The Dennys Lascelles building is an original woolstore structure, built in 1934. It has remained un-renovated and in a state of disrepair since it was obtained by the University in 1992.
Through reconfiguration and expansion of the existing floors and structure and the inclusion of atrium spaces, it is proposed to create an exciting multi purpose environment, providing light filled spaces of varying dimensions. The historic ambience of the building will be coupled with the use of leading-edge technology and environmental sustainability for which Deakin University is well known. The prominent corner location offers potential for a dramatic blending of Geelong’s history with its new directions. The current designs will see the building transformed into 6 levels with a central atrium and a new face to Cunningham Street.
The following photos were taking during a site visit on April 28, 2008.
View of annex to be enclosed with curtain wall with a Hollow Core precast slabs ceiling. Props have been employed to temporarily support the columns. Good safety practice has also been observed through the use of orange safety mesh and orange columns to elevate electrical leads.
Precast lift core tied back to existing structure with steel brackets, bolted connection. Note the use of circular hollow section cross bracing for additional lateral support.
Regulations require the use of a goods lift (shown) for demolition and transportation of materials between floors. The hire and installation of temporary lifts can be expensive and is generally avoided where possible.
Specially designed white paint has been used on steel columns to achieve the necessary fire rating. This paint absorbs heat and provides a 2-hour safety time as per the Building Regulations. In order to gain approval for the development of this site, a Fire Engineering Assessment Report was required because of the large quantity of timber within the structure. The installation of sprinklers (not shown) is highly favorable.
This detail shows the bolted steel cleats used to support the upper floor beams. In order to achieve the desired height of 3.6m floor-to-floor (2.7m ceiling + services), each floor had to be raised from its original height of 3m, as shown by the holes in the column.
The construction manager has employed further site safety measures through the erection of an Emergency Information Board on each floor. This board is equipped with First Aid, and a fire extinguisher, as well as contact details for those qualified in hoist operation and administering First Aid.
Steel framework has been used for the majority of the internal fit-out. For a project this size, steel frames require less labour as they come with the advantage of being straight (as opposed to poorer quality timber which may need to be plane shaved or require masonite packing strips), resulting in cheaper labour costs. A disadvantage is that due to their thin section they are difficult to fix to or hang from unless allowed for prior to internal cladding.
Internal stairs were precast by Hollow Core and are of a very high factory quality; better than what could have been achieved in-situ.
Level 5 and 6 are additions to the existing building, therefore enabling structure to be engineered with columns more spaced. These levels have been provided for future occupancy, with the final fit-out yet to be determined. (Level 5 shown).
This detail shows one of four large exhaust fans installed above Level 6. Two of these are ‘smoke spill’ fans, designed to trigger during fire and remove smoke through the central atrium of the building. The remaining two are triggered by rising temperature and are used to expel heat from the building on hot days.
PLESE NOTE:
Introductory text was supplied, with courtesty, by Deakin University Facilities Management Service Division. For further information on this project please visit the Dennys Lascelles Refurbishment website, or the Deakin University Geelong Waterfront Masterplan.
