Cultural icons

DIG BENEATH the surface and eventually you'll come to the most interesting aspects of any given situation. This could be said of the Millennium Arts Project, which really is more than the sum of its parts. Innovation in areas such as design and environmental sustainability pervade every aspect of the construction.

Beavis and Bartels were contracted to install all the hydraulic services including fire hydrants, hose reels, drainage, sewer, water and gas services for the Millennium Arts precinct, says Beavis and Bartels' project manager.

"On first inspection it sounds relatively straight-forward for a company that has been contracting to the construction industry for more than 50 years. However, the unique design, of the gallery in particular, meant that a fresh approach had to be taken."

One such circumstance concerned the gallery's cantilevered roof. As the roof kicks up at the end, standard drainage pipes weren't an option, so Beavis and Bartels installed a syphonic stormwater system.

"With a syphonic stormwater system, all of the pipes are installed inside the building's roof cavity and are fed via special roof outlets. As well as achieving a high aesthetic standard, the outlets also prevent air from entering the pipe system. Because the system is only transporting water it is more efficient, which consequently results in the need for smaller pipe dimensions and a reduction on total pipe length," says the project manager.

As well as stormwater and drainage works, the company was responsible for the installation of the in- and above-ground potable water systems, the de-ionised water treatment plant for photographic developing, and the public bathrooms.

At the peak of the project, Beavis and Bartels had 30 plumbers, drainers and gasfitters on site, with all works carried out to AS3500 and AG601 standards.

For details, contact Beavis & Bartels, 8 Allworth St, Northgate, QLD 4013, phone (07) 3630 4744, fax (07) 3630 4755.

Story by: Trendsideas