Piling and site retention to the perimeter of the site has been completed with temporary ground anchors and bracing installed so that the basement walls can be constructed.
The bulk excavation of the three basement levels is now complete with very little groundwater seepage, due to the drought. Groundwater wells have been installed on site and are continuously pumped out to keep the excavation dry.
About 17,000 cubic metres of clean excavated material has been removed from site.
Foundation piling and pile caps have commenced from the western side of the site, and is expected to be complete just after Easter. The temporary earth ramp into the bottom of the excavation has been relocated to St Kilda Road.
The site will be serviced by a single crane which is being targeted for installation by ANZAC Day. The jump forms for the lift core are expected to be set-up early May 2010.
In terms of target milestones, the structure is expected to be at Ground Level by July 2010 and the structural top-out by March 2011.
The architectural documentation is now complete and the focus has been shifted to finalising the building services coordination, and documentation.
The major building services sub-contracts have been let, viz. mechanical, electrical, fire protection, hydraulic and lift services, with the structural and window/glazing packages being amongst the other major subcontracts to be awarded.
While the building works have been progressing on site, the Contractor has continued with documenation and procurement packages. During the process it came to our attention that we needed to review some of the finishes - particularly the proposed kitchen and bathroom tiles. The original tile selected for the kitchens and bathrooms was given a practical test and was found to be of sub-standard performance and quality.
As is our practice at Ubertas we have considered alternatives of a higher specification and are pleased to announce that the original up grade floor offered for the kitchen - that is the timber floor - has been chosen for all apartments at no additional cost to you. Further, in the bathroom we have selected a floor tile which maintains the ogirinal intent but is of a standard and performance which satisfies our stringent requirements as well as a new wall tile which complements the colour pallet of the bathroom for 'Colour Scheme B' selection . This upgrade is also at no additional cost to you.
We trust you have enjoyed this first of many Rhapsody updates and we look forward to keeping you informed of Rhapsody's progess.
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