QUEENSLAND NEWSPAPERS HEAD OFFICE

Completed in November 2011, the refurbishment of Queensland Newspapers (QNP) existing Bowen Hills headquarters was carried as part of a four stage construction program which was carefully managed to ensure that QNP’s daily operations continued without disruption.

Interior Engineering was tasked with providing electrical and hydraulic services design and consultancy services for the duration of the project. This included the provision of design advice during the initial conceptual design stage, the preparation of detailed design documentation for tendering and regular inspections of the construction works to ensure the quality and workmanship of the installations was of the highest possible levels.

To meet QNP’s expectations, a balanced approach to the services design was required to ensure that a vibrant yet functional workspace was created.

For the electrical scope, this included the provision of speciality lighting throughout the main foyer and reception areas, cafeteria and breakout spaces, external car park and landscape lighting and a general upgrade of the lighting throughout the refurbished areas with the main emphasis being on achieving high energy efficiency.

An upgrade of the existing electrical supply infrastructure was also incorporated into the works and included an upgrade of the normal and UPS main power supply infrastructure, the reticulation of new final sub-circuit cabling throughout the refurbished areas and the provision of temporary generator supply and back up for critical services. A major upgrade of the buildings existing security system, including access control and CCTV, rounded out the electrical scope of work.

The design of the hydraulic services needed to facilitate a number of spaces where either a completely new wet area was needed or the refurbishment of an existing wet area was required. To accommodate this, the existing array of electric hot water storage units were replaced with a new energy efficient centralised heat pump hot water plant and ring main system to service all amenities areas including the new staff gym shower facility, commercial kitchen, staff cafeteria and all localised tea points.