KUSCH designed and certified UQ’s Plant Futures Facility, ensuring structural integrity for cool rooms, glasshouses, and façades

KUSCH Engineered

KUSCH provided the structural design and certification for the cool room panels, glasshouse frames, and the architectural masonry façade at the University of Queensland’s new Plant Futures Facility. Their design ensured these components could endure seismic loads, the weight of suspended services, and live loads from construction and maintenance personnel.

The cool rooms were designed to serve as trafficable platforms, supporting both construction and operational activities. The installation of mechanical and lighting services above and below the panel ceilings of the coolrooms created complex buildability challenges. KUSCH’s structural modelling enabled the panel ceilings to be rated for both personnel and equipment loads. This simplification of the installation process ensured safe and efficient access for maintenance in these congested areas.

Detailed modelling and analysis of the panel system allowed KUSCH to eliminate additional seismic bracing typically installed with laboratory cool rooms. “By bracing FCUs to the cool room panels rather than the overhead structure, we resolved personnel access issues, reduced material and labour costs, and mitigated differential movement problems,” said Jarrod.


“One of the significant challenges of the project was the construction of the glasshouses on the roof of the 6-storey building. The builders faced difficulties in determining a safe and economical method for this task,” said Business Manager, Jarrod Vanderree.

KUSCH developed a methodology which saw the construction of the glasshouse frames at ground level, followed by lifting the completed frames onto the roof using the onsite tower crane. “This not only improved safety but also proved to be cost-effective. KUSCH’s detailed structural analysis and certification ensured the success of this lift operation,” explained Jarrod.

Additionally, KUSCH managed the structural design and certification of the architectural masonry façade. This included accommodating gravity, wind, and seismic loads, as well as building movement and brick expansion and contraction. Their detailed analysis and design certification addressed these complex factors, ensuring the durability and stability of the multi-storey masonry façade.

For more information contact KUSCH Engineering, 333 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, phone 1300 10 22 30, email design@kusch.com.au, website www.kusch.com.au

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Sustainable waste management during the construction of UQ’s Plant Futures Facility

Cleanaway

Cleanaway’s involvement in the construction of the University of Queensland Plant Futures Facility underscores the significance of effective waste management solutions in large-scale projects.

With a steadfast focus on sustainability, resource recovery, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards, Cleanaway is the leading waste management company in Australia.

“Our dedicated staff are extensively trained in both construction and demolition waste management. This expertise allows us to handle diverse waste streams with precision and efficiency, ensuring a seamless waste collection and processing,” said Felicity Willmett, Cleanaway’s National Operational Performance Manager.

“Over 60 staff members from our Brisbane office, including frontline driver operators and customer call centre specialists, collaborated seamlessly to ensure smooth waste collection, processing, and recycling for more than 150 services for this project. The team’s dedication to customer service, exceptional work ethic, and commitment to the community was exemplary.”


Throughout the project, Regional Manager Tiffany Paffey played a crucial role in overseeing the site and project, ensuring that waste management operations ran safely, smoothly and efficiently. Tiffany’s leadership and strategic oversight were instrumental in coordinating logistics, optimising waste removal processes, and maintaining timely service delivery, contributing to the overall success of the project and ensuring the safety of both the Cleanaway and site teams.

“Our waste management services operate on an ad hoc basis, where clients can simply call us when the need arises. We pride ourselves on being highly responsive and agile, ensuring that we can promptly address construction site requirements,” said Felicity.

“The waste bin plays a crucial role in site operations and must be serviced within the requested timeframe. We understand the intricacies of the industry, and work closely with our construction partners to navigate the challenges and complexities of project logistics, ensuring a seamless coordination of all the moving parts.”

Cleanaway prioritise high resource recovery rates and implement eco-friendly practices to not only facilitate effective waste disposal but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Their goal is to ensure that every aspect of their waste management services aligns with the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Through communication and collaboration, Cleanaway can get the best outcomes for customers.

For more information contact your local Cleanaway branch by calling 13 13 59, www.cleanaway.com.au

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Epcon Contracting offers eco-friendly, non-toxic epoxy flooring solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial projects

Epcon Contracting

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With years of experience in the flooring industry and a solid reputation among builders and construction companies across Australia, Epcon Contracting has proven itself as a leader in epoxy flooring solutions, and a clear choice for the University of Queensland (UQ) Plant Futures Facility project.

“At Epcon Contracting, we pride ourselves on being an independent, commercial, residential, and industrial floor contractor, specialising in epoxy flooring systems,” said Kirk Rome, Director of Epcon Contracting. “We promote and use only the most reliable components and materials, ensuring our services are non-toxic, safe, and environmentally friendly.”

Epcon Contracting’s involvement in the UQ Plant Futures Facility was comprehensive, encompassing a range of flooring solutions tailored to the facility’s unique requirements. The scope of work included applying epoxy resin to the staircase, using 2pac epoxy on Levels 2, 3 and 4 and concrete sealer on Levels 1-2 and Levels 4-6, maintaining slip resistant finish for compliant safety. Resin supplied by Sika Australia, with slip resistance verified by Slip Test Australia.

Additionally, they utilised epoxy resin mortar in the basement to correct the concrete and applied Sika 263SL followed by Sika 264 Epoxy rollcoats incorporating aluminum oxide.

For the Level 6 greenhouses, Epcon’s team, installed the Tremco Alphaguard waterproof membrane, supplied by Tremco Australia, and for the external footpaths, a spray-applied Streetscape Concrete Sealer was utilised from Concrete Colour Systems.

“Our team had to coordinate closely with other trades to gain access to spaces, which extended our timeline to July,” Kirk explains. “Despite the challenges, we ensured that every aspect of our work met the highest standards of quality and performance.”

As a family-run business, Epcon Contracting operates with a personal touch and a commitment to excellence. “Our aim is to provide our clients with strong and great-looking floors at competitive prices and within budget,” Kirk said. “We install epoxy flooring that performs in harmony with the architecture of the building and the type of business carried out at the facility.”

For more information contact Epcon Contracting, phone 0431 083 575, website www.epconcontracting.com.au.

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Auswide Corp completed intricate scaffolding for Surry Hill’s seven-building project, installing 20,000m² of scaffolding

Auswide Corp

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Auswide Corp has successfully completed intricate scaffolding for the Surry Hill Project, a multi-building development that demanded precision, innovation, and teamwork to ensure a seamless delivery.

The project included seven distinct buildings on a single site, and required a combination of perimeter scaffolding works, crane-assisted loading platforms, and advanced safety measures.

“This wasn’t the largest project we’ve worked on, but it was certainly one of the most intricate. The challenges of material handling, tight site access, and the sheer scale of the work required exceptional planning and execution,” said Michael Cohen of Auswide Corp.

Auswide Corp installed 20,000m2 of scaffolding, wrapping each building in perimeter safety chain, shade, and client advertising banners. Stretcher stairs and alloy stair access were strategically placed on all seven buildings, ensuring optimal site safety and accessibility for workers.

Auswide Corp’s retractable loading platforms deployed on the site, played a critical role in streamlining operations on-site, allowing for materials to be delivered efficiently to each structure via crane, ensuring seamless workflows and significantly reducing downtime.

The project commenced in January 2020 and reached finalisation in April 2024. At peak, Auswide Corp deployed a dedicated crew of 30 skilled workers, reinforcing their reputation as a reliable,
EBA-compliant scaffolding provider.

The importance of Auswide’s back-office team in overcoming the project’s complexities was immeasurable. Planning and design work were critical in enabling the site team to execute flawlessly. The collaboration between the back office and on-site leadership along with selecting the right team for the job ensured a smooth operation from start to finish.

With 35 active projects and a strong pipeline extending over the next 18 months, Auswide Corp continues to lead the way in scaffolding solutions across New South Wales.

For more information contact Auswide Corp, 6.11, 55 Miller Street, Pyrmont, phone 02 8880 1020 or visit www.auswidecorp.com


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Sure Projects Australia delivers innovative, high-performance waterproofing solutions for Surry Hills Village

Sure Projects

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Sure Projects Australia Pty Ltd (SPA) has brought its 20 years of expertise to the ambitious Surry Hills Village redevelopment, delivering resilient, high-performance waterproofing systems across this extensive residential and commercial project.

Contracted for the design, consultation, supply, and installation of all waterproofing and epoxy coatings, SPA’s contributions have fortified every external and trafficable surface across this large-scale, multifaceted project. “Our approach centres on quality and innovation, setting the benchmark for waterproofing solutions across diverse, complex environments,” said Samire Fakhri, Managing Director of Sure Projects Australia.

Key installations on this project include 2,750m² of rooftop waterproofing, 11,150m² of podium areas, and 12,850m² of planter boxes. SPA’s meticulous approach extended across various challenging structures, including balconies, terraces, and retaining walls, ensuring seamless, high-standard finishes on every surface.

A particular standout of the Surry Hills project is Building G, a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure where SPA pioneered the use of Fatra PVC sheet membranes, enhancing longevity and durability.


“This was the first CLT building in Australia to utilise such an advanced waterproofing system, and we’re proud to have navigated the complex detailing and integration needed to make it flawless,” added George Fakhri, Construction Manager at SPA. These achievements showcase SPA’s capability to navigate intricate project challenges, such as interfacing around solar panels, davit arm base plates, and service protrusions.

In addition to the CLT rooftop, SPA employed industry-leading Polyurea spray-applied membrane systems across podiums, planter boxes, and detention tanks. The project, which began with early waterproofing work in February 2022 and was completed in October 2024, consistently maintained SPA’s high standards for quality and durability.

Current projects include Multiplex’s New Sydney Fish Markets, Western Sydney Airport, and John Holland’s Sydney Children’s Hospital.

For more information contact Sure Projects Australia, phone Sam Fakhri 0405 976 417, email sam@sureprojectsaustralia.com.au, website www.sureprojectsaustralia.com.au

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