Chermside Library & North Regional Business Centre

The site sat within the established Chermside pool and Kedron-Wavell Services Club precinct, with construction access shared alongside the public using the neighbouring pool facilities. Traffic peaked over the summer months, so the project ran full-time traffic control, daily coordination with the pool operators and daily risk assessments matched to the activities underway on both sites.

Delivering the dual 5 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERS outcome required extensive ESD modelling through design and construction to confirm the building would meet its targeted ratings. The mechanical services system was engineered specifically for the project to satisfy the ESD criteria alongside the size and form of the building and its integrated fitout. Coordinating the dense array of services within the ceiling space and integrating them across all trades, was a central challenge managed jointly by the designers, site team and subcontractors.

High-quality, environmentally sustainable materials were selected to meet the Green Star requirements. The facade combines high-performance glass, architectural metal cladding and feature sunblades, while the two basement levels provide bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities, including showers, amenities and lockers for building occupants. The library interior supports a broad range of community uses, from extensive children’s areas and 24/7 meeting rooms to internet spaces, a family history kiosk, an indoor and outdoor cafe, and generous reading and quiet zones. The two commercial office levels adopt flexible workplace fitouts with mobile desks and electronically controlled height-adjustable workstations.

Delivered as a Design and Construct contract over a 70-week programme, the project absorbed the inclement weather risk and met the client’s completion date through intensive site management and by running multiple work fronts concurrently to recover lost time.