Wee Hur Y Suites on Margaret

In the heart of Sydney’s Redfern, Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) has completed a transformative student accommodation project for Wee Hur, setting a new standard for high-density living.

The 18-storey development at Regent Street incorporates modern design, sustainability, and construction innovation, within the tight inner-city site.

“We had a number of constraints due to the small building footprint and limited access,” explained Project Manager, Sam Noyes. “A road occupancy licence from Transport for NSW allowed us to facilitate major deliveries and concrete pumping via Regent Street, while a secondary delivery area was established on Margaret Street for smaller material handling.”

With little room for on-site storage, the RCC team adopted just-in-time delivery strategies, ensuring materials were only brought in as needed. “Daily planning and meticulous co-ordination with trades were essential,” Sam said.

To manage the logistics and improve build efficiency, the project incorporated a range of prefabrication strategies. “We had a strong focus on prefabrication,” Sam noted. “This included precast brick façades, structural walls and columns, and bathroom pods. These techniques not only improved quality, they also reduced on-site waste.”

RCC also opted for a jump form system for the core structure, enabling better site safety and reduced need for external scaffolding.

“Being an 18-storey building, we were right on the precipice of where a jump form becomes beneficial,” Sam explained.
“The jump form removed the need for an external scaffold stair which created more space on-site.”

RCC was engaged under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract, which gave them access to Wee Hur, Antoniades Architects, Webbers, and JHA Engineers for early construction planning consultation. “This collaboration meant we could finalise the design before work began on-site, essential for the off-site manufacturing process.”

Design co-ordination also benefited from advanced BIM modelling. “We conducted regular BIM co-ordination sessions with our services trades. Designs were peer-reviewed by third-party consultants to ensure compliance and functionality,” Sam explained. “It made a huge difference in improving construction efficiency.”

The development isn’t just student housing, it also includes communal spaces, retail tenancies, and modern student amenities. This mixed-use aspect added complexity to the build, requiring strategic services co-ordination. “Our early engagement and BIM-led approach meant we could align structural planning with services requirements from the outset,” Sam said.

The project achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating, with a number of waste minimisation initiatives and energy-efficient strategies in place. But beyond sustainability, aesthetics were a core focus. “From the beginning, there was a major emphasis on the façade,” said Sam. “Antoniades Architects were passionate about the brick detailing. The use of precast brick panels gave us the finish they wanted while removing the need for scaffolding and complex structural steel support.”

Reflecting on the project, Sam said, “I’m incredibly proud of our team and the collaboration with our consultants. We delivered a high-quality student accommodation development in a challenging location, on time and to an exceptional standard. The success of this project was made possible through the dedication of the entire delivery ecosystem.”

Richard Crookes Constructions is a leading delivery partner in the student accommodation sector. Wee Hur Y Suites on Margaret is an exceptional endorsement of their deep understanding of sector-specific requirements for both metropolitan and regional areas.

For more information contact Richard Crookes Constructions, phone 02 9902 4700, email reception@richardcrookes.com.au, website www.richardcrookes.com.au