This project involved the design and construction of a new control building for numerous testing facilities at the Port Wakefield Proof & Experimental Establishment, located approximately 80km north of Adelaide.
The existing Building 106 was no longer fit-for-purpose and needed replacing in order to meet updated security requirements. The new facility is designed to accommodate staff working between the existing building and another nearby precinct, therefore improving workplace efficiency.
The 350m2 building encompasses extensive ICT communications and fire protection services for its modest size. The project team worked collaboratively with the client to incorporate the scope of these services after they were identified following the design phase.
The main features include extensive Defence ICT services, a large server room, control room, open plan office, multi-purpose training rooms, a standalone cool room for chemical storage, and staff amenities including an outdoor covered area, car parking and fencing.
A significant value-add achieved during the design process was modifications to allow the facility to act as both a manned gate house for controlling access to the range, and also an unmanned guardhouse through utilising some of the existing site infrastructure to achieve the perimeter security and access requirements.
The existing Building 106 will be demolished in September 2020 following commissioning of the new building.
