Excellence in Construction Awards 2012

Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards

The Master Builders Association of Victoria's Excellence in Construction Awards showcase the outstanding craftsmanship and professional standards of Association members and demonstrates the commitment to building excellence in the commercial/industrial sectors throughout Victoria.

For further information contact the Association on (03) 9411 4555.

Click here to view 2011 winners
Click here to view 2010 winners
Click here to view 2009 winners

2012 Winners

Master Builder of the Year

Cockram Construction
Project: Australian Red Cross Blood Service Victorian Tasmanian Principal Site, West Melbourne
Designer: Rohan Wilson, Design Inc

Website: http://www.cockram.com/

Fully funded by the Federal and State Governments, this fit-out project provides a new facility for the Australian Red Cross Blood Services to test all blood and blood products for Victoria and Tasmania for the next 30 years. The four-level, heritage listed building has been fully refurbished, with the original structure reinforced with suspended engineers bulkhead walls. Included in the works were all plant and services for internal and external plant areas, car parking, warehousing, offices, laboratories, communal areas and other specialist support areas. Environmental initiatives include energy saving devices and rainwater harvesting.

View Gallery

Regional Builder of the Year

Lyons Construction
Project: New Generation Library Deakin University, Waurn Ponds
Designer: Six Degrees

Website: http://www.lyonsconstruction.com.au/

This refurbished library building reflects the integration of modern learning experiences, breaking away from the traditional library model. The clever use of raw and recycled materials combined the atypical design features, such as neon lighting, contrasting dark and light spaces, and a book feature wall. The external finishes consist mainly of a new double glazed curtain wall with some specialised recycled coloured glass for effect. Lyons Construction completed this project under difficult circumstances as the library had to remain operational throughout the project.

Young Builder of the Year

Gavin Parker
I G Parker Pty Ltd

Gavin Parker, has a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Environmental). He completed his course at Deakin University in 2002. He is currently employed with I G Parker Pty Ltd, and has been since 2004 as Project Manager. He is very much involved in various types of projects which require very special skills of varying types of construction. The Judges were impressed with Gavin's enthusiasm, motivation, grasp and management of a wide range of technical and complex issues of a project. Gavin has also exhibited strong client liaison skills, and very effective management and leadership skills. He has successfully managed, and taken full responsibility for project performance including financial, programming, safety, industrial relations, client liaison and quality of some very complex projects. His current project is the redevelopment of the Williamstown Town Hall stage 2, which was a real challenge of his technical skills, and the Owners were so pleased with the result of the first stage of the restoration that they awarded him stage 2 of the project.

Excellence in Shop & Office Fitout

Schiavello (Vic) Pty Ltd
Project: Crown Casino VIP Salons, Crown Casino, Southbank

Website: http://www.schiavello.com

The increasing level of international competition for top end gaming environment initiated the upgrade and expansion of the premium gaming facilities throughout the entire Crown entertainment complex. Converted from a single floor villa are exclusive gaming salons with associated private dining and lounge settings. The interior is 'stratospheric' both in terms of the elevated location which features panoramic views, and the high finessed workmanship of all the amenities. The discrete interior environment achieves a restrained, contemporary opulence with bespoke luxury detailing.

Special Commendation
Excellence in Shop & Office Fitout

FDC Construction & Fitout (VIC)
Project: iSelect, Cheltenham
Designer: VIA Architecture

Website: http://www.fdcbuilding.com.au

Works on this project included the demolition and stripping out of existing internal building and service elements, the extension of existing amenities, installation of a new internal stairwell that links the ground floor with upper levels, a full commercial kitchen and a staff café. In addition a total of 511 workstations were installed over three floors, connecting to a central communications room. Staff breakout areas, including soccer pitch, full games room and an external balcony, are scattered throughout the building. A new reception, waiting area and meeting rooms were built on the ground floor complete with visitor facilities.

Excellence in Construction of Industrial Buildings

Qanstruct (AUST) Pty Ltd
Project: Detector Dog Program Facility for Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Bulla

Website: http://www.qanstruct.com.au

This Australian Customs and Border Protection Service facility comprises 3,300sqm and features dog kennels, multiple dog day runs, dummy residential homes and a simulation training building with mock airport baggage handling facilities. The main structures include precast concrete and structural steel with special consideration given to acoustic requirements to limit noise intrusion from nearby Melbourne Airport. The high quality external finish and profile were achieved through a combination of Alucobond, Aluminum windows, performance glass and precast panels.

Excellence in Health & Safety

Baulderstone
Project: Southbank Cultural Precinct, Stage One, Hamer Hall and its Environments, Southbank
Designer: Ashton Raggatt McDougall

Website: http://www.baulderstone.com.au

The redevelopment of Hamer Hall presented complex and unique occupational health and safety challenges and Baulderstone's approach to maintaining health and safety was very successful. The implemented health and safety systems incorporated the identification and assessment of workplace hazards with high level of employee and subcontractor involvement in the management of workplace hazards. Fundamental to the success of this program was the promotion of a culture of 'no blame' which enabled issues to be resolved in a proactive and transparent manner. In addition safety work systems incorporated employee training needs, a commitment to adopting higher order control solutions and ongoing monitoring and review.

Special Commendation
Excellence in Health & Safety

Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
Project: Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Heidelberg

Website: http://www.leightoncontractors.com.au

The Construction Safety Essentials programme (CSE) that Leighton Contractors has in place aims to achieve excellence in best practice safety management policies and procedures. On this project all current personnel were inducted into the program before the general site induction. A key forum to disseminate CSE messages and daily prestart meeting allowed the team to access up and coming work activities and apply CSE principles at the planning stage to critical risk areas, such as working at heights and working with vehicular traffic. The successful results included a reduced rate of incidents and accidents and no lost time due to injuries.

Excellence in Civil Construction

Icon Construction Australia Pty Ltd
Project: New Quay West - Marina Residences, Docklands
Designer: Plus Architecture & BBP

Website: http://iconconstruction.com.au

The Marina Residences are located in the old dock area previously used for port activities. Works required the demolition of the original timber wharf to make way for the new wharf/promenade structure. The wharf was constructed using both precast and steel driven piles, with pre-tensioned 'Super T-beams' cast into primary beams, before the creation of a topping slab to tie the structure together. The structure had to meet several durability requirements as part of the certification needed to set a 50-year compliance to the public promenade, and 100-year compliance to the private areas.

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings under $5M

Buxton Construction
Project: Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club, Toorak
Designer: Carr Architecture

Website: http://www.buxtonconstruction.com.au

The new additional facilities to The Royal South Yarra Tennis Club provide lift access from the existing underground car park and driveway to all levels of the club. The design also incorporates a new gymnasium, courtside restaurant and lounge onto a magnificent terrace overlooking the existing grass tennis courts. Further works included the upgrade of the existing members bar, courtyard, bistro area and a full refurbishment of the function room. The largest challenge faced by the builder involved access constraints and management of construction work while the club was still operational.

Special Commendation
Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings under $5M

W.O Longmuir Pty Ltd
Project: McDonalds, Kilsyth South
Designer: Timmins & Whyte

This new single storey restaurant called for a lightweight steel framed structure on an 'M' class raft slab, however during site leveling, a number of problems occurred and subsequently the footing was redesigned to incorporate screw piles. The external walls are predominately clad with either flush jointed or express jointed, compressed cement sheet paint finished. Internally a combination of suspended plasterboard and acoustic set plaster board has been utilised for the ceilings, and floor areas have been treated with ceramic tiles.

Construction of Commercial Buildings $5M - $10M

Walton Construction
Project: Saint Mary of the Cross Mausoleum, Parkville
Designer: Ken Seakins, Harmer Architecture

Website: http://www.waltonconstruction.com.au

This project provides over 1,000 above and below ground crypts, offering a variety of burial options. In addition to the main open crypt galleries featuring dramatic suspended glass panels, stained shiplap timber linings and granite stone crypt shutters and trims, the scope of works included the provision of a bluestone paved gathering area. The facade displays a dramatic contorted steel structure supported off the central concrete crypt core, and clad in hand-folded zinc panels in a patterned, colourful motif. A unique feature of the Mausoleum is a central drainage system which is reticulated through the concrete core to underground culverts and ventilated naturally through the roof.

Special Commendation
Construction of Commercial Buildings $5M - $10M

Kane Constructions
Project: Star of the Sea - Performing Arts Centre, Gardenvale
Designer: David Strachan, Architectus

Website: http://www.kane.com.au

Construction of the new Performing Arts Centre building is made up of a basement, ground and first floor. The façade incorporates Vitrapanel cladding, protruding window boxes and a glazed curtain wall system that created a walk-around airlock balcony to gain backstage access. The ground floor is built around the void to the basement with glass balustrade, and contains teachers' offices, acoustically lined music rooms as well as amenities, entry foyer, stairs and two sets of double doors into the existing school hall. The two storey first floor auditorium has tiered seating for 430 people.

Construction of Commercial Buildings $10M - $15M

Probuild
Project: Tiffany & Co., Melbourne
Designer: Tiffany & Co. & Mancini Duffy TSC, New York

Website: http://www.probuild.com.au

Tiffany & Co. flagship store required the builder to adhere to strict international store design and brand guidelines. Works comprised an extensive refurbishment carried out in three stages and in two locations. It called for the full fitout of a separate temporary retail store, construction of an administration office and workshop on a new mezzanine level, as well as the construction of the new store in an existing city office building. The new store incorporates a range of unique and innovative elements requiring the highest quality retail finishes and fittings, extensive services, large curved glass panels and a feature chandelier.

Construction of Commercial Buildings $15M - $20M

Cockram Construction
Project: Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership, North Melbourne
Designer: Drew Carling, Maddison Architects

Website: http://www.cockram.com

This project required the restoration and refurbishment of a state-of-the-art educational facility over two levels, and the construction of a new three-level facility. Due to the age of the existing building, a significant amount of work was required on the external aspects of the building. Specialist subcontractors were engaged to reinstate, revamp and reconstruct a number of aspects including new slate roofing, new gable end sandstone pitchers, removal of external lead paint and reinstatement of brickwork including repointing, installation of new timber barge boards, and refurbishment and glazing of existing windows.

Construction of Commercial Buildings $20M - $30M

LU Simon Builders Pty Ltd
Project: The Garden House, Carlton
Designer: Woods Bagot

Website: http://www.lusimon.com.au

The scope of works called for the construction of an exclusive high-end boutique apartment block, incorporating 49 luxury units arranged over five floors, three separate town houses and a two level basement. The project comprises of both in-situ and precast vertical elements and post-tensioned floor slabs with the core designed and constructed using precast concrete panels. Overall the façade comprises multiple different materials and finishes, this combined with the complexity of the overall building shape and expressive geometry required a great amount of on and off site detailing and coordination between trades.

Special Commendation
Construction of Commercial Buildings $20M - $30M

Becon Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd
Project: Harmony Village, Dandenong
Designer: Daryl Pelchen, Architects

Website: http://www.becon.com.au

The project consists of 92 single level one and two bedroom apartments disbursed across 11 individual two-storey buildings, a resident's community centre and a one acre basement car park. Construction methods include core-filled masonry walls with a post tensioned floor slab above, timber roof trusses and metal deck roofing. The upper levels consist of lightweight construction with a range of profile cement sheet claddings and feature roof overhangs. The internal apartment finishes are functional and visually appealing.

Construction of Commercial Buildings $30M - $80M

Cockram Construction
Project: Australian Red Cross Blood Service Victorian Tasmanian Principal Site, West Melbourne
Designer: Rohan Wilson, Design Inc

Website: http://www.cockram.com

This fit-out project comprises the complete refurbishment of a century old, four-level heritage-listed building into offices, PC2 laboratories, PCR laboratories, general support spaces and major infrastructure, equipment and services. The works included the entire fitout and a number of structural elements, as well as all plant and services for internal and external plant areas, car parking, warehousing, offices, laboratories, communal areas and other specialist support areas. Externally, the existing façade required the addition of sunshades, ground floor entrance tiling and waterproofing and anti-graffiti coating to the brickwork.

Special Commendation
Construction of Commercial Buildings $30M - $80M

Grocon
Project: Dandenong G-S-O, Dandenong
Designer: Robin Deutschmann, Hassell Limited

Website: http://www.grocon.com

This Government building is designed and constructed as an integrated fit out over eight levels with a four-storey underground car park facility. The large public foyers are activated by traditional retail, food and beverage spaces on the ground floor. On level four a conference facility is connected to a landscaped outdoor area. The project utilised the salvaged timber, externally and internally, from areas devastated by 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The project was delivered on time and within a tight budget.

Construction of Commercial Buildings over $80M

Lend Lease
Project: The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville
Designer: Billard Leece, Bates Smart & HKS

Website: http://www.lendlease.com

The new RCH project is the largest hospital redevelopment to be undertaken in Victoria, and one of the largest in Australia. Stage one of the project involved the construction of a new 165,000m2 hospital facility over seven levels, with car parking space over three basement levels. With a peak construction of over 2,100 workforce personnel, the sheer scale and complexity presented coordination and logistical challenges. Lend Lease's role also involved the selection, procurement, integration and commissioning of more than 60,000 items of medical and non-medical equipment.

Best Specialist Contractor

Comcraft Constructions P/L
Project: Tiffany & Co., Melbourne

Website: http://www.comcraftconstructions.com.au

The team of carpenters and plasterers at Comcraft Constructions were engaged to carry out intense and high quality works to the prestigious Tiffany & Co retail premises. The geometry of the interacting surfaces presented a challenge, with wall and ceiling plans not either horizontal, vertical, perpendicular or parallel to each other. A prototype of the ceiling junction and wall lighting coffer was created, so that the client could visualise and test their design concept, and experiment with finishes and lighting types prior to construction. The amazing results of this project are displayed in the showroom.

Best Sustainable Energy Project

Built VIC Pty Ltd
Project: Edithvale/Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre, Edithvale
Designer: Paul Minifie, Jan Van Schaik
Minifie Van Schaik Architects

Website: http://www.built.com.au

The Wetlands are the largest remaining natural wetlands of their type at Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne Water engaged the builder to construct a new educational facility on the site of an existing car park. Works on the architecturally unique building include an underground section constructed on blockwork/bituminous tanking and clad in Alpolic panels using a suspended fixing system. A structural steel construction is complimented by the use of reinforced concrete panels to the façade. The choice of materials was driven by the overall vision for the project, striving to create a world-class facility with a potential to achieve a 6 Green Star rating.

Master Builders Association of Victoria