Leveraging Modular Pod Technology for Large-Scale Residential Projects

SYNC supplied 660 prefabricated bathroom and kitchen pods for LIV Albert Fields, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and design.

SYNC

At LIV Albert Fields in Brunswick, Mirvac set out to deliver an ambitious built-to-rent neighbourhood that blends premium design with adaptability and environmental responsibility. A key contributor to this vision was SYNC, Australia’s leading Bathroom pod manufacturing business, which supplied 660 high-quality pods tailored to the projects unique requirements.

LIV Albert Fields is an outstanding example of how our prefabricated solutions can streamline construction without compromising on quality or aesthetics. Every pod was designed and manufactured to exacting standards, ensuring durability, functionality, and a cohesive interior finish across the development.

bathroom variation by SYNC at Mirvacs Build-to-rent LIV Albert.
bathroom variation by SYNC at Mirvacs Build-to-rent LIV Albert.
bathroom variation by SYNC at Mirvacs Build-to-rent LIV Albert.
bathroom variation by SYNC at Mirvacs Build-to-rent LIV Albert.

The pods feature sophisticated design touches, including matte tiles with distinctive feature wall variations, finger pull mirrored cabinets, brushed nickel fixtures with anti-fingerprint coatings, and a combination of downlights and wall sconces. These details were customised in collaboration with Mirvac to reflect the project’s design vision while supporting efficient installation on-site.

Sustainability was also front of mind. LIV Albert Fields is 100% fossil fuel-free, targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification and a 7.5 NatHERS rating. SYNC played a role in achieving these targets by manufacturing pods with minimal waste, optimising water and energy efficiency, and ensuring selected units met the Livable Housing Design Guidelines. The adaptability built into these pods means they can serve residents’ changing needs over time, which is essential for a project of this scale and longevity.

By prefabricating complete bathroom modules off-site, SYNC helped reduce on-site labour demands, limit construction disruption, and maintain a high level of quality control. This approach also sped up delivery, supporting Mirvac’s project timeline while ensuring consistent finishes across the 10 different pod types.

For SYNC, LIV Albert Fields is a showcase of their ability to merge precision engineering, design flexibility, and sustainable building practices. It’s more than just delivering pods, it’s about delivering smarter, greener, and more liveable spaces for the communities of the future.

For more information contact SYNC, phone 03 8329 4111, email info@sync.industries, website sync.industries.

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2,000 Tonnes of Safety: Scaffold to Ensure Safe, Efficient Trade Access

Stilcon Industrial Services delivered safe, engineered façade access and scaffolding, ensuring efficiency, safety, and capability building.

Stilcon Industrial Services

From day one at the LIV Albert project, safety and accessibility for all trades were paramount. Stilcon Industrial Services (SIS) was engaged to deliver full perimeter protection and engineered façade access systems, ensuring work progressed efficiently and securely.

“Our role was to design and implement systems that allowed trades to carry out their tasks without compromise,” said SIS Director, Kristina Nobel. “By providing reliable fall protection and scaffold access across all levels, we gave the project team the confidence to build efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

Stilcon Industrial Services onsite at LIV Albert.
Aerial of LIV Albert covered in scaffold.
Aerial of LIV Albert covered in scaffold.

SIS utilised Kwikstage scaffolding with integrated aluminium stair towers, a system selected for its strength, flexibility, and reliability. “We co-ordinated closely with the formwork contractor and Mirvac to deliver a safe, efficient erection programme. Because no subsequent works could commence until perimeter fall protection was in place on each level, our sequencing and collaboration were critical to keeping the build on schedule,” said Gary Carlise, Operations Supervisor,.

The project wasn’t without its technical challenges. LIV Albert’s façade included complex balcony geometries that required tailored access solutions. “Our scaffolders and in-house design team worked in lockstep to engineer practical, safe configurations that maintained clear work zones for all trades despite the challenging details,” Gary said.

In total, more than 2,000 tonnes of steel scaffolding were erected and dismantled safely, ahead of programme, and without incident. “We’re proud of the seamless effort from our field crews and design engineers to deliver at scale and ahead of programme. It reflects our commitment to safety, precision, and dependable delivery,” explained Gary.

“Special mention to Lachie Devlin, our recent graduate, who helped deliver his first project, and to Gary Carlisle, our Operations Supervisor, who mentored him throughout. It’s a great example of our capability building in action,” said Kristina.

For more information contact Stilcon Industrial Services, 134-140 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine West VIC 3020, phone 1300 287 747, website www.stilconindustrialservices.com.au

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Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable Stormwater Solutions for Complex Sites

CJ Arms delivered resilient, sustainable stormwater solutions at LIV Albert, integrating engineering and landscape design.

CJ Arms (Melbourne Studio)

Effective water management is critical in complex urban developments, particularly on challenging sites like former quarries or landfills. At LIV Albert, CJ Arms combined science-led engineering, integrating the landscape design to deliver a resilient, sustainable water strategy that protects downstream waterways while meeting the demands of a landmark build-to-rent development.

“We came in during the early masterplanning stage, reviewed the original stormwater design, and found the requirement for a single discharge point was neither appropriate nor sustainable,” explained Director Ben Wilson. “Instead, we applied a science- and engineering-led approach to maintain the pre-development hydrology.”

LIV Albert aerial showing surrounding parkland and elevations.

By analysing existing catchments and underground constraints on the former quarry and landfill site, CJ Arms developed a decentralised urban drainage strategy. “Rather than relying solely on large underground tanks and pumps, which were expensive and problematic given ground conditions, we integrated rain gardens into the landscape,” Ben said.

This approach treats and filters rainwater on-site before it leaves the development, while also offering built redundancy and resilience into the system by avoiding a single point of failure.

This commitment to balancing engineering precision with environmental outcomes reflects CJ Arms’ wider philosophy, focused on bringing together civil engineers and landscape architects to deliver truly integrated outcomes, through partnership. “Many of our projects sit beside natural or urban waterways, where the need to protect water quality is obvious,” Ben notes. “But even when there’s no visible waterway in sight, the responsibility is the same. Every site plays a role in improving urban water quality.”

At LIV Albert, this ethos translated into a water management system that was efficient, environmentally sound, and resilient for the long term. It’s a prime example of how CJ Arms uses science and design to put nature first while meeting the demands of complex urban projects.

CJ Arms expertise spans regenerative design, ecological conservation, flood analysis, resilience planning, and civil and landscape construction. Their capability includes both development and urban built form projects that celebrate water and use it to create a better future for people, communities and the environment.

For more information contact CJ Arms, Melbourne Studio, phone 03 9285 2800, website www.cjarms.com

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Where Technical Detail MeetsArchitectural Finish

Syntech Coatings delivered precise external waterproofing for LIV Albert, ensuring long-term protection and architectural integrity.

Syntech Coatings

At the heart of the LIV Albert development’s durability and design is Syntech Coatings, entrusted with supplying and installing all external waterproofing.

“Our scope was to supply and install waterproofing to all external areas,” explained Peter Lawson, CEO and Managing Director of Syntech Coatings. To achieve this, the team utilised Tremco products, applying them through a combination of hand-applied methods and liquid polyurea spray application. This hybrid approach allowed for both precision detailing and rapid coverage of larger areas, ensuring the works met stringent performance requirements.

Syntech Coatings onsite at LIV Albert.
Syntech Coatings onsite at LIV Albert.

Managing a project of this scale required meticulous coordination. Peter credits his leading hand and supervisor, Ash King, for the seamless delivery. “Ash coordinated all areas and applications in a professional manner, including the delivery and crane lifting of our custom-made spray machine cages to each area of application,”
Peter explained.

This careful planning enabled the team to apply and hand over each section on the same day, minimising disruption to other trades and keeping the project on track.

While large-scale waterproofing projects can present unexpected hurdles, Syntech’s commercial team delivered the works with ease thanks to their depth of experience and professionalism. The focus on efficiency, safety, and clear communication allowed them to avoid delays and maintain the highest quality standards throughout.

Looking back, Peter is proud of Syntech’s attention to detail and compliance. “We ensure all membranes are compliant with Australian Standards requirements, while also achieving the highest visual quality finish for the client,” Peter said. This combination of technical excellence and aesthetic care ensures the LIV Albert development’s external areas are protected for the long term, while also meeting the architectural vision.

For more information contact Syntech Coatings, 2/54 Cobham Street, Reservoir, Melbourne VIC 3000, phone 03 9419 3991, email admin@syntechcoatings.com.au, website www.syntechcoatings.com.au

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Safeguarding WEFO Wool Store with End-to-End Full Scope Security

AHS Security Group

AHS Security Group played a pivotal role in the WEFO Wool Store redevelopment, delivering end-to-end security solutions across both the construction and operational phases. This high-profile mixed-use precinct, blending retail, commercial, and hospitality spaces with heritage architecture, required a security plan that was both robust and adaptable.

“Our scope of work covered the entire lifecycle of the project,” said Hass Al, Client Services Manager at AHS Security Group. “From conducting a full risk assessment to deploying static guards, mobile patrols, and solar-powered CCTV with motion detection and remote access, we ensured the site was fully protected at every stage.”

Hass Al, Client Services Manager and Ali Diwan, Managing Director at AHS Security Group.
Hass Al, Client Services Manager and Ali Diwan, Managing Director of AHS Security Group onsite at WEFO Wool Store.

The team faced unique challenges inherent to mixed-use developments. “Precincts like WEFO Wool Store require layered security,” Hass explained. “We needed to protect high-traffic public areas while maintaining strict control over back-of-house and restricted zones. At the same time, we had to make sure our security presence didn’t interfere with the visitor experience, especially in hospitality and retail spaces.”

Given the heritage significance of the Wool store, integrating modern security infrastructure required careful planning. “We worked closely with site managers and heritage consultants to select and position surveillance equipment discreetly, preserving the site’s architectural character and ensuring all installations were compliant and non-invasive,” said Hass.

To future proof the precinct, AHS Security Group implemented innovative solutions including mobile, solar-powered surveillance towers with 4G connectivity, providing real-time monitoring and flexible placement as site conditions evolved. “Our digital reporting system also gave site managers live updates, incident logs, and patrol verification,” Hass added. “It created a transparent, efficient communication loop that will continue to support the precinct into its operational phase.”

Through its combination of strategic planning, cutting-edge technology, and heritage-sensitive implementation, AHS Security Group has delivered a comprehensive security solution that safeguards both the legacy and future of the WEFO Wool Store precinct.

For more information contact AHS Security Group, 1 Lennon Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003, phone 03 8372 4441, email admin@ahssecuritygroup.com.au, website www.ahssecuritygroup.com.au

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