National Sea Simulator

Location: Nr Townsville, Queensland

Country: Australia

Client: Australian Institute of Marine Science

Architect: Tippett Schrock Architects w/Cox Rayner Architects

Services Provided: Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulics and Fire Engineering; Process Laboratory Services (w/ Oceanis International)

The Australian Institute of Marine Science campus is on an isolated site south of Townsville, presenting significant challenges in the design, construction and operation of a world-class research laboratory.

The technical challenge has been to thoroughly immerse ourselves in the world of the client to understand the science that they are trying to do and deliver a facility that enables them to do that.

A significant part of the project has included close collaboration with the scientists to develop various laboratory arrangements in parallel with detailed systems and controls design.

The fire, hydraulic, electrical and mechanical services have all been designed in 3D using Revit MEP. It has ensured co-ordination with the architect and various other engineers, helped identify and resolve constructability issues, whilst allowing the project team to access knowledge and resources in both our Brisbane and Melbourne offices.

Under a separate project, a new site-wide chilled water system utilising off-peak power and thermal storage has been designed to minimise the facility’s peak daytime electrical load and reduce operational costs.