530 Collins Street (SUNCORP)

In 2012, Suncorp relocated to its new home at 530 Collins Street, Melbourne; a 38-storey premium-grade building owned by The GPT Group.

The Suncorp fit-out occupies levels 27 to 38, incorporating a new internal staircase promoting openness and staff movement between floors.

Appointed by Construction Manager Schiavello, A.G. Coombs Projects was engaged to deliver HVAC and mechanical services in support of the fit-out and the changes to the building systems that it would bring.

The new internal staircase connecting three contiguous floors pushed the boundaries on fire and life safety and required extensive fire engineering and on-site testing to confirm compliance. The fire engineered solution utilised the existing smoke management system and as such, A.G. Coombs recommissioned the smoke-spill system to ensure that smoke would be contained in accordance with the new design. Several after-hour smoke tests were undertaken to ensure that the revised system achieved the required performance criteria.

Due to the tight program, the design consultants provided staged documentation, which, in turn, necessitated diligent administration in design reviews and technical submissions to ensure timely ordering of equipment.

A.G. Coombs was also challenged with space constraints. Every floor comprises a communications room, and each required a high degree of coordination for the installation of supplementary cooling units.

Throughout the project, the team drew upon the existing knowledge of A.G. Coombs Service and A.G. Coombs Advisory, who already work within the building, to ensure the best possible client outcomes.