Sydney University Labs
Project Overview
Brown & Moodie was engaged by Lendlease and the University of Sydney for the hydraulic refurbishment of the Molecular Bioscience Building, a key facility supporting research and teaching across the university’s medical and scientific disciplines.
The project involved detailed investigation and reporting, the refurbishment of ageing hydraulic infrastructure, including the replacement of the existing trade waste stacks from glass to HDPE, upgrade of reverse osmosis (RO) risers from pressure PVC to stainless steel, and the supply and installation of new stainless-steel tanks for both non-potable and potable chilled water systems.
A new RO treatment plant was installed and hydraulic services were reticulated throughout laboratory benches, including lab waste, RO water, and non-potable chilled water (NPCW) including backflow protection for safe segregation of potable water systems.
Client/ Builder: Lendlease and University of Sydney
Sector: Education
Location: Sydney, NSW
Project Duration: January 2023 – 2025 (2.5 Years)
Scope: Refurbishment and upgrade of the existing hydraulic systems within a live bioscience facility, including treatment systems across a four-level fit-out.
The Objective
The primary objective was to upgrade and modernise the hydraulic systems throughout the Molecular Bioscience Building while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing laboratory operations and teaching activities.
Key goals included:
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Bring existing hydraulic systems up to current codes and University of Sydney standards
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Maintain safety and functionality within operating PC2 laboratories
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Provide safe drinking water and effective waste control solutions
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Deliver system upgrades within strict operational and safety constraints
Challenges
The refurbishment required extensive coordination and risk management due to the age and condition of existing systems and the sensitive nature of the environment.
Key challenges included:
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Working on dilapidated and outdated infrastructure
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Navigating asbestos-contaminated materials and safely removing glass pipework containing contaminated waste
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Operating within live PC2 laboratories and teaching facilities
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Core holing and installation in active lab environments without impacting staff or research activity
Solutions and approach
To manage safety, access, and program complexity, Brown & Moodie adopted a structured and highly coordinated approach to delivery.
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Out-of-hours works: All intrusive works were carried out outside normal operating hours to minimise disruption to laboratory operations.
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Collaborative coordination: Close liaison with Lendlease and the University ensured sequencing aligned with lab operations and safety protocols.
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Virtual Design and Construction (VDC): Extensive use of 3D modelling, clash detection, and coordination tools ensured precise delivery and integration within confined service zones.
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Controlled site management: Strict WHS protocols guided all activities involving contaminated materials and live system connections.
Results and Impact
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Project delivered on time and within budget
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Successful upgrade of all major hydraulic systems within a fully operational bioscience facility
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Creation of safe and compliant teaching and research environments
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Installation of efficient reverse osmosis systems and improved contaminated waste control
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Provision of safe drinking water and robust backflow protection
Technologies used
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BIM (Revizto) – 3D modelling and clash detection
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Autodesk Construction Cloud – Quality assurance management
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Aconex – Project communication and document control
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Microsoft 365 – Coordination, reporting, and workflow management
