Multiplex delivers Monash student accommodation precinct

The project included the construction of four new residential buildings providing a combined total of more than 1,000 studio apartments, with associated retail and student informal learning spaces.

Construction spanned a year-long period with a 500-strong workforce on-site and was completed in time for the start of the 2016 academic year.

"We were delighted to deliver this project on time and on budget. The student accommodation sector combines our skills in delivering high-quality residential developments with our experience in working in busy, live education environments," said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director Victoria at Multiplex.

The key ingredient to the success of the project was the exemplary cooperation, collaboration and decision making exhibited during the design completion by the team comprising Monash University, consultants and ourselves.

Challenges in the delivery of the project included the complex designs and multiple stakeholders with four architects appointed to ensure each building had a distinct look and identity. Architects included Hayball, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, Richard Middleton Architects and McBride Charles Ryan.

While each building has its own individual architectural style, all buildings include common areas such as games rooms and lounge areas with shared landscaped areas between the four buildings.

Another challenge in the construction was the strategically managed sequencing of precast elements and on-site activity. Some 3,500 fast-tracked precast concrete panels were used in the construction and had to be designed, manufactured and delivered in time for the concrete pour on each level.

Construction was accelerated by the use of prefabricated bathroom pods, complete bathrooms manufactured off-site, that were later installed into position once structures were complete.

Locally produced materials include facade glazing elements that were produced in Clayton.

ESD was a common feature of the four residential buildings, designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star as built rating. In addition to ESD features such as shade fins on the facade to increase thermal comfort and minimise the need for air-conditioning and thermal stack chimneys, a range of eco materials such as eco plasterboard and laminates were used throughout the construction.

Multiplex has strong credentials in both the residential and education sectors in Victoria. It has over $800 million worth of residential projects currently under construction in Melbourne including Platinum Tower in Southbank along with Australis, EQ and Melbourne One.

The contractor has also been responsible for delivering some of the most high-profile and technically advanced education facilities in Victoria including the $200 million Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Swanston Academic Building in Melbourne's CBD and the $100 million Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning Building (FABP) in Parkville.