THE PROBLEM
Ridgemont Apartments occupies an imposing position above the Bradfield Highway and commands views across Sydney Harbour. It was constructed in the early 1970s and is constructed of a reinforced concrete framework with cavity brickwork infill throughout. The building sits above an extensive underground car park and has extensive gardens and a pool at ground level.
The original windows, sliding balcony doors and balustrades have performed well since construction but have deteriorated over time to the point the owners decided to replace them all with new anodized aluminium windows and doors and a new polished stainless-steel balustrade system.
THE PROCESS
Given the scope consisted of a small number of trades replacing windows, doors and balustrades, mast climbing platforms were chosen as the most effective method of transporting men and materials to the work face. The configuration of the mast climbers was planned in order to minimise the number of visits to the occupied units and to minimise the disturbance that occupiers experienced. An overhead protective hoarding was erected over the building front entrance to ensure safe access for residents and this hoarding structure also served as a materials storage and delivery point when work was in progress above this area.
THE SOLUTION
The Owners Corporation engaged a local project manager to provide a detailed specification and tender document detailing the acoustic, structural and weatherproofing performance of the new windows and doors. The specification called for a high level of acoustic performance to ensure the traffic noise from the nearby Bradfield Highway was minimized. We worked closely with G James Glass & Aluminium to arrive at a window and doors system that met all requirements.
