A complete & focused cladding solution
AFS combines the capabilities of a fully licenced tier 1 builder with the expertise of a specialist facade contractor to provide an all-in-one solution for your facade rectification and re-cladding requirements.
Recent events have cast a light on the shortfalls of some composite building cladding materials which can have tangible impacts on tenant safety, building values and insurance premiums.
AFS was created specifically to address this challenge.
We work collaboratively with owner’s corporations, tenants, building users, investors and building managers to develop safe, efficient and non-disruptive re-cladding solutions that enhance safety, safeguard the architectural vision for the building and are considerate of the needs of tenants, owners and building users.
Supporting our leadership is our manufacturing and installation partner, a proven tier 1 specialist cladding contractor with complete Melbourne-based in-house manufacturing capabilities.
Together, this gives AFS a complete end-to-end capability to undertake re-cladding works for any project type.
The AFS difference
End-to-End Project Management & Delivery of Facade Rectification & Re-cladding Projects
World-class leadership
Expert Guidance & Oversight for Challenging Facade Works in Sensitive Environments
Tier 1 Approach & Experience
Founded by former Mirvac Director Brian Donovan, Australian Facade Solutions was created to bring the experience and capabilities of a tier 1 constructor to critical facade and cladding replacement works for residential, commercial and institutional clients across Victoria. Having delivered more than $3.9b of projects in Australia and abroad, Brian has developed a world-class project leadership style that focuses on people – tenants, owners and building stakeholders alike – and puts their needs at the forefront of AFS’ approach.
Live Environment Specialists
The AFS team brings proven experience delivering recladding works in busy, live environments and to highly sensitive operating facilities. Our previous project history includes operational hospitals, occupied residential buildings, tenanted commercial offices and bustling retail precincts, as well as major sports stadiums and event centres. We know how to schedule works around day-to-day life, and bring an industry leading collaborative approach to ensure that all critical operations can unfold smoothly throughout delivery.
Minimising Impact to Occupants
A key component of AFS’ approach is to prioritise stakeholder communications and management to ensure that all parties affected by works are fully informed of the proposed program and have an opportunity to provide feedback as early in the process as possible. We then finalise a program and methodology that will ensure minimal disruption to occupied premises for the duration of works, while achieving value-for-money outcomes.
Considerate Construction
While delivering cladding rectification works, it’s critical that we ensure impacts to neighbouring properties and access routes are managed and mitigated for the duration of the project. This is where the AFS approach really makes the difference. For example, while delivering works at 477 Collins Street, our leadership’s oversight meant that the nearby Intercontinental Hotel could maintain their operations without impacting the guest experience.
Case project
Aurora Apartments
582 ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE
THE PROJECT
582 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Cladding Replacement Project
19 Level Residential Building
Mar 2019 – Oct 2019
THE PROBLEM
A building audit was performed after the Lacrosse fire in Melbourne’s Docklands, involving taking core samples of the cladding, which found the material used to be expanded polystyrene (EPS) and this information was disclosed to all relevant parties, including the building’s insurer.
When the building’s insurance policy was due for renewal in 2017, the building’s insurance premium increased 500% (from circa $50k to $250k annually) which reflected the increased awareness within the insurance industry of the risks associated combustible cladding materials.
OUR SOLUTION
Australian Facade Solutions (AFS) has successfully completed one of Melbourne’s first recladding projects at Aurora Apartments on St Kilda Road since the cladding crisis took hold of the property industry.
Aurora Apartments’ Body Corporate turned to AFS to replace its non-compliant expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulated panels when its insurance premium increased by 500 per cent after the Lacrosse fire drew attention to cladding safety and compliance concerns.
Combining its capabilities as a fully licenced tier one builder with the expertise of a specialist facade contractor, AFS cut margins and increased time and resourcing efficiencies to provide Aurora with an affordable solution.
Once a consensus was reached on the solution with residents and the owners’ corporation, it was referred to Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for approval of remedial solution. A considerable component of the project was the stakeholder management, coordination and communications requirements. The project solution required acceptance and endorsement from the building appeals board, fire brigade, the building’s insurer and fire compliance certifier, in addition to the building’s owners’ corporation and all residents.
Construction Manager Brian Donovan personally led the stakeholder communications process, holding multiple presentations to affected residents and building users, explaining the intended process and listening to their concerns.
Delivered ahead of schedule, AFS managed the project end-to-end with a considered approach with little to no need to disrupt the residents living in Aurora’s 144 apartments.
On completion, the solution proved to show compliance, resulting in Aurora’s insurance premium returning to its previous value and providing apartment owners and residents peace of mind.
“Our reputation is vital to us and the risks from noise, disruption and inconvenience to customers were very real. Brian’s listening skills, practical mindset and ethical approach were essential in ensuring positive outcomes from all parties, and his ability to find win-win solutions allowed our business to come through this period in good shape.”