Orion Mechanical delivered sustainable HVAC systems for Surry Hills Village, setting new benchmarks in energy efficiency and innovation

Orion Mechanical

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Orion Mechanical Services has successfully completed a comprehensive mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems installation at Surry Hills Village. Orion’s work has elevated the precinct’s residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces with cutting-edge climate control solutions, setting new benchmarks for comfort, control and energy efficiency.

“Our involvement spanned from design finalisation to supply and installation of all mechanical ventilation and AC systems across this multi-faceted project,” shared Justin Phillips, Managing Director of Orion Mechanical Services.

The scope encompassed two levels of basement car parks, four residential buildings with 128 apartments, a luxury 103-room hotel with lobby and pool bars, and a 6-level commercial building with an event space. Additionally, Orion provided provisional base building mechanical services for all retail tenancies including COLES, plus complete HVAC fitout for prominent names such as Harris Farm Markets, Blooms the Chemist, Raita Noda Omakase and
Olympus Dining.

Orion employed a mix of independent air cooled and water cooled systems to address the diverse needs of the precinct. Each residential apartment is served by its own independent Fujitsu air cooled VRV AC system with remote condensers placed on the roof for premium amenity & silent operation. Meanwhile, the hotel, commercial, and retail spaces benefit from a shared central condenser water system supported by rooftop cooling towers and gas condensing boilers. A BMS monitors all thermal and electrical energy meters easily accessed by the Building Managers via the site wide ICN.

“The project’s complexity demanded thoughtful engineering and flexibility for future uncertainty,” Justin explained.
“For the commercial and hotel areas, we chose Mitsubishi Electric Water-Cooled Heat Recovery VRF systems, which are also featured in some of the larger retail spaces like Harris Farm and Olympus. These system’s robust design and adaptability make it a premium choice for larger tenancies with multiple thermal zones.”

One standout feature is the central condenser water system which consists of three closed circuit secondary side systems, serving each main stratum, each thermally connected via dual plate heat exchangers to the common open circuit primary.

This system not only supports the precinct’s HVAC needs but also shares heat between circuits, including delivering free heat to the domestic hot water plant in the commercial building via water-cooled heat pumps. Orion worked closely with TOGA to ensure all water-cooled plant & equipment are housed internally within the building, thus maximising the lifecycle longevity and efficiency of the central plant. The only external plant are the cooling towers, stainless steel pipework
and boilers.

At peak, Orion deployed 12 direct employees and engaged five subcontractors, with a maximum workforce of 25 on-site daily. “Through a collaborative design review process with stakeholders, we ensured the chosen systems were not only efficient but also aligned with the project’s architectural and sustainability goals,” noted Orion’s full time site based Project Manager, Mr Sajid Safadi.

Surry Hills Village reflects Orion’s commitment to quality and innovation. From initial engagement in December 2021 to the completion of base building works in October 2024, the company has consistently prioritised simplicity, longevity, and performance. Even as tenancy fit-out works continue, the impact of Orion’s contributions is evident across the precinct.

“This is one of the largest and most complex projects we’ve worked on,” Justin stated. “The integration of sustainable systems and meticulous attention to detail exemplifies our approach to delivering exceptional results.”

Orion Mechanical Services is proud to have been a part of this transformative project, enhancing the functionality and sustainability of Surry Hills Village. With a reputation for excellence in mechanical solutions, the company continues to set industry benchmarks across a diverse portfolio
of projects.

For more information, contact Orion Mechanical Services, phone 0414 877 516, email info@orionmechanical.com.au, website www.orionmechanical.com.au

Swart Plastering Services

Swart Plastering Services, a South Australian institution with a rich history spanning over 70 years, completed the exterior render and texture coating in the recent refurbishment of 150 Grenfell Street. Conrad Swart, representing the latest generation of a family legacy in plastering, oversaw the project, bringing decades of experience and a commitment to quality to the landmark redevelopment.

“The scope of work was render and texture coating of the whole exterior,” said Conrad. “We used Dulux Acratex® products to help us to achieve our finish.” Dulux Acratex® coatings is a range of products providing comprehensive solutions for building remediation, repainting, and refurbishment. The choice of Acratex® reflects Swart Plastering’s dedication to utilising high-performance, durable materials.

The Grenfell Street project was straightforward, with elevated works being a familiar task for the team. Swart Plastering’s proficiency in handling complex and demanding projects, ensures consistently
high-quality finish they provided.


Beyond the technical aspects, the project held a special significance for Swart Plastering. “It’s nice to give an old building a new lease on life,” Swart said, expressing a sense of pride in contributing to the preservation and enhancement of Adelaide’s built heritage.

Swart Plastering’s work on 150 Grenfell Street is in keeping with their long-standing reputation for reliable and quality plastering services. The company’s experience extends across a broad range of projects, encompassing commercial, industrial, domestic, housing, and architectural applications. Their ability to effectively manage complex projects, utilise high-quality materials, and meet tight deadlines has earned them a strong reputation within the industry.

Looking ahead, Swart Plastering Services continues to maintain its prominent position in the South Australian construction industry, with various projects currently underway across the state. The company’s legacy, built on generations of experience and a steadfast commitment to quality, ensures they remain a vital contributor to the region’s building landscape for many years to come.


For more information contact Swart Plastering, 280 Gilbert Street, Adelaide SA 5000, email admin@swartplastering.com.au, phone 0418 833 367, website www.swartplastering.com.au


Sakar Constructions

Established in 2015, Sakar Constructions, is a South Australian carpentry and interiors specialist. The company has rapidly gained a reputation for its commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

“Our scope of works included the subframing for the feature foyer, the timber and fire doors throughout the building, structural carpentry works and wet area accessories,” said Darius Hashemi, Managing Director of Sakar Constructions. This encompassed a significant portion of the interior fit-out, requiring precision carpentry and meticulous attention to detail.

“Timeframes were a challenge, especially for the foyer, which required a lot of coordination and precise layout for the framing. Coordination with Built Environs and other trades was also crucial for successful project delivery,” said Darius. These logistical complexities demanded efficient planning and excellent communication across all project stakeholders.

Sakar Constructions overcame the complex task of addressing compliance issues with existing fire doors, a critical aspect of ensuring fire safety in the building. To bring the doors up to code, they conducted a thorough assessment to identify deficiencies and implemented tailored solutions working closely with local suppliers to meet compliance. This resulted in them completing the project ahead of programme and within the budget constraints.

Sakar Constructions’ work at 150 Grenfell Street demonstrates their capacity to successfully execute complex interior fit-out projects within demanding timeframes. Their expertise in commercial carpentry and architectural interiors has been instrumental in delivering high-quality results for a range of clients across various sectors. Their commitment to precision, attention to detail, and seamless collaboration with other trades ensures the successful completion of projects.

Dedication to quality, coupled with their innovative approach, has firmly established Sakar Constructions as a respected player in the South Australian construction industry. As well as having a management team with over 20 years of experience, Sakar Constructions has a large workforce of carpenters who share the companies dedication to quality and client satisfaction on each project.

For more information contact Sakar Constructions, phone 0425 788 241, email info@sakarconstructions.com, website www.sakarconstructions.com.au


CASA Australia

CASF Australia has elevated the design and functionality of the 150 Grenfell Street redevelopment through its high-quality Corian® materials, bringing a refined, modern aesthetic to the building’s amenities.

By supplying Corian® vanities and basins for all male, female, and staff restrooms, CASF Australia helped transform these spaces into sleek, durable, and hygienic environments.

“Our Corian® Solid Surface material provided the perfect solution for a seamless and sophisticated look,” said Emily Camongol, Marketing Coordinator at CASF Australia. This project highlights CASF’s commitment to combining innovative design with practical functionality, creating an experience that aligns with contemporary architectural standards.

The Corian® Solid Surface material blends effortlessly into the space and offers a clean, contemporary look. Known for its durability and low-maintenance, the non-porous surface resists stains and bacteria, making it a hygienic and practical choice for high-traffic areas. “The versatility of Corian® allowed for seamless integration, giving the bathrooms a sophisticated, functional aesthetic,” Emily said.


“Our South Australian team partnered with Cheesman Architects to deliver tailored solutions that complemented the overall design concept,” said Emily. The result: a stunning Glacier White Corian® vanity that seamlessly blends beauty and functionality, becoming a centerpiece in the building’s restrooms.

CASF Australia streamlined logistics to ensure all materials were delivered to SA Solid Fabricators within just six weeks. “This quick turnaround enabled SA Solid Fabricators to maintain their workflow and complete the project on schedule, streamlining the entire process,” said Emily. The strong collaboration between CASF Australia and SA Solid Fabricators exemplified the importance of reliable partnerships in achieving timely project outcomes.

With its seamless design, low-maintenance features, and Greenguard certification, Corian® was the ideal choice for this project, embodying the balance of form and function.

For more information contact CASF Australia, Unit 3, 208 Walters Road Arndell Park NSW, phone 1300 795 044, email
info@casf.com.au, website www.casf.com.au

ASI JD MacDonald

ASI JD MacDonald provide high-quality washroom and hygiene solutions that combine functionality with sleek, modern design. Known for their innovative and durable products, ASI JD MacDonald has helped transform 150 Grenfell Street’s amenities, offering a comfortable and stylish experience for occupants.

“Our goal was to provide products that not only function efficiently but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the building. We believe that high-traffic areas like washrooms should reflect the same standard of quality as the rest of the facility,” said Marketing Manager Rob Shackles.

The company supplied a range of products, including the Turbo Slim High-Speed Hand Dryer, which features a sleek satin stainless-steel finish, providing a fast and efficient drying solution, floor-to-ceiling toilet partitions from the Tranquility Collection, which offer both privacy and a contemporary design, as well as recessed paper towel dispensers from the Roval and Simplicity collections, designed to keep washrooms clutter-free.

“Our Tranquility Collection partitions are designed to provide privacy while maintaining a stylish appearance. We understand that these spaces require durability and easy maintenance, and that’s exactly what we deliver,” added Rob.

ASI JD MacDonald’s contribution to 150 Grenfell Street demonstrates their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Their expertise in delivering high-performance, aesthetically pleasing products has helped set a new standard for commercial washroom facilities in modern buildings. “We’re proud to be part of projects like this, where our products can truly make a difference,” Rob said.

For more information contact ASI JD MacDonald, 13-17 Naxos Way, Keysborough VIC 3173, phone 1800 023 441, email
enquiry@asijdmacdonald.com.au, website www.jdmacdonald.com.au