CSIRO Pyrotron Relocation and Build

AMA Projects were engaged to manage the design and construct of a new purpose build scientific research facility to study aspects of bushfire behaviour.

The project included relocation and install of two wind-tunnels used for scientific research (one horizontal and one vertical) from the existing Yarralumla site to the new building based at CSIRO Black Mountain. The new building accommodated a change in configuration and extension for the horizontal wind tunnel, and the height and access requirements around the vertical wind tunnel to conduct experiments. The building also features a mezzanine above the horizontal wind-tunnel, with removable floor panelling with access to GPOs and data for flexibility to mount scientific monitoring equipment, all controlled from a centralised control room as well as a new carpark area.

The development site had underground services including water mains, gas mains, comms, and power through site which had to be relocated during the early stage civil works (which included significant reshaping of the existing ground levels. Early identification through subsurface utility locating and potholing, and workshopping with the relevant engineering teams meant a diversion plan for each service could be created. Coordination on site between the key trades and on-going design development for buildability reasons was key to successfully diverting each service around the new building.