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High-Performance Mechanical Delivery for Emergency Services Infrastructure

O’Connors delivered full mechanical systems design and installation for the SA Ambulance Service precinct.

O’Connors

Delivering the full design and construct mechanical services package for the new SA Ambulance Service precinct, O’Connors played a central role in supporting one of the state’s most significant emergency infrastructure developments.

Drawing on 26 years of expertise across engineering, construction, and maintenance, the company reinforced its reputation as a leader in mechanical services through the delivery of this complex and high-performance project.

“Our scope included the complete design, coordination, and installation of HVAC systems, chilled and condenser water systems, ducted air distribution, ventilation, and the integration of the Building Management System (BMS),” explained Chintan Mody, Construction Manager. “We also ensured compliance with all fire, smoke, and essential safety measures, including stair pressurisation and smoke spill systems.”

Working alongside Hansen Yuncken and other key trades, O’Connors adopted BIM modelling and off-site prefabrication to overcome challenges such as congested plantrooms and tight access. “Prefabricating duct risers and pipe modules off-site saved time, reduced risks, and minimised site congestion,” Chintan said.

The main building, housing the Emergency Operations Centre, also demanded seismic resilience, rated at IL4, to ensure operational continuity during seismic events. “We designed and installed comprehensive seismic restraints for plant, ductwork, and pipework, requiring close collaboration with structural engineers and specialist suppliers,” Chintan noted.

Reliability was paramount for a 24/7 critical services facility. O’Connors selected a robust, high-efficiency plant designed for continuous operation, while ensuring maintenance access and monitoring through advanced BMS controls. “Our systems allow for rapid response capability, with full commissioning and performance testing against design parameters to guarantee operational reliability from Day One,” Chintan said.

Delivered ahead of schedule, the project highlights O’Connors’ ability to integrate technical excellence with collaborative project delivery. As Chintan concluded, “This project demonstrates our ability to meet ambitious milestones while ensuring safety, resilience, and long-term reliability.”

For more information contact O’Connors, 08 8410 4099, email admin@oconnorservices.com.au, www.oconnorservices.com.au



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Integrated Mechanical Services Delivery at Addison Street, Marrickville

Mycon Air delivered Design & Construct mechanical services at Addison Street, integrating HVAC, ventilation, and plant systems.

Mycon Air

Delivering mechanical services within architecturally driven residential developments demands meticulous coordination, technical expertise, and seamless integration across multiple building systems.

At the Addison Street project in Marrickville, Mycon Air successfully delivered a comprehensive Design and Construct (D&C) mechanical package for 21 apartments and associated common areas.

Mycon Air’s scope incorporated the complete mechanical services solution. By managing the entire mechanical package, the company ensured consistency across all systems while streamlining project delivery and coordination.

“We undertook the entire mechanical scope of works,” said Mycon Air Director, Miro. “This included basement ventilation, all apartment HVAC systems, and wet area ventilation, allowing us to provide a fully integrated solution throughout the development.”

One of the project’s most significant challenges arose at rooftop level, where limited plant space required the accommodation of 21 condensers alongside solar infrastructure, skylights, hydraulic services, and associated ductwork within a highly constrained area. Achieving this arrangement demanded detailed spatial planning to maintain code-compliant clearances, accessibility for maintenance, and efficient service integration without compromising architectural intent.

Overcoming these constraints required extensive collaboration with other trades, including hydraulic and solar contractors, as well as strategic redesign of the ductwork layout to maximise the available space. Through careful coordination and proactive problem-solving, Mycon Air delivered a compliant, accessible, and highly efficient rooftop plant arrangement that met both performance requirements and the project’s architectural objectives.

“Experience certainly plays a major role, but communication and coordination with the other trades are the key to successfully delivering projects of this nature,” Miro said.

With a reputation built on delivering complex, high-end residential developments across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Mycon Air continues to demonstrate its ability to overcome technical challenges while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

The Addison Street project further reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering innovative and efficient mechanical solutions that integrate seamlessly within carefully considered built environments.

For more information contact Mycon Air, phone 02 9191 7393, email sales@myconair.com.au, website www.myconair.com.au



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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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End-To-End Hvac Expertise For Multi-Unit Projects

Aircon Masters delivered tailored, high-performance HVAC systems at Willow, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and lasting reliability.

Aircon Masters

With over three decades of HVAC experience, Aircon Masters is known for precision, reliability, and end-to-end service. Engaged by Azure, the team delivered high-performance air conditioning systems for every home in Willow, ensuring lasting comfort and efficiency.

“Aircon Masters was engaged to design, supply and install ducted air conditioning systems for all 76 townhouses at Willow by Azure. We worked closely with Azure’s design team to deliver a tailored HVAC solution,” explained Kane Masters, Owner. “For this project, we installed 10kW Fujitsu ducted systems, chosen for their proven performance in Queensland’s climate, energy efficiency, and reliability.”

Willow by Azure townhome interior, master bedroom with Aircon Masters ducts integrated into the black and white modern aesthetic.
Willow by Azure townhome interior, open plan living room, kitchen and dining with Aircon Masters ducts integrated into the black and white modern aesthetic.
Exterior aerial of Willow by Azure precinct.
Exterior backyard at Willow by Azure with 10kW Fujitsu ducted system.
Exterior backyard at Willow by Azure with 10kW Fujitsu ducted system.

The company managed the process end-to-end, from design through to commissioning, and continues to provide after-sales support to both property managers and residents. “For that extra peace of mind, our role extends beyond handover, and Aircon Masters continues to provide after-sales support and assistance,” Kane said.

Comfort and energy efficiency were key considerations. “We draw on over 30 years of experience and use HVAC software to calculate heat loads, for every layout. This ensures consistent comfort and control without unnecessary energy consumption,” said Kane. The inclusion of zone control allows residents to cool or heat only the spaces they need, reducing running costs.

The two-storey terrace format presented some challenges with duct runs and vent placement. “Every project presents unique design constraints, and our team develops tailored solutions to deliver the best outcome – no shortcuts,” Kane noted.

Aircon Masters’ long-standing collaboration with Azure highlights the company’s reputation for reliability and expertise in large-scale residential projects. “Our work at Willow reflects our ability to deliver HVAC solutions at scale while maintaining strict quality control,” Kane said. With 10 projects now completed with Azure, our focus on consistency and high-quality workmanship remains the same.

Aircon Masters logo

For more information contact Aircon Masters, phone 0416 074 251, email airconmasters@outlook.com, website www.airconmasters.com.au

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