8 Davidson Terrace, Joondalup

This is a 10,000m2 NLA office development in Joondalup that will be tenanted by State Government.

DEM carried out extensive design and risk reviews on this project and provided commissioning advice. We also provided a detailed commissioning specification to help ensure that the project is commissioned and tuned to a high standard, running costs are reduced and the carbon footprint of the facility was minimised.  

Numerous risks were eliminated – and opportunities identified – through the design review. Examples include an improved generator set mechanical arrangement to increase resilience; changes to the fire detection system to achieve compliance; working with the design team to close out uncertainty in relation to BCA compliance; and the introduction of numerous design features to ease commissioning and improve efficiency, such pressure independent control valves.

The project is now successfully handed over and at the end of its tuning phase. Through the tuning process it exceeded the targeted 4.5 Star NABERS rating achieving 6 Stars in its first year of operation. This is a first for WA and the highest performing commercial property in the state.

Key ways in which DEM added value:

• We identified issues with the dry fire contractor's fire fan control panel switching prior to fabrication and called a meeting to advise them of the issues. Using the code, DEM were able to demonstrate why the changes were needed, preventing an issue occurring during commissioning and at the DFES inspections.
• DEM marshalled the correct metering validation protocols to ensure gas, water and electricity meters were tested and validated to NABERS protocols and that the BMS, EMS and meter face plates correctly matched at handover.
• We carried out extensive testing on the generator set and load shedding system using load banks. Through our test methodology, we were able to find a number of programming issues – including incorrect unloading of the generator – and have them rectified prior to handover.
• We orchestrated the black test/ integrated test for the building. This included testing to ensure that all building services worked during an outage and in fire mode. A number of interface issues were subsequently identified and rectified.
• DEM designed and managed the building envelope pressure test for the building. Through diligent execution of the tests on a number of occasions, DEM were able to help identify building leakage. The builder subsequently carried out further sealing and the building envelope was shown to reach a high performing air tightness. 
• DEM wrote the definition of Practical Completion, which went into the contract. This resulted in 98% of commissioning data and Green Star submission information being received prior to PC.  
• DEM ran the tuning process with the ESD consultant. By working closely with each other and the contractors, and acting quickly on issues, the building significantly exceeded its predicted energy rating, achieving 6 Star NABERS.