𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬:

→ Upgrading an existing building to meet the stringent requirements of BCA 2022 compliance.
→ Reviewing and assessing the suitability of the existing structural elements to determine if they could be retained or needed modification.
→ Addressing the stage and back-of-house areas, which exceeded the allowable limits under current regulations.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

→ Developing practical, buildable solutions to ensure the stage and back-of-house areas remain functional now and in the future, without compromising on safety.
→ Rationalising fire resistance levels (FRLs) to retain as many existing structural elements as possible, ensuring compliance without unnecessary costs.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬:

→ A set of solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and forward-looking, enabling TAFE Queensland to modernise its facilities while maintaining safety and functionality.
→ The project ensures that TAFE Queensland’s A Block meets current safety standards and is well-positioned for the future, preserving an essential asset for the community.

A custom solution has been required to address the unique challenges presented by the building which involves multiple aircraft hangars, associated sleeping quarters, health care with supporting offices – all while working alongside the operational needs of a diverse range of key stakeholders.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

→ Special hazards, including multiple aircraft hangars, associated sleeping quarters and dangerous goods to name a few.
→ Numerous specialist fire safety systems, including overhead and wall wetting fire sprinklers, foam suppression systems, smoke detection systems and drainage.
→ Multiple uses, including healthcare, aircraft hangars (fixed wing and rotary), offices, holding areas, workshops, and overnight sleeping quarters.
→ Interconnected building parts requiring a performance based approach towards united building provisions.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

→ First principles fire engineering to support numerous special hazards via considering the specialist fire safety systems.
→ Rationalising construction from Fire Resistance Levels (FRLs) and compartmentation through to material selection flexibility.
→ Performance-based egress provisions.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀:

→ A bespoke facility that supports:

1. Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS)
2. Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) and Queensland Health
3. Life Flight
4. Gov Air

→ A development that considers all of the special hazards not covered adequately by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) through a truly Performance-Based Fire Engineering Approach.

This once-in-a-lifetime project required innovative fire safety solutions to be put in place – while still respecting the historic fabric of the building.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

→ The Gunnery, built circa 1900, features a beautiful masonry façade and timber structure, creating a unique challenge in balancing modern fire safety codes with heritage preservation.
→ The most complex aspect was exposing the timber structure while ensuring it complied with current fire safety standards.
→ Coordination between heritage, architectural, and structural teams was essential to maintain the integrity of the building while upgrading fire safety.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

→ Minerva collaborated closely with the structural engineer and builder to rectify and strengthen the exposed structural timber, meeting the required Fire Resistance Level (FRL).
→ We partnered with a specialist intumescent paint manufacturer to protect key timber and steel elements, providing vital fire protection while maintaining the building’s character.
→ Flexible fire safety solutions were implemented to accommodate varying uses and population numbers within the building.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀:

→ The Gunnery has been restored as a functional, safe space that retains its unique historical features, including expanded galleries, rent-free studios, and full universal access.
→ This transformation project was underpinned by a 35-year sublease, ensuring future generations can enjoy this landmark for years to come.

Our approach took into account the constraints of the existing fire safety strategy while still enabling flexibility – all while supporting the architectural vision of this incredible building.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

→ The Andrew N Liveris Building (where the Hub is housed) is a multi-use facility comprising education, laboratories and office space with a significant atrium in the centre.
→ The existing fire strategy for the base build is complex to say the least with various measures to meet the unique functionality.
→ Installing new laboratory areas within a complex building requires a sound understanding of the base build fire strategy to ensure all aspects are considered.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

→ Working with designers to assist their understanding of the base build fire strategy in order to stay within the constraints and to allow flexibility where needed.
→ Supporting the design of additional laboratory space with rationalised FRLs.
→ Assisting design outcomes through fire engineered egress provisions.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀:

→ Additional laboratory space that supports the University of Queensland into the future.
→ Supporting the architectural vision and user needs
→ A building that has put fire safety first, for the ultimate safety of every person who enters now and into the future