As a cladding replacement specialist, Duratec undertakes projects across an increasing number of sectors. From hospitals and office buildings to apartment blocks and schools, Duratec can remediate a diverse array of buildings.
Duratec has been providing external building upgrades since its inception in 2010. In recent years, part of that refurbishment process has come under the spotlight, largely due to the Australian government’s implementation of more stringent building regulations.
This component of the remediation process involves the replacement of non-compliant cladding structures, known as ACP (aluminium composite panels), with solid aluminium
panels that conform to the latest building codes.
Some of Duratec’s earliest cladding replacement projects include King Edward Memorial Hospital in Western Australia, Chermside Medical Centre in Queensland and several Victoria School Building Authority schools – three very different types of buildings across multiple sectors.
Since the very beginning, Duratec has provided cladding replacement services across various industries. Its ability to adapt to different environments allows it to undertake works to just about any type of building, including apartment complexes, universities and high-rise office buildings.
Community buildings such as leisureplexes, aquatic centres and entertainment venues are also part of Duratec’s cladding replacement repertoire, and services have even been provided to law courts, an aerospace centre and several sporting arenas.
Most recently, Duratec completed three significant and diverse cladding replacement projects in New South Wales, including a prominent shopping centre, a waterfront office building and an important road transport facility.
While each structure has its own distinct characteristics that need to be taken into consideration throughout the works, there are some principles that can be transferred from one sector to the next (see page 13 for three actions Duratec executes on all cladding replacement projects).
The number of sectors within which Duratec provides cladding replacement services continues to grow. The company takes pride in the fact that any building, in any sector, falls within its extensive capabilities.
Actions for recladding projects across all sectors
Step 1 – Take a flexible approach
By taking an agile, open-minded approach to each project, Duratec is able to quickly and efficiently resolve any unforeseen challenges as they arise. This methodology might involve staging the project, thereby encouraging constant improvement from one phase to the next.
Duratec also embraces early contractor involvement (ECI) as part of its cladding replacement projects. As well as providing transparency from the very beginning, ECI has a positive impact on cost, quality and timeframes, allowing for better project outcomes. Adaptability in these initial stages is a lot cheaper than undertaking complex redesigning throughout the project.
Step 2 – Engage all stakeholders
The success of any recladding project largely depends on constant collaboration and clear communication with stakeholders, including the client, subcontractors and building occupants. Working together to shape the scope of works, identify value engineering opportunities and undertake project scheduling promotes excellent working relationships and leads to successful project outcomes.
Step 3 – Minimise disruption
When undertaking recladding works in ‘live’ environments, Duratec ensures the impact on building occupants is minimal. To reduce their ‘footprint’, project teams employ innovative access systems, such as mast climbers, bespoke scaffolding and elevating work platforms. Other ways to mitigate disruption include encapsulation, acoustic dampening devices and low-impact tools.
