Edmund Rice College Block L/B&C

Project Name: Edmund Rice College Block L/B&C

Value: $850,000 + GST

Builder/Client: Trinity Fit Out Constructions / Edmund Rice College

Sector: Schools / Education

Project Overview

PSB Air delivered mechanical services across Blocks L, B, and C at Edmund Rice College, combining refurbishment works with a new purpose-built TAS facility.

The project included full HVAC and ventilation systems for refurbished learning areas, alongside complex mechanical services for technical training spaces including woodwork, metalwork, and welding areas.

Key Challenges

This project presented several key challenges, including:

Delivering mechanical systems across both refurbished (Blocks B & C) and new-build (Block L) environments
Integrating HVAC, ventilation, and specialist extraction systems within technical workshop spaces
Installation of a complex dust extraction system serving multiple equipment points and studios
Managing project risk following the collapse of the originally specified dust extraction supplier

Our Solution

PSB Air delivered a fully integrated mechanical solution that included:

Installation of VRF air conditioning systems serving classrooms, offices, and teaching spaces across all blocks
Provision of outside air and exhaust systems including toilets, kitchens, and general ventilation
Delivery of specialised workshop ventilation systems including:
- Dust extraction system with central extraction unit, filtration, and multiple extraction points
- Dedicated exhaust systems for welding bays, metalwork, and CNC areas
- Recirculating fan filter units for woodwork studios
Integration of all systems with new mechanical services switchboards and controls

Delivery Approach

PSB Air coordinated closely with the builder and consultants to deliver a fully integrated solution across multiple building types and uses.

Following the failure of the originally specified dust extraction supplier, PSB Air identified and implemented an alternative system that met all performance requirements, while minimising cost impacts to the client.

The Result

The completed project delivered:

Fully compliant mechanical systems across education and technical training facilities
High-performance dust extraction and ventilation systems supporting safe workshop operation
Successful integration of complex services within a new TAS building
Maintained budget through proactive value engineering and supplier substitution

Planning a School Upgrade or Specialist Education Fit-out?

PSB Air delivers practical mechanical solutions for schools, colleges, and technical learning environments where compliance, ventilation, and coordination all matter. For education clients seeking experienced support with commercial HVAC services and specialist mechanical design, PSB Air provides tailored solutions for both refurbished and new facilities. Get in touch with our team to discuss your next refurbishment, new-build, or specialist education project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the mechanical services scope at Edmund Rice College more complex than a standard school project?

This project combined refurbishment works with a new purpose-built TAS facility, which meant PSB Air had to deliver HVAC, general ventilation, and specialist workshop extraction systems across different building types and uses. Technical spaces such as woodwork, metalwork, and welding areas required a more specialised mechanical solution than a standard classroom environment.

What specialist systems were included in this project?

In addition to VRF air conditioning and general ventilation, the project included a central dust extraction system, dedicated exhaust systems for welding and metalwork areas, and recirculating fan filter units for woodwork studios. These systems were designed to support safe, compliant operation within technical training spaces.

How did PSB Air manage the dust extraction supplier issue?

Following the collapse of the originally specified dust extraction supplier, PSB Air identified and implemented an alternative system that still met the required performance outcomes. This helped keep the project moving while minimising cost impacts to the client.

Can PSB Air deliver mechanical services for both refurbished and new education buildings?

Yes. PSB Air can deliver integrated mechanical solutions across both existing and new education environments, including classrooms, offices, amenities, and specialist teaching spaces. This includes experience in commercial HVAC installation across multi-use education projects. The Edmund Rice College project is a strong example of managing this across multiple blocks with different operational requirements.