SCOPE OF WORKS
Tomkins delivered the full Design and Construct package for the BAC Speculative Warehouse, including design coordination, civil works, structural, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic services, landscaping and external works. The facility was designed and built to operate as a multi-tenant or single-occupancy logistics warehouse, positioned to attract freight, logistics and airport-related businesses.
DESIGN & FACADE
The building’s design incorporates a number of distinctive architectural features that set it apart from a standard warehouse product. The office façade combines off-form concrete tilt panels, Danpalon® translucent sheeting and timber-look aluminium battens, delivering a contemporary industrial aesthetic with visual interest and depth.
Tilt panel blade walls and translucent vertical wall cladding are integrated throughout the warehouse façade, providing a quality presentation appropriate to an airport precinct environment. The standard of workmanship required to install and finish the batten system across the full extent of the façade was a key focus for the Tomkins quality control team.
SUSTAINABILITY
In line with BAC’s and Tomkins’ commitment to sustainable building practices, the warehouse was designed with provision for a full-roof solar array. While the system was not installed at the time of construction, the structural and services engineering was completed to accommodate the future installation — a considered future-proofing strategy that avoids costly retrofitting.
Additional energy efficiency measures include translucent roof sheeting to maximise natural light penetration, natural ventilation to the warehouse volume, and LED motion sensor lighting throughout the office and ancillary spaces.
FOUNDATION & CIVIL WORKS
The site presented significant geotechnical challenges due to an unusually high water table and land contamination identified during early excavation. The building was constructed on rigid inclusion columns to eliminate differential settlement — a specialist foundation solution required to achieve the performance standards needed for a large warehouse slab.
Laser screeding was employed to ensure the quality, flatness and strength of the 9,400m² warehouse slab. Civil works were self-performed by Tomkins due to market constraints, ensuring quality control was maintained from groundworks through to completion.
PROGRAM & CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES
Construction commenced late in 2021, during a period of significant industry-wide disruption caused by COVID-19. Tomkins navigated staff shortages, COVID testing requirements and material supply delays, including the need to source structural steel from overseas suppliers after local availability was constrained.
Unusually high rainfall and flooding events resulted in additional scheduling pressure and required safety management adjustments across the site. Contaminated land conditions identified early in the excavation required environmental management measures and a review of the project program. Through proactive planning, open communication with all stakeholders and a willingness to adapt, Tomkins successfully managed these compound challenges and delivered the project on time and within budget.
