Working in partnership with building specialists Manteena, Benmax delivered the mechanical services for the $30m Garangula Gallery project. Located in outback New South Wales, Garangula Gallery houses an extensive private collection of Aboriginal art along with intimate function facilities and is architecturally designed to tell a story through its use of crafted, recycled and locally sourced materials.

A key member of the hand selected project team, Benmax worked alongside designers and fellow subcontractors during the design phase to ensure the heating, ventilation and air conditioning services met the galleries strict temperature and humidity control requirements and supported the high-quality finishes expected of the build within the tightly managed budget.

Constructed of concrete and steel and wrapped in insulated sandwich panels to maximise energy efficiency, services within the two-storey build were carefully designed, constructed and commissioned to meet the strict air quality conditions required. The galleries’ air conditioning systems operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels within the building and gallery spaces to ensure the precious works of art are protected.

Benmax successfully handed over the project to the client in late 2013, with the building going on to win Project of the Year at the 2014 Master Builders ACT Building Excellence Awards.

Project features:

• Two-storey new construction
• Art gallery and function facility
• Strict temperature and humidity control systems
• 24 hours seven days per week operation