Working in partnership with builder Construction Control, Benmax successfully delivered the mechanical services for the $62 million ANU Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) building located in Acton, Canberra.

The 12,000 sqm seven storey facility has been designed to adapt to future workplace, teaching and learning advancements while providing the collaborative and multidisciplinary research and education environments required for today.

Benmax officially commenced on-site works at the ANU in March 2019, however planning and design stages for the project were well underway prior to that time to support the large-scale use of prefabricated and preassembled equipment during the project build. This innovative construction method was utilised to support improved delivery time frames, a higher level of productivity, ensure the highest standards of quality control, and importantly, enhance on-site safety.

This method proved particularly important when the project was impacted by a major hailstorm event in February 2020, just prior to completion, with the building sustaining significant damage, including to the completed roof top plant room.

Large scale repair work was required with the Benmax team needing to disassemble the damaged plant, prefabricate and install all new work. The prefabrication process allowed the team to undertake the rectification works in a timely manner exceeding the expectations of the builder and client.

Mechanical HVAC systems delivered on the project:

Benmax successfully delivered the full suite of HVAC systems required for the building including: two roof top plant decks, one chiller station, a basement plant room, and Level 1 plant room. Approximately 90% of the required equipment was built offsite in our controlled workshop environment and then delivered to site for final preparation and installation.

Equipment included:

• Chillers
• Pump skids
• Boiler skids
• AHUs
• Riser modules – seven different modules installed in total including duct risers, pipe risers and multi service risers
• Large duct sections

Several of the larger prefabricated modules – some measuring 4.5m (w) x 2.25m (d) and 24.0m (l) – were built in separate pieces and joined together on site.

Benmax successfully completed work on the project in 2020.

Working alongside Construction Control, Benmax delivered the mechanical services for this state-of-the-art 12,000 sqm new construction located in Acton, Canberra.

Project features:

• New construction
• 12,000 sqm six storey facility
• State-of-the-art design
• Dedicated teaching spaces, seminar rooms and 140-person lecture space
• Public forum areas and auditorium
• Large scale use of prefabricated and preassembled HVAC equipment
• BIM technology utilised