Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) High Rise

Upgrading a High- Rise by the DHHS

Renovating existing multi-res building in a third of the time and for half the cost, all whilst retaining the original wall profile.

Sector: Residential
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Architect: Colcept Architects
Products: Kooltherm K17 Insulated Plasterboard

Teaming up with Colcept Architects based in East Melbourne, the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria (DHHS) have undertaken significant upgrades to a number of their high-rise Melbourne metro residential sites – the majority built in the 1960s – 120 Racecourse Road, Flemington, being one of them.

General maintenance including upgrades to the concrete façade, and building services, including boilers, hydronic heating systems, lifts, and insulation, have been undertaken to ensure the buildings’ efficient future operation.

Kingspan Kooltherm K17 Insulated Plasterboard and Kingspan Kooltherm K18 Insulated Plasterboard have been installed in all nine DHHS-upgraded sites across the Melbourne metro, as specified by Colcept Architects and their environmental consultant.

Installation of Kooltherm insulated plasterboard has enabled the existing wall profile to be retained, returning substantial cost savings and faster turnaround times for each refurbishment. Kooltherm K17’s advanced design and lightweight structure allows for installation times up to three times quicker than regular insulation systems, providing substantial savings for plasterers and installation contractors.

“In this job alone we’ve sliced a third off the regular installation time. What would normally take us four weeks has been finished in two and a half weeks due to working with Kooltherm plasterboard. This represents cost savings for my client, we can move onto the next job faster, and we continue to build on our reputation as being an efficient and reliable supplier, it’s a win for everyone,” said Domenic Vitale Construction Manager F. Vitale & Sons.

The installation of Kooltherm insulated plasterboard has already resulted in marked benefits for the residents in each of the completed DHHS sites. Thermal performance has been dramatically improved; occupants will benefit from significantly reduced heating and cooling costs and more controlled internal temperatures improving comfort. The Kingspan Insulation products installed also help to greatly enhance residents’ safety due to their exceptional fire performance.

The latest reform of the National Construction Code clearly targets a greater understanding of the performance based nature of the Code and increases the use of Performance Solutions to consequently increase productivity and improve building outcomes. Progressive products like Kooltherm insulated plasterboards can greatly assist in achieving high efficiency outcomes.

Featured Products

Kooltherm K17 Insulated Plasterboard
High performance insulated plasterboard with a thin profile