QUT’s Q Block at the Kevlin Grove campus, (KGQ) houses critical laboratory research facilities that require Process Containment Level 2 and 3 (PC2 & PC3) certification under the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). Constructed in 2006, Q Block is an 8-storey building with the following layout:

•Levels 1 & 2: Car parks

•Level 3: Back of house equipment, main switchboard, chillers, and additional car parks

•Levels 4 to 7: Offices and laboratories

•Level 8: Roof and plant equipment, including the primary 100% outside air handling units (AHUs) thatsupply ventilation to all laboratories (Wet Labs) and offices (Dry Labs)

The AHUs, located on Level 8, are large built-up units containing filters, heat wheels, coils, and supply and return fans. The Wet Lab AHU (Laboratory) provides an airflow of 7,000 L/s, while the Dry Lab AHU (Office) provides 12,000 L/s. The AHUs operate in a duty-only configuration, supplying and exhausting air without the ability to shut down for servicing. This configuration limits the ability to conduct maintenance without disrupting research activities, particularly OGTR laboratory operations. Additionally, the electrical configuration of the existing plant lacks shutdown capabilities, further complicating maintenance and impacting reliability.

Q Block is designed as a fire-engineered solution, with the Dry Lab AHU providing essential services during fire mode. However, the plant has now reached the end of its operational life, exhibiting performance and reliability issues. A like-for-like replacement of the existing system is not feasible due to the design limitations and the potential for prolonged downtime. Therefore, a staged approach is necessary to upgrade the system while maintaining operation of the existing AHUs.

The key objectives for the mechanical plant upgrade project are as follows:

•Correct Latent Engineering Issues: Resolve existing latent engineering issues with the primary plant, ensuring improved functionality and performance.

•Replace Primary AHUs: Replace the two primary AHUs with revised, energy-efficient models designed to reduce space humidity in a more efficient manner, while minimizing interruption to building operations.

•Staging and System Changeovers: Construct new plant platforms and staging areas to facilitate system changeovers and ensure minimal disruption during the transition phases.

•Enhanced Resilience: Design a more resilient system, both mechanically and electrically, by incorporatingN+1 redundancy for critical equipment and ensuring diverse electrical supply paths to support major plantitems.

•Future-Proofing: Design pathways to allow for future service maintenance and component removal. Include considerations for future fit-out requirements to streamline potential future upgrades.

Background information / Compatibility requirements

The project is structured into three distinct stages, each designed to achieve specific milestones while minimizing disruption to building operations. The following stages are an overview of the project scope:

Stage 1 (A & B): Early works (1A) and Exhaust fans and first new AHU / heat pump installation (1B)

•Complete engineering design and documentation for the entire project

•Develop the construction program, including a detailed plan for stakeholder shutdowns

•Construct new plant decks for the installation of new mechanical equipment

•Install staging AHUs, fans, electrical infrastructure, controls, ductwork, and pipework adjustments

•Commission mechanical plant and transition Wet Labs AHU

Stage 2: Wet Lab AHU Replacement

•Demolish the existing Wet Labs AHU

•Install two new Wet Labs AHUs and extend the electrical, controls, ductwork, and pipework systems asnecessary

•Reconfigure staging AHUs and connect them to the Dry Labs AHU

•Commission mechanical plant for Wet Labs AHU and transition Dry Labs AHU

Stage 3: Dry Lab AHU Replacement

•Demolish the existing Dry Labs AHU

•Reconfigure one Wet Labs AHU to temporarily supply airflow to the Dry Labs

•Relocate staging AHU into the Dry Labs plant room, extending electrical, controls, ductwork, and pipework

•Install new exhaust fans for PC3 laboratories

This staged approach allows for minimal disruption to ongoing research activities while addressing the critical need to upgrade the mechanical systems within Q Block. The project’s flexible and resilient design will ensure long-term efficiency and operational reliability for QUT’s critical research facilities.

A mandatory Briefing Presentation and Site visit will be conducted by the Project Coordinator on Wednesday 17 March 2025 at 9:30 am at the QUT Q Block, Kelvin Grove Campus, at 149 Victoria Park Rd Kelvin Grove. Meet at Level 4 Foyer