Marco Polo & Cordeaux Lodge - Mechanical Services Upgrade

Project Name: IRT Diment Towers

Value: $1.5 million

Builder/Client: Shape / IRT

Business Segment / Industry: Aged Care / Retirement Living

Project Overview

PSB Air has been tasked to deliver a large-scale mechanical services upgrade for IRT Diment Towers in Wollongong, comprising a multi-building aged care and retirement living precinct, including a 12-storey residential tower, low-rise accommodation, and communal facilities. The project requires a full D&C approach to modernise services across live environments while maintaining resident comfort and compliance.

The Challenge

The project involves upgrading mechanical systems across multiple building classifications (9C and 9B), with Block A exceeding 25m in height and requiring full compliance with NCC and fire engineering provisions.

Key challenges include:

Integration of new VRF systems into an existing multi-level structure
Coordinating services across residential units, communal areas, kitchens, and specialist spaces
Delivering compliant stair pressurisation and smoke management systems

The Solution

PSB Air will be implementing a fully coordinated mechanical solution including:

VRF heat recovery systems serving individual apartments and common areas
Dedicated ventilation systems, including toilet, kitchen, laundry, and garbage exhaust
Stair pressurisation and relief systems in accordance with AS1668.1
Outside air systems to corridors and critical circulation areas

All systems have been designed, installed, and commissioned to meet strict performance, safety, and environmental requirements.

Approach

A design-and-construct methodology has been adopted, requiring full responsibility for system performance, coordination, and compliance.

PSB Air is:

Completing full mechanical design development from the performance specification
Coordinating extensively with electrical, hydraulic, fire, and builder trades
Developing detailed shop drawings including reflected ceiling coordination and service routing
Delivering a staged installation to suit live operational constraints

Problem-Solving Expertise

The project demands high-level coordination and technical problem solving, including:

Managing complex service interfaces across multiple buildings and plant systems
Resolving spatial constraints within existing structures and risers
Integrating mechanical systems with fire mode operation, BMS logic, and electrical infrastructure
Ensuring maintainability, accessibility, and long-term operational performance

The Results

The project is on track to deliver:

A compliant, future-ready HVAC solution across a large aged care precinct
Improved comfort and air quality for residents and staff
Fully integrated life safety systems including pressurisation and smoke control
A high-quality outcome within a complex live environment

Planning a Mechanical Services Upgrade in a Live Aged Care or Retirement Living Environment?

PSB Air delivers practical, compliant mechanical solutions for aged care and retirement living projects where resident comfort, life safety, and live-site coordination all matter. Get in touch with our team to discuss your next upgrade, refurbishment, or design and construct project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the mechanical upgrade at IRT Diment Towers complex?

This project involved upgrading mechanical systems across a live multi-building aged care and retirement living precinct, including a 12-storey tower, low-rise accommodation, and shared facilities. The works required careful coordination across residential, communal, and specialist spaces while maintaining compliance, resident comfort, and ongoing operations.

What HVAC systems were installed at IRT Diment Towers?

PSB Air delivered a coordinated mechanical solution including VRF heat recovery systems, dedicated exhaust and ventilation systems, outside air systems to key circulation areas, and compliant stair pressurisation and relief systems. The solution was designed to support performance, safety, and long-term reliability across the precinct.

How did PSB Air manage compliance in this aged care project?

The project required compliance with NCC requirements, fire engineering provisions, and AS1668.1 for stair pressurisation and smoke management. PSB Air took a full design and construct approach, coordinating mechanical services with fire, electrical, hydraulic, and builder trades to ensure the final solution met strict safety and operational requirements.

Can PSB Air deliver mechanical upgrades in live aged care environments?

Yes. PSB Air has the capability to deliver mechanical services upgrades in live aged care and retirement living environments where staging, coordination, resident wellbeing, and service continuity are critical. The IRT Diment Towers project is a strong example of this experience in practice.

IRT - Marco Polo & Cordeaux Lodge - Mechanical Services Upgrade (IN PROGRESS)