This Telstra Heritage Museum in Victoria is the national communications museum exploring the power of communication and the technologies that enable it to create and transform societies. The scope includes the completion of building works previously undertaken by others to the basement, sunken reception, ground floor, level 1, L5 and external works.
Scope of works
- Demolition to facilitate the completion of our works only
- Concrete Finishes (Architectural Requirements)
- Carpentry/ Light Timber Framing
- Investigate the existing conditions to identify any defective or non-complaint works, including ground floor which were observed to be drummy and showing signs of deterioration
- Masonry
- Installation of hardware
- Completion of suspended ceilings
- Completion of partitions and linings
- Washroom Cubicle Partitions
- Completion of tiling and grout.
- Resilient Finishes
- Carpet
- Completion of painting/ clear finishing
- Completion of architectural metalwork
- Completion of joinery
- Fixtures And Fittings
- Signage
- Timber And Wood Based Products
- Metals And Pre-Finishes
Highlights
- The Name Of The Game
Due to the incomplete nature of the building works, Duratec undertook a dilapidation survey prior to site mobilisation, giving the crew an idea of what lay ahead. From there, the main aims were to complete the works according to the program, while delivering a high standard of workmanship, maximising value for money and providing the client with a fitout that would stand the test of time. - Fitting in with the fitout team
With experience in the transformation of all kinds of spaces, from office and commercial to industrial and retail, Duratec’s fitout specialists devised a plan to deliver the works. Over the months that ensued, the crew brought to life the spaces envisioned long before Duratec was on the scene. It wasn’t long until Duratec found its place within the project team and began building relationships with not only the client but also the consultants and subcontractors. Team members quickly gained an understanding of the building, as well as the original design intention for the fitout. - Value engineering for the best outcomes
From the outset, Duratec kept the client’s vision front-of-mind, adhering to specifications and procuring items that were sometimes difficult to source. At times, the team came across alternative products that were just as – or even more – cost-effective as those originally specified yet offered the same quality and aesthetic value. Duratec made a point of suggesting such products to provide the client with options and maximum project ownership.
Similarly, Duratec made sure the client benefited from its remediation expertise. Throughout the course of the works, previously unidentified deterioration to the building was discovered. In these cases, the team offered advice on the most effective and best-value ways to proceed, again providing the client with options. - Protecting the collection
As a remediation expert, Duratec’s ability to minimise disruption to its surroundings, including live operational environments, is finely tuned. This was of great benefit to the NCM project given the presence of heritage communication paraphernalia at the heart of the museum. The collection dates back to the 1850s and features items passionately collected over 60 years by volunteers across Australia.
Duratec’s expertise ensured all exhibits remained unharmed throughout the works. - A feather in Duratec’s fitout cap
As well as being interesting and out of the ordinary, the NCM project allowed Duratec to put to work its problem-solving expertise, provide specialist advice and offer a range of options for the client to choose from. The ‘living, breathing museum’ that has resulted meets the original design intent and is testament to Duratec’s fitout capabilities.
