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On Thursday 20 July the Property Council of Australia NSW Future Directions Committee hosted their annual debate at The Establishment in Sydney’s CBD. Six of Taylor’s young leaders attended the engaging discussion on ChatGPT’s Future in the Property Industry: To DIY, Or AI? – a highly relevant topic, not only in property, but also for a variety of large-scale industries in Australia and across the world.

Each team battled it out on the stage presenting several convincing arguments and opposing ideas for and against AI, delving into areas including design efficiency, regulation and IP, work/life balance, and output accuracy. The discussion was so compelling that it resulted in an even split amongst our Taylor team. However, in the end, it was the DIY team who managed to bring home the majority votes and win the debate. Our emerging leaders shared their key take-aways:

Spirits were high at North Sydney Public School, as subcontractors, special guests and the project team came together to celebrate the completion of the primary school’s external concrete structure.

Topping out ceremonies are good luck traditions, with a tree placed on top of the structure to symbolise growth and prosperity for future users.

Team Taylor recently joined UNSW Construction Management and Property students to discuss construction methodology and procurement management of the Scape Kingsford project.

Peter Yamin (Project Director) and Christina Succar (Graduate Site Engineer) presented to students an overview of the 18-storey student accommodation project, detailing key initiatives adopted, challenges encountered, and the procurement process.

The guest lecture began with a comprehensive company profile of Taylor, whereby ­­­Peter highlighted Taylor’s extensive experience in the construction industry, iconic projects delivered, and company-wide diversity and community initiatives. Following this, the pair explained the construction methodology and key initiatives adopted at Scape Kingsford, exploring various aspects including demolition and earthworks, the building’s structure, the curtain-wall façade system, and the final fitout and finishes. The students were particularly fascinated with some systems featured on the project, including the logistics and planning behind the jumpform system which allows for efficient construction processes.

On Wednesday 5 July 2023, Taylor celebrated NAIDOC Week 2023 by hosting a unique cultural event at the First Building in Australia’s newest city – Bradfield City Centre.

With the theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 ‘For Our Elders’, the event acknowledged the important role our Elders have played, and continue to play in our communities and families. AMRF is located on Dharug Country, with connection to Country a vital element of the buildings design. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural waterways and Cumberland Plains, the building’s open and welcoming architectural expression reflects the fluidity of the landscape and connects the building to the deep history of Country.

 

National NAIDOC Week is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the important role, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for Australians to learn about the cultures and contributions of First Nations individuals.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is ‘For Our Elders’. It is a time to recognise the vital role our Elders have played, and continue to play in our communities and families. Our Elders are cultural knowledge holders, nurturers, leaders, teachers, survivors, and loved ones who guide generations through advocacy, activism and story-telling.

As a business built on fostering meaningful relationships, Taylor is committed to creating a culture that represents equality and equity. Taylor plays a vital role in creating employment, education, and training opportunities and aims to facilitate cultural and community connections through our construction and property activities. We are proud to have a strong legacy in Aboriginal participation, with many of our projects achieving more than double the required contractual government targets.

Taylor acknowledges and values the significant economic, social and cultural contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2022, Taylor successfully completed our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Taylor is currently embarking on our Innovate RAP, which will run for two years. By engaging our people and partners in our RAP, we have the opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of reconciliation at both social and economic levels.

Taylor will be celebrating NAIDOC Week on Wednesday 5 July 2023 at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility, The First Building. We look forward to sharing further updates on this unique event in the coming days.

 

Land at Heart Artwork by Jasmin Sarin

Over the past decade, Jordan has developed an admirable reputation as a highly knowledgeable and trusted member of the Taylor team. Joining in 2013, Jordan plays a vital role in the Finance team as Taylor’s Accounts Payable Supervisor. Highly regarded for his stability and reliability, Jordan’s commitment to his role has been integral to his team’s success.

With a deep understanding of all facets of the business, Jordan has developed strong relationships with subcontractors and external suppliers who see him as a trusted contact at Taylor. Showing resilience in dealing with unexpected situations, Jordan is always focused on the broader team and company’s goals.

While diligent and thorough with his work, Jordan is also known as a great team player willing to assist others with any tasks. This approach has been recognised by his peers, who have nominated and awarded him the ‘Behind the Scenes’ award in 2014.

Thank you, Jordan, for your hard work and dedication over the past 10 years, we are thrilled to share this milestone with you.

Building relationships is fundamental to our business, so we put this at the very heart of our Headquarters relocation and transformation.

A culture built on connection is the essence of why Taylor is a great place to work. Connecting people and spaces is the purpose that drives everything we do—the key to making these connections is building great relationships. By listening closely to clients and gaining a true understanding of their goals, we can help clients’ businesses succeed while connecting people with spaces that meet their needs.

Freshwater Mental Health Unit, a key component of the NSW Government’s State Wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program is nearing completion.

This facility is dedicated to forensic mental health rehabilitative services in partnership with Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network. It will feature a new, secure five-bed mental health inpatient unit, complete with landscaping, driveways, footpaths, and associated services. The unit’s design aims to seamlessly integrate patient care and complement the existing high-security units at the Forensic Hospital.

We have encountered some challenges along the way in developing the design to align with the requirements expressed by end users and stakeholders during our workshops. However, our team has worked hard over the past year, conducting bi-weekly stakeholder consultation meetings and collaborating closely with each trade to update the design. Our primary focus has been to meet stakeholder needs while minimising cost impacts.

Despite these hurdles, we have introduced innovative solutions that have been well received. Through collaboration with Aluminium Windows Contractors, we have developed a robust profile for the steel custodial courtyard windows. This not only fulfilled the client’s request for cost savings but also ensured their suitability for a patient-accessible area.

Additionally, we achieved a significant milestone by implementing the first-ever custodial cavity sliding door in a New South Wales facility. This required extensive work on prototypes, security design, maintenance considerations, and fire egress requirements. The successful installation of this innovative solution showcases our commitment to finding effective and practical design enhancements.

Addressing durability concerns, we replaced the impact-resistant villaboard with more durable MDF for the wall linings. Furthermore, concealed framing was strategically positioned to enhance wall robustness in containment situations. These measures ensure the long-term durability and integrity of the unit.

We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and determination demonstrated by our team throughout this project. Despite the unique challenges of working on a highly secure project, we have navigated design changes, fostered strong relationships with specialty contractors, and maintained compliance with pre-approved designs. The clients have expressed their gratitude for our contributions to the project’s success.

The Estia Health care home in St Ives has recently achieved some significant milestones. Firstly, the structural steel and lightweight Colorbond roof installation is now complete. This achievement is a significant milestone as it protects the building from adverse weather conditions, allowing us to continue construction even in inclement weather.

Additionally, the installation of façade cladding and windows is currently underway on all three levels of the building, which will not only enhance the aesthetics of the structure, but also contribute to its functionality and durability.

The prototype rooms and display suits have been completed, giving potential residents a preview of the final product and a feel for the intended finishes. Producing this prototype was a crucial part of the process so that the overall quality and design of the care home could be showcased.