Congratulations to the team at MRH Build for their award-winning project, "Top House". APP are very proud to have collaborated on this project.

The stunning residence won its Contract Houses category at the recent Northern Regions' Master Builder Awards, and you can see why when you browse the photographs!

Ardill Payne & Partners provided Engineering and Design Management Services to the builders.

We are always looking for detailed prestige home projects to provide our services for, to help the entire building process along smoothly.

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To see more APP building projects, you can view our structural engineering capability statement here.

 

On Saturday July 28th the new and improved Ballina Memorial Pool and Alstonville Aquatic Centre officially opened with fun giveaways, squad and swimming lesson demonstrations plus an aqua aerobic class and a sausage sizzle.

Both renovations were in the vicinity of $15.5 million. For Ballina, a new amenities building, a children’s wet play splash area, an undercover barbecue area and transparent fencing along the Richmond River with access ramps into all pools were some of the improvements made.  

In both locations the 50 metre pools have been retained with eight 2.5m wide lanes for competition swimming and water polo, along with a 25m heated enclosed pool with six lanes which can be used for swimming lessons, children play, lap swimming and rehabilitation. There are access ramps into all pools, a wet play splash area for children, covered tiered seating for 300 people, a cafeteria and dining area as well as brand new BBQ facilities and shelters.

Ardill Payne & Partners were engaged by Woollam Constructions to undertake structural design and documentation for both pool upgrades.

The upgrades included were the foundation and slab layouts, piling layout and loads, wall bracing layouts and roof tie down details for the new amenities and administration building at the Ballina site.

Alstonville pool received the following upgrades; Primary structural steel framing, connection details and foundations for the Learn to Swim Roof Systems, foundation and slab details, wall bracing layout and details and roof tie down details for the new pool equipment building which included foundations and concrete details for new disable access ramps and retailing walls. APP also undertook civil design and documentation for site gradings, concrete pathway layouts and details, certification of works, site inspections and RFIs.

Men’s Sheds are a place that men can go to overcome social isolation that can lead to depression and ill health. For over eight years, a group of dedicated men have been working towards building a men’s shed in Ballina.

Graham Eggins of the Ballin, a Men’s Shed Committee said that the shed movement has really taken off in Australia and that to bring the Ballina Shed dream to reality they still need to raise $40,000 locally.

“There are now over 1000 sheds nationwide,” said Graham. “We want to start the Ballina build in August and to do this we need to raise some more local funds, as well as see some donations of trade services.”

The team has also applied for several grants which they hope will be successful.

“The Sheds are about health and wellbeing for men, who are less likely than women to seek help from a Doctor or psychologist when they don’t feel well,” said Graham.

“It’s also a great place for men to go and connect after they’ve retired and want something engaging and interesting to do. Men can go to this space and share inventions, collaborate on projects, build things, and also attend health talks.”

In early 2015 the committee obtained the development consent for the construction of a shed at Fishery Creek Road, Ballina. But for a number of reasons that project did not go ahead.

They didn’t give up. In early 2017, Graham approached Dwayne Roberts, Associate Town Planner at Ballina firm Ardill Payne & Partners, about the planning feasibility of obtaining development consent for a shed at the Ballina Racecourse.

“Ardill Payne & Partners are a great example of a company that has donated their time and services to the project,” said Graham. “APP were proud to undertake the preparation of the development application free of charge, and have also connected us to other valuable services.”

On the 31 st of October 2017 Ardill Payne & Partners submitted the Development Application (DA) to Ballina Shire Council, and it was approved on the 2 nd February 2018.

“Dwayne has been in constant contact with me since February and has been assisting with the preparation of a construction certificate which is required to be obtained prior to works commencing on site,” said Graham.

“If any individuals or companies can help out with services like building, plumbing, electrical, or donations, it would really help ensure the build starts on time,” said Graham.

To donate funds or your time and expertise, please contact Graham Eggins from the Ballina Men’s Shed on 0416 004 013.

Helping builders with our new service model

Ardill Payne &
Partners (APP) has been providing Engineering, Town Planning and Surveying services for over 35 years, and now we are changing our Structural Engineering model to help make life easier for local builders.

Bill Payne, our Principal at APP said that he’s seen many changes in the industry over the years. “Building practices have evolved, and so must our services,” said Bill. “We’re sure that builders are aware of the changes needed too, so we’ve updated our model to offer builders fluid Structural Engineering that will fully support their realistic, on-the-ground requirements.”

APP has added Design Management to our normal Civil and Structural services and has applied it throughout the entire building process. “We’ve developed this service from our project management role on infrastructure and land development projects,” said Bill.

The changes mean that APP can be with the builder every step of the way, to help coordinate and manage design and project delivery. “We’ll provide a range of services to suit the particular needs of a job,” said Bill. “This can range from detailed design auditing to just being on the phone when you need us.”

“We don’t take on more work than we can service. It’s the best way to help people and keep all services accountable, and the project on track.”

Having been in the business for so long and having been involved in some of the region’s most prestigious and technically- challenging projects, Ardill Payne & Partners is confident that our updated engineering model of service will be time-saving, stress- relieving and provide builders with the confidence in knowing that a project is being managed correctly from start to completion.

Ardill Payne & Partners’ experience encompasses all aspects of structural engineering. This includes; commercial and retail design, prestige homes, schools, aged care facilities, multi-storey residential, masts and towers, bridges and maritime, community facilities and more.

“I welcome and look forward to meeting with builders to discuss how we can help streamline your building processes,” said Bill. “APP are changing with the times, and I am excited to show you how our engineering team can be of great benefit to you and your business.”

To get in touch with the team here at APP, call 02 6686 3280.