This project was a remote island research facility for James Cook University, which had its own on-site power generation facility.
Energy production and conservation played a primary role in the design of this facility and therefore studies and research were undertaken in relation to wind, solar and tidal energy generation.
A state wide BMS system was implemented to control, monitor and load shed the facilities where applicable.
Ashburner Francis was commissioned as Mechanical and Electrical Services consultants on the recently completed job at James Cook University which had a project value of approximately $33 million dollars.
The project involved three individual but interrelated buildings mostly containing an extensive Specialist Laboratory Facilities incorporating major PC2, wet Anatomy and Cytotoxic areas, associated support facilities, a 300 seat Lecture Theatre and refurbishment/extensions to the existing Medical School buildings.
The Building Services encompassed mechanical ventilation, air conditioning, lifts, security, fire, communications, lighting and power.
During the design stage multiple energy saving initiatives were integrated such as heat recovery via enthalpy wheels and plate heat exhangers and variable volume control on both VAV and “total loss” systems and CO2 monitoring for outdoor air control.
This project involved the design and installation of mechanical and electrical services systems for a new laboratory wing (including a major PC2 laboratory complex) and major refurbishment of existing systems in the Main Building at the AIMS facility.
Due to the nature of the facility, the systems had to be selected to be very efficient and suitable in a corrosive salt water environment. Ashburner Francis design efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems utilising air-to-air heat exchangers and variable volume systems, connected into the site wide BMS in order to monitor and control the air conditioning system. Cost effective, low energy lighting systems were installed throughout.
Ashburner Francis has been involved with AIMS for well over a decade and has undertaken many project both large and small.
This $6 million project involved Ashburner Francis’ expertise in a high voltage sub-station, connections to site HV and communications network infrastructure and site lighting. Internal electrical services comprised lighting, C-Bus lighting automation system, power reticulation, power outlets and equipment connections, voice/data communications cabling system, MATV and audio/visual facilities, fire detection and security systems.
Mechanical services comprised external connections to the site-wide chilled water reticulation, chilled water pumping and reticulation. Internally, air handling units, preconditioning units and plate heat exchangers were configured and zoned for isolation of operating theatres, ward areas and clinical areas.
Various mechanical ventilation systems were installed for odour and contamination management. The services were arranged for control and monitoring via the JCU’s site wide BMS system.
The new $11 Million Miles Health Service Facility is a state of the art Rural Health Service building. The community’s general health needs are provided on one integrated campus. A Hospital with Emergency facilities, Acute Beds in addition to an Aged Care Facility and Primary Health Clinic are all part of the new and refurbished site.
Ashburner Francis provided the Electrical, Mechanical and related services design and Construction stage work. The new buildings operate with great efficiency as a Health Service in addition to fitting the diverse needs of Aged Care.
The project delivered numerous challenges such as the complete relocation of the new facility to face the opposite direction and the staged redevelopment of the site.
