combines the old and the new in a busy section of the campus – the end result will certainly make a huge impact.
“We have taken out existing escalators and there were a couple of old existing lifts that we will be taking out very soon and replacing those lifts with new ones,” explains Project Engineer, Shabab Salahuddin.
“It’s a seven-storey structure. The whole purpose of the design is to incorporate lots of light – lots of natural lighting. It will basically connect the new section of the building to the old section of the building,” Project Manager, Vince Rovetto continues.
“[The lifts] are also going to be self automated, which will assist with not only your able bodied peoples but also people with disabilities.”
The lift construction includes walkway bridges on each floor of Building B with curtain wall facade. The project also entails new bathrooms and amenities for all seven floors of Building B.
“I think what we’ve done well at Alchemy is lean heavily towards our existing relationships with subcontractors. There have been subcontractors that have really bought into the Alchemy way and have helped support us.”
Living now in a post-COVID world, the procurement of supplies and materials has certainly been a challenge for the construction and building industry as a whole. We asked the team how they have been managing this as they navigate this unique period. “We know, post-COVID, procurement around the world has been a bit of an issue. There’s been supply-chain issues all across the globe,” says Shabab.
“We’ve been looking at trades that require materials to be procured early, at the very start of the project, so that we could have them locked-in and we could manage procurement of those items accordingly. We’ve been trying to source items that are fabricated or manufactured locally. That eradicates a lot of the problems with shipping and supply-chain.”
Project Manager, Vince adds, “I think what we’ve done well at Alchemy is lean heavily towards our existing relationships with subcontractors. There have been subcontractors that have really bought into the Alchemy way and have helped support us.”
This is a truly exciting project for our team and the University. We’re looking forward to sharing the final project works with you in the coming months!
Click on the video above to check-out our full chat with the team.