Australian National University, College of Science Precinct

WT provided full quantity surveying services for the Sciences Transformation Project located within the Banks Precinct of the Australian National University. The precinct provides world class accommodation for the ongoing scientific endeavour of major chemistry and biological sciences teaching and research within the University.

The project included the construction of three new buildings; the Biology, Teaching and Chemistry Buildings along with significant refurbishment and modification works to three existing buildings.

The Biology building provides 33 labs over three floors for a diverse range of research and teaching activities including evolution, ecology and sustainable environments; genetics and genomics; global change; infection and immunity and plant science. The new building also houses the NCRIS Plant Growth Facility.

The Teaching Building includes eight teaching wet laboratories over three floors for undergraduate and course work students across the Chemistry and Bioscience disciplines, as well 150-seat and 50-seat flexible learning spaces, several outdoor teaching areas and smaller group rooms. Other teaching and learning spaces include analytical and instrument laboratories and associated preparation areas.

The Chemistry Building houses Physical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry and Synthetic Chemistry Laboratories, along with various analytical laboratories including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, a dedicated scientific glass blowing workshop which are designed for both immediate and future research and teaching needs.

Animal and research facilities meet Physical Containment Level 2 and current Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) compliance levels.

The project delivers common manifolded fume cupboard exhausts to allow for heat recovery generating significant energy conservation. The Central Plant Facility includes an atmospheric cooling and a 7 megalitre thermal storage system in addition to a blackwater recycling facility.

The project was delivered $7 million under budget and 10 months ahead of schedule.