St Columbas Catholic College
Mechanical Services Installation – New Building Status: Completed – January 2026
HVAC Industries was engaged by FAL Construction Group Pty Ltd to deliver the mechanical services installation package for the new building works at St Columba’s Catholic College in Springwood, NSW. The project formed part of the college’s broader campus development, aimed at providing modern teaching environments with improved environmental comfort, ventilation, and energy-efficient air-conditioning systems suitable for contemporary educational facilities.
The project required a mechanical contractor capable of delivering high-quality installation works while coordinating closely with architectural and building trades, particularly due to the complex ceiling design and detailed architectural finishes incorporated into the building.
HVAC Industries was responsible for the construct-only installation of the mechanical services design, ensuring all systems were installed strictly in accordance with the consultant’s documentation, project specifications, and relevant Australian Standards.
Project Scope
The mechanical services works included the installation of air conditioning, mechanical ventilation, and specialised air treatment systems throughout the new education facility.
Architectural Coordination & Innovation
A key challenge on the project was the Level 1 perforated architectural ceiling, which covered an area of over 3,000 square metres and required careful coordination with mechanical services to maintain the visual integrity of the ceiling design.
Through careful planning and innovative coordination with the builder and design team, HVAC Industries successfully developed installation solutions that significantly reduced the number of required ceiling access panels.
• Original design required over 100 access panels
• HVAC Industries’ coordination and installation strategy reduced this to approximately 10 access panels
This solution preserved the architectural appearance of the perforated ceiling, while still maintaining necessary service access for maintenance.
Air Conditioning Systems
• Installation of a heat recovery VRF air conditioning system servicing classrooms and internal teaching spaces
• Installation of multiple VRF condensers and ducted indoor fan coil units across the building
• Installation of split systems for designated areas requiring independent environmental control
• Installation of ductwork, insulation, grilles, and diffusers in accordance with the mechanical design documentation
• Installation of individual wall-mounted air-conditioning control switches in each classroom, allowing local temperature control for teaching staff
The heat recovery VRF system provides energy-efficient operation with simultaneous heating and cooling capability, improving overall building energy performance and occupant comfort across the facility.
Commissioning & Compliance
• Air balancing and system performance testing
• Verification of system operation in accordance with design intent
• Preparation and delivery of Operating & Maintenance manuals
• Provision of as-built drawings and documentation
Final commissioning and handover in accordance with NCC and Australian Standards The project includes a 12-month defect liability period, ensuring ongoing support and system reliability for the client.
Mechanical Ventilation & Air Quality
To support indoor air quality requirements within the educational environment, HVAC Industries installed a comprehensive ventilation system including:
• Dedicated outside air systems supplying fresh air to occupied spaces
• Exhaust ventilation systems for amenities and service areas
• Under-ceiling filtration units designed to enhance indoor air quality
• Installation of a dust collection and extraction system, including a shaker-type dust collector for workshop environments
These systems were designed to maintain appropriate ventilation rates and filtration performance to support healthy indoor air conditions within teaching and technical learning environments.
Project Outcome
The upgrade delivered a fully integrated mechanical and BMS solution, improving occupant comfort, system reliability, and operational visibility. The project demonstrates HVAC Industries’ capability to successfully deliver technically complex upgrades within high-profile government facilities, while maintaining exceptional documentation, commissioning, and quality standards.
Key Capabilities
HVAC Industries’ capabilities across the education and institutional sector include:
• Installation of VRF air conditioning systems and split system solutions for classrooms and teaching spaces
• Installation of fresh air and mechanical ventilation systems designed to support indoor air quality and occupant comfort
• Installation of heat recovery systems and energy-efficient mechanical solutions
• Dust collection and extraction systems for workshop environments including woodworking machinery
• Installation of dust collection systems for laser cutters and CNC equipment
• Fume extraction and filtration systems for specialised teaching environments such as laser cutting and fabrication workshops
• Installation of dedicated workshop ventilation and extraction systems, including duct collectors, filtration units, and
shaker-type dust collection systems
• Mechanical system coordination within architecturally detailed buildings
• Integration of systems with centralised control systems and Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Air balancing, performance testing, and system commissioning
• Preparation of O&M manuals, as-built documentation, and compliance certification
Through projects such as St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood, HVAC Industries has demonstrated its ability to successfully deliver complex mechanical installations within architecturally detailed educational environments, including specialised systems such as dust extraction for woodworking areas and fume extraction for laser cutting equipment, while maintaining high standards of workmanship, coordination, and regulatory compliance. Our experience across institutional projects highlights HVAC Industries’ ability to deliver high-performance mechanical systems that support safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient environments for learning and public facilities.