IRT Diment Towers

Project Name: IRT Diment Towers

Value: $1.5 million

Builder/Client: Shape / IRT

Business Segment / Industry: Aged Care / Retirement Living

Project Overview

PSB Air delivered 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 required a full D&C approach to modernise services across live environments while maintaining resident comfort and compliance.

The Challenge

The project involved 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 included:

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 implemented 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 were designed, installed, and commissioned to meet strict performance, safety, and environmental requirements.

Approach

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

PSB Air:

Completed full mechanical design development from performance specification
Coordinated extensively with electrical, hydraulic, fire, and builder trades
Developed detailed shop drawings including reflected ceiling coordination and service routing
Delivered staged installation to suit live operational constraints

Problem-Solving Expertise

The project demanded 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 completed installation delivered:

A compliant, future-proof 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 delivered within a complex live environment

Planning a Mechanical Services Upgrade in an 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. For clients seeking experienced support with commercial hvac installation and complex building upgrades, PSB Air provides tailored solutions across live environments. Get in touch with our team to discuss your next upgrade, refurbishment, or design and construct project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the IRT Diment Towers project technically complex?

This project involved a large-scale mechanical services upgrade across a multi-building aged care and retirement living precinct, including a 12-storey tower, low-rise accommodation, and communal facilities. The works also had to address different building classifications, live-site conditions, and strict fire and compliance requirements.

What systems were included in the mechanical upgrade at IRT Diment Towers?

The project included VRF heat recovery systems, dedicated ventilation systems for toilets, kitchens, laundries, and garbage exhaust, outside air systems to key circulation areas, and stair pressurisation and relief systems in accordance with AS1668.1. These systems were designed to improve comfort, safety, and long-term operational performance across the precinct.

How did PSB Air manage compliance and life safety requirements on this project?

PSB Air delivered a full design and construct solution, taking responsibility for system performance, coordination, and compliance. This included integrating the mechanical systems with fire mode operation, BMS logic, electrical infrastructure, and NCC and fire engineering requirements.

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

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