Urbanest Darling Square

Project Details

Client

Urbanest Student Accommodation

Location

41 Darling Drive, Haymarket, Sydney

Number of Rooms / Buildings

565 Rooms / 634 Beds

Challenges

Site access was severely restricted due to light rail and no loading areas.

Results

The innovative project was delivered on time. The customised twin room dividers were a highly successful feature and the client re-ordered the design for two further sites.

Project Features

In 2016 Urbanest (now known as Scape Darling Square) undertook a review of the design of the standard twin studio engaging with resident students and management staff. The typical twin studio design had no division between the beds and shared room lighting.

The outcome of the survey revealed students preferred a solid division between the beds when sharing a twin apartment, for increased privacy when studying and sleeping without being disturbed.

AJK Outfitters worked with the Urbanest Project and Design Director to design and fabricate a 1.95m high bookcase and sliding glass panel door system. This would allow light to enter the rest of the apartment whilst providing privacy to the resident.

I was responsible for procurement and fitout of FF&E for new projects with an average FFE cost around $3M. I contracted AJK Outfitters to provide a turnkey fitout solution for seven new build projects.

Prior to AJK Outfitters, the fitout contractors did not provide a true turnkey solution and the FFE fitout involved multiple contractors that needed a full-time, onsite project manager to coordinate through a very tight timeline.

AJK Outfitters were able to take away the need for an onsite FF&E Coordinator and they managed the delivery and installation of everything, even the white goods and TV’s. The bulk contract
saved months of procurement administration and we were able to source products that were not available to the Australian market.

There are no subcontracted parties under the main FF&E contractor. All FF&E is procured, installed and warranted by AJK Outfitters.

AJK also provides considerable cost savings on bespoke goods that would typically be made locally at Australian prices. AJK always completes on-time and has assisted Urbanest in completing projects under extreme time constraints.

They are a family run business and take immense pride in the work they do. No job is too small, too big or too difficult. They are approachable and realistic and will strive to provide the best service possible.

AJK are leaders in the FF&E turnkey fitout market and should be the first name on everyone’s procurement list.

Leon Kenny, Urbanest Director of Projects and Design, 2015-2020