UniLodge, Brisbane Significant space and cost saving with Geberit

UniLodge at South Bank, is a 15-story building, custom-designed for student accommodation and conveniently located in the heart of Brisbane. The building is located close to major universities and other tertiary providers and follows the TOD (transport oriented destinations) philosophy with trains and buses are only a couple of minutes’ walk away, making daily travel a breeze. Students can enjoy nearby South Bank Parklands on the Brisbane River, with its range of different restaurants with cuisine from around the world, beautiful gardens, shops, markets and events.

The original specifications called for a conventional drainage system which created a number of challenges for fireproofing and coordination with other services. The hydraulic contractor, Beavis and Bartels needed cost-saving, innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. Beavis and Bartels approached Geberit as they had previous experience with siphonic drainage and knew Geberit Pluvia could provide the solution.

In addition to the need to coordinate the pipe layout with other services, a significant challenge was posed by running pipe to avoid reduction of ceiling heights and complying with strict fire regulations. This flexibility was not possible with a conventional drainage system.

Siphonic drainage can be laid without slope. This was particularly advantageous on level 14, where siphonic pipes were re-routed through hallways as 110mm pipe, instead of 150mm and then as a single 110mm downpipe. Not only did this minimise loss of ceiling space, this routing minimised sound impacts inside living areas and reduced the need for fireproofing measures for pipe penetrations between compartments.

Ultimately, by implementing a Geberit siphonic drainage solution, Beavis and Bartels realised significant savings by installing just 5 downpipes instead of 25 downpipes. This also saved 1000 m of 150mm pipe, 300 150mm fire collars and increased saleable area by 75 m2.