Advanced Electrical Systems and Smart Building Integration

Crossmuller delivered advanced, sustainable and smart building electrical and automation systems, to power Gosford Library.

Crossmuller

As Gosford CBD continues its transformation into a cultural and civic destination, Crossmuller has played a critical role in delivering the advanced electrical and automation systems that will power the newly constructed Gosford Regional Library—a landmark civic development by the Central Coast Council.

Based just up the road in Somersby, Crossmuller brought both technical expertise and community pride to the project. Their electrical team, led by Electrical Manager Luke Fletcher, was entrusted with a
wide-ranging scope of work to ensure the library meets the highest standards in functionality, sustainability, and accessibility.

“We carried out the power and distribution board install, lighting and emergency lighting, and the Dynalite smart lighting system,” Luke explained. “We also installed a Power Factor Correction unit, PV solar system, fibre and CAT 6A communications, security and access control—including the Council’s ‘Bookable’ system—CCTV cameras, and automated louvre windows and blinds.”

This comprehensive electrical package not only provides reliable infrastructure but also supports the library’s smart building ambitions. Integration of automated systems and dynamic lighting controls were crucial to meet the council’s requirements for energy efficiency and user experience.

Although the project was designed by electrical engineers at Northrop, Crossmuller was responsible for bringing the plans to life onsite, which often required creativity and on-the-spot problem-solving.

“A lot of items were drawn by the architect, but we had to use our knowledge and experience to make it work,” Luke said.
“We regularly liaised with other contractors during site meetings to co-ordinate systems and resolve conflicts.”

One significant challenge involved the main switchboard installation, where space constraints within the electrical room clashed with regulatory requirements.

“The switchboard was too large to achieve the clearances required by electrical standards,” Luke recalled. “So, we worked with the team to modify the construction of the board and cupboard. In the end, we created a solution that is both compliant and practical.”

Crossmuller’s focus on user experience was especially evident in their approach to accessibility and building functionality.

“With the Dynalite lighting system, we could program light behaviour exactly to the brief we received from Council,” Luke noted. “For accessibility, we ensured switches, power points, and swipe card readers were installed at accessible heights so everyone can use the library facilities comfortably.”

The solar power system and Power Factor Correction unit further align the project with environmental best practices, reducing energy consumption and improving electrical efficiency. Combined with smart lighting and automation, the result is a future-ready building that reflects the evolving needs of the Gosford community.

For Crossmuller, the opportunity to contribute to such a high-profile civic project in their own backyard was especially meaningful.

“It’s been great for us as a company to work on such a major development—especially one with close ties to the local community,” Luke shared. “Many of our staff live nearby, and they’ll get to use the library with their families. It’s nice to be able to say, ‘We helped build that.’”

The Gosford Library project is just one example of how Crossmuller blends technical excellence in electrical and automation systems with community-minded values. With a reputation for delivering complex industrial, commercial, and civic projects, the company continues to shape the future of the Central Coast—one innovation at a time.

Looking ahead, Crossmuller sees this project as a significant contribution to the region and catalyst for further public sector partnerships, particularly those prioritising sustainability, user-centric technology, and long-term community impact.

For more information contact Crossmuller, phone 1300 300 540, email sales@crossmuller.com.au, website www.crossmuller.com.au

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Bringing Architectural Vision to Life at the New Gosford Library

J.R Prime Group delivered precise interior and exterior linings for Gosford Library, enhancing its distinctive architectural identity.

J.R. Prime

J.R Prime Group has played a vital role in shaping the architectural identity of the new Gosford Regional Library, proudly delivering the majority of the interior and exterior linings for the landmark civic project.

“Our scope included partition walls, feature walls and ceilings, and external fibre cement panels,” said Anthony Sun, Project Manager at J.R Prime. “Most of the linings, both inside and out, were completed by our team.”

The striking library design presented its fair share of construction challenges, including a distinctive zigzag façade on the building’s northern side.

“Setting the zigzags was the biggest issue at the start,” Anthony explained. “It took us a couple of weeks to get it right and aligned precisely with the architectural drawings. We worked closely with the architect and suppliers on shop drawings and procurement to meet the short programme.”

“Every two weeks we had a meeting with North to confirm tasks and timelines. We also met weekly with the project manager and site manager to ensure we had enough manpower,” said Anthony. “We even worked with the builder and client to secure early payments to suppliers to keep things moving.”

On the sustainability and accessibility front, J.R Prime delivered all work to meet the architect’s specifications. “We’re confident the finishes meet the highest standards,” Anthony explained.

As a local business and the largest contractor on the project, J.R Prime sees the Gosford Library as a defining moment. “It means a lot to us. We’ve demonstrated our full capability, in both management and quality. After this, we can confidently say we’re ready for any library project,” said Anthony. “It’s also a step forward in our commitment to contributing to our community.”

For more information contact J.R Prime Pty Ltd, Unit 7, 24 John Hooker St Islington, NSW 2296, phone 0420 419 788, email Anthony@jrprimegroup.com, website www.jrprimegroup.com

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Sustainable Systems for a Modern Gateway

Benmax delivered mechanical systems for Newcastle Airport’s expansion, enhancing sustainability and efficiency through precision HVAC integration.

Benmax

The Newcastle Airport Terminal Expansion represents a major step in transforming the Hunter Region’s aviation gateway into a modern, sustainable transport hub.

As part of Construction Control’s delivery team, Benmax was responsible for the mechanical services scope, managing detailed design coordination, prefabrication, installation, and commissioning to ensure seamless integration across all building systems. The company’s work supported a smooth delivery process while enhancing comfort, sustainability, and operational resilience within the new terminal.

The scope included:

  • Three chilled-water secondary pumps,
  • Three heating-water secondary pumps,
  • One air-cooled chiller,
  • Two air-cooled multifunction heat pumps,
  • Air-handling units servicing terminal zones,
  • 50+ VAV terminals for localised climate control,
  • Daikin VRF and standalone systems to support the communications and border-force areas.

Working with Johnson Controls, the team also delivered a new Building Management and Control System integrating energy sub-metering, CO²-based demand ventilation, and future interfacing capability with
flight-information systems.

Benmax at the Newcastle Airport Expansion.
Benmax at the Newcastle Airport Expansion.
Rooftop plant and HVAC equipment at the Newcastle Airport International Terminal.
Rooftop plant and HVAC equipment at the Newcastle Airport International Terminal.

Delivering high-performance HVAC systems within a live, operational airport required precise planning and close collaboration. Leveraging its experience in complex mechanical services delivery, Benmax adopted an integrated approach, combining design co-ordination, prefabrication, and commissioning, to minimise disruption, manage programme risk, and achieve building performance targets from day one.

“This project demanded meticulous sequencing, and extensive after-hours work to minimise disruption,” explained Matt Browne, Construction Manager – Newcastle.

The Benmax team coordinated closely with Construction Control and airport operations to schedule shutdowns, adhere to aviation-security protocols and maintain airside access controls. Passenger comfort, safety and continuity of services were prioritised throughout construction and commissioning.

A key driver of the mechanical design was the project’s sustainability target. The expansion aims to achieve a 5 Star Green Star “As Built” rating, shaping every major system decision.

“The target of achieving a 5 Star Green Star rating was central to every stage of design and delivery,” Matt said. The installed systems utilise low-GWP refrigerants (R1234ze and R454B), high-efficiency EC fan air-handling units, and variable-speed drives across pumps and fans to reduce energy use. Ventilation rates were engineered to provide 50% more outdoor air than required by AS 1668.2 to enhance passenger comfort and indoor
air quality.

To ensure ongoing operational performance, Benmax implemented comprehensive metering, commissioning, and building-tuning protocols. Airtightness testing, clean-air compliance to ASHRAE 62.1 and AIRAH hygiene standards, and staged performance verification were all documented to Green Star certification standards. The result is a flexible, efficient system built for long-term resilience.

One of the project’s defining innovations was the simultaneous heating and cooling system configuration. “We developed a high-efficiency mechanical solution using air-cooled four-pipe multifunction heat pumps in tandem with a low-GWP screw chiller,” Matt said. This arrangement enables heat rejected from one part of the terminal to be reused in another, significantly improving thermal efficiency and reducing electrical load. Combined with finely tuned BMCS control strategies, the system balances comfort, performance, and energy outcomes across varied terminal zones.

Coordination was critical to success. Benmax collaborated with Construction Control, multiple specialist trades, and airport management within a tightly governed interface framework designed to maintain passenger flow and operational continuity. Clear communication ensured every stage of work aligned with safety requirements and live terminal constraints.

Looking back on the project, Matt reflects on both its technical achievement and its regional significance. “We’re most proud of delivering a high-performance system that has helped transform Newcastle Airport into a modern, sustainable gateway for the Hunter Region. The project represents not just an engineering achievement, but a demonstration of how regional capability can deliver infrastructure to metropolitan standards.”

With the expansion now complete, the mechanical systems operate quietly behind the scenes — supporting comfort, efficiency, sustainability and the passenger experience.

For Benmax, the project stands as a high value reference point in delivering cutting edge HVAC infrastructure for aviation environments across Australia and beyond.

For more information contact Benmax, 33 Hincksman Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620, phone 02 6122 3800, email administration@benmax.com.au, website www.benmax.com.au

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