Façade installation on semi-occupied towers not an issue for Yuanda Australia

Construction of Melbourne Square precinct is well underway, with Yuanda Australia’s unique façade wrapped around almost the entirety of the oval shaped Towers 2 and 3.

Yuanda is now installing façade on semi-occupied towers, after specific levels of both towers were handed over for occupation and settlement on 28 January.

Project Manager Christiaan Lombard said working on a semi-occupied tower does create some difficulties.

“We have to ensure the façade is 100% completed as soon as possible, including any broken glass replacements and miner repair works,” Mr Lombard said.

“The most challenging part is to coordinate and complete works within allocated zones. Meaning, from a safety point of view, no trade is allowed to work above or below each other near the building edge.

“The duration to complete activities along the building edge is very limited and requires careful planning and management of material, plant and labour.”

Mr Lombard said having residents occupying the lower floors has caused reduced on-site storage. The material now needs to be stored offsite and trucked in with arranged crane time, due to the car parks, which was previously used for storage, now being used by residents.

“If work falls behind schedule then it is very difficult to catch up as no after works are allowed due to noise pollution. Manpower needs to be kept up to successfully complete all areas of work within the allocated time slots,” Mr Lombard said.

Mr Lombard said although these difficulties does put a large amount of pressure on them as a façade contractor, Yuanda has the experience and expertise to complete the project.

“Yuanda was the only façade contractor who could commit to this fast track project due to the availability of expert designers and a very large production line.”

The Tower 3 concrete structure topped-out in mid-January, with the steel structure for façade support also complete. The builder’s screens were removed early last week to allow for the last four floors of face to be installed.

The Tower 2 concrete structure is currently at level 53 which is where the tower shape will bulge out into an overhanging curve named the Shard, which will house a communal area containing amenities such as a spa and gym.

The Tower 2 façade is complete up to level 48.