Overcoming time and cost challenges for “Common Ground” project

“Common Ground” project in the Melbourne CBD is being constructed using environmentally sustainable design (ESD) pri

The successful New York “Common Ground” social housing model, which has reduced street homelessness in the city by 25% over the past five years, is now being adapted in Australia.

“Common Ground” is a 10 storey building in the Melbourne CBD, designed to accommodate up to 120 homeless people, and is being constructed using environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles. This Melbourne public housing project is a result of a partnership amongst the Lord Mayors Charitable Fund, the Victorian Government, project builder Grocon, Yarra Community Housing and Common Ground Australia.

The cost of the development is estimated to be around $50 million and Grocon has undertaken to construct the project at cost price using ESD principles. CSR building products were selected to meet the project’s design and fit-out requirements, and as a result the building's internal walls will be insulated by Bradford Glasswool insulation, 9mm CeminSeal and lined with the tailored solution of Gyprock 16mm Fyrchek.

The project’s challenges of time and cost requirements were overcome by a customised solution from the CSR team. VIC Commercial Account Manager, Sam Barrasso explains, “The building’s acoustic requirements were generally satisfied by single layered systems, but various walls required double layered wall systems because of higher acoustic requirements. Grocon were concerned about the extra time and labour required to construct the double layered system and asked if we could tailor a single layered wall type that would achieve the same result.

“With the support of CSR DesignLink’s Technical Manager, Michael Ryan, we were able to form a tailored result, which absolutely met the needs of the project. Together, we worked with Grocon to change the wall type specification from double layer to single layer, using Gyprock 16 mm Moisture Resistant Fyrchek.”

The “Common Ground” facility, at 660 Elizabeth St, is due for completion mid 2010, and will not only provide accommodation to those in need, but will also provide medical assistance, mental health and employment services onsite.