The Heart of Collaboration – Taylor’s Vision for the New Office

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 Unit’s Contribution to Mental Health Reform

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.

Timeless Living

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.

Flashback Friday | Future Leaders Bowl to Success

Last month, Team Taylor joined industry colleagues and partners for an afternoon of ‘Disco-themed’ bowls and networking on the greens. Hosted by the NSW Future Directions Committee from Property Council of Australia, our emerging leaders participated in some friendly competition whilst building their relationships with other young like-minded professionals.

Although Taylor didn’t secure the winner’s trophy, it was promising to see our young professionals leaning into opportunities to expand their networks and engage in meaningful conversations with their peers. It was also great to see the comradery, teamwork, and connectedness across the field, along with the overall energy and diversity of aspiring leaders in attendance.

Taylor is a long-standing and proud series sponsor of NSW Future Directions, represented on the committee by Senior Marketing Coordinator, Georgia Barnes. Investing in our next generation, Future Directions is an initiative developed to support young property professionals under 35 years old, by providing pathways and networking opportunities through events, committees, research, and learning.

Thank you to our young leaders who attended:

  • Georgia Barnes, Senior Marketing Coordinator
  • Harrison Cornay, Project Manager
  • Joshua Norman, Contract Administrator
  • Matthew Famularo, Site Engineer
  • Rebecca Dearing, Cadet

#TeamTaylorAU #FutureDirections #EmergingLeaders #Leadership #Construction #Design

Inspiring Young Minds to Build Sustainably

On 18 May 2023, Taylor joined Roseville College to create a unique learning experience for Year 5 students about Sustainable Building Design.

Abbey Johnson (Head of Design and Innovation) and Sylvia Lee (ESD Engineer) from Taylor engaged the young students with a short presentation, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in construction. Through interactive discussions, Abbey and Sylvia covered eight focus areas of Sustainable Building Design. From harnessing natural sunlight, to using energy efficiently and selecting eco-friendly materials, the pair explained how various aspects of construction can contribute to a greener future.

Asking questions and sharing examples of sustainable practices in their own homes, students were highly engaged in the session. Following the presentation, the students proudly showcased their handmade sustainable building models to Abbey and Sylvia, explaining the various sustainable components of each. The models were quite impressive, featuring cross ventilation, solar panels, and windmills!

By educating on sustainable approaches and sparking curiosity within younger minds, Taylor hopes to inspire and empower the next generation to make a positive impact in our world.

#Education #TeamTaylorAU #design #construction #sustainability #WomenBreakingGround

UTS Students Collaborate with Taylor to Tackle Real-Life Challenges

UTS Business School has taken a proactive approach to bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.

Approximately 300 Bachelor of Business students were given the chance to participate in the challenge, guided by industry expert Dr Isabelle Phillips, and UTS partners Associate Professor Marco Berti, and Dr Charles Okumu. Taylor’s Head of Design and Innovation, Abbey Johnson presented one of the prevalent industry challenges in construction. Students formulated solutions to actively seek and embrace sustainable work methods despite the challenges arising from the macro-economic context. These solutions were then presented to a panel of Taylor judges and were evaluated based on the company’s principles.

A special presentation was held on Thursday 25th May at the UTS campus and awards were presented to the winning teams. The four categories of awards reflect Taylor’s principles of Listen, Create, Include and Excel. George Bardas, Chief Executive Officer and Abbey Johnson were proud to hand out these awards and connect with the students.

Building Futures

Roseville College and Taylor held a breakfast on 17 May 2023 to explore potential careers in construction with students in Years 10-12.

The event was a part of the collaborative Construction Learning Partnership program between Taylor and Roseville College. Four Taylor employees, Cassandra Zughbi (Design Manager), Floriane Trazic (Project Manager), Rebecca Dearing (Cadet), and Jacklyn Wickham (Marketing Manager), participated in a panel discussion, where they shared their personal career journeys and provided valuable insights into their respective roles.

Each speaker shared their personal career beginnings, offering valuable insights into the daily routines and responsibilities of their roles. They also provided guidance and advice to students who may be uncertain about their career choices. Cassandra and Jacklyn specifically highlighted the diverse entry points available in the construction industry and the multitude of pathways students can explore to enter this field. The panellists also emphasised the importance of strong communication and organisational skills as a key component in any career.

The Taylor team talked about the important contributions of women in the construction industry and discussed the supportive and encouraging environment that exists for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. They also outlined Taylor’s initiatives, including the Taylor Women in Construction program, aimed at enhancing female representation and engagement in the industry. Additionally, Dean Fondas, Project Director at Taylor, expressed the crucial role men are playing ­­in achieving gender equality within the industry.

Following panel discussions, students were able to engage directly with the Taylor employees and ask questions over morning tea. Students were then offered exclusive access to view the construction site of Roseville’s upcoming Sport and Wellbeing Centre.

Roseville’s new Centre will provide a state-of-the-art, 4-Green Star facility that comprises an eight-lane 25-meter indoor pool, eight additional classrooms (including a flexible space for dance and functions), a leading-edge nutrition and food technology space, a strength and conditioning gym, three outdoor multipurpose courts and a two-storey underground carpark.

#Education #TeamTaylorAU #design #construction #STEM #WomenBreakingGround

Tara Aquatic Centre & Sports Precinct is now Complete

Tara is a highly respected institution known for its dedication to educational excellence and it was an honour for us to be part of this project.

Situated amongst the existing gymnasium/multipurpose hall, main oval, and tennis courts, the new Aquatic Centre includes many impressive features such as a 25-meter, eight-lane competition pool complete with accompanying amenities, tiered seating, and a fitness centre. Additionally, the facility houses a separate learn-to-swim pool that comes equipped with change rooms, shower, and toilet facilities.

Our team at Taylor takes great pride in connecting school communities to top-tier sports facilities that greatly benefit the fitness and wellbeing of students, not just for the present, but also for decades to come.

Learn more about this project here.

First Stage of M_Park reaches milestone with Topping Out Ceremony

Last week Taylor came together with Stockland and special guests for a traditional Topping Out Ceremony, marking the completion of the highest structural point of 11 Khartoum Road at Macquarie Park. This 9-storey building is the first of four buildings in Stage 1 of the development.

The ceremony opened with a Welcome to Country from Darug Community members, followed by the placement of a native tree on top of the building, which will form part of the future landscaping for the project. Taylor is proud to celebrate this significant milestone which acknowledges being one step closer to bringing M_Park to life.

Positioned in the heart of Macquarie Park and designed to accommodate world-class tenants, this new mixed-use development is set to be one of Australia’s largest innovative precincts for life sciences and technology.

Stage 1 comprises 62,500 square metres across three commercial buildings with shared amenities plus a data centre. Targeting 6 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERS ratings, the first stage will accommodate up to 3,600 workers and includes offices, green and public space, multilevel underground carpark, end of trip facilities, as well as retail, health and medical offerings.

Upon completion, tenants including Demant and WiSE Medical will benefit greatly from their new innovative, sustainable, and thriving workplace of the future.

Congratulations to our partner Stockland, and their Managing Director and CEO, Tarun Gupta, on completing this significant milestone. Thank you also to our Taylor Team for their efforts in providing the safety briefing and carefully coordinating everyone to the rooftop for the event.