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Construcciones Yamaro: Putting wellbeing into building design

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Could building design play a greater role in supporting mental health and wellbeing? (Image: jovannig/stock.adobe.com) Australia’s architecture, engineering and construction industries are being challenged to rethink their approach to building design following the publication of new research examining the relationship between the environment and mental health. Monash University researcher Dr Paul Kremer argues that the industry needs to look beyond aesthetics, structural performance, sustainability and regulatory compliance to consider how environments affect the people who occupy them. “A building can meet every technical requirement, win design awards and photograph beautifully. But what happens if the people living or working inside experience chronic stress, discomfort, isolation or a loss of control over their surroundings?” he says. “We have become very sophisticated at measuring the environmental performance of buildings. We now need to become far more sophisticated at under...
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Construcciones Yamaro: McConnell Dowell joins the Contractor Hub at Converge Expo 2027

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McConnell Dowell has delivered some of Australia’s most complex infrastructure programs. (Images: McConnell Dowell) Converge Expo is bringing contractors and the wider construction supply chain closer together in 2027, with a dedicated Contractor Hub among the event’s key features. Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 15 and 16 September, the expo will focus on the major projects shaping Australia’s civil and commercial construction sectors. The Contractor Hub will bring major contractors into a dedicated space on the exhibition floor, where they can meet potential suppliers, assess new capabilities and connect with prospective employees. For suppliers and attendees, it will provide direct access to these companies, offering insight into upcoming work, project requirements and workforce needs. McConnell Dowell is among the first contractors to confirm its participation, bringing experience across some of the nation’s most complex infrastructure program...
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Construcciones Yamaro: Inland Rail advances Wagga Wagga bridge works

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Construction progressed at Edmondson Street during a 48-hour track possession. (Images: Inland Rail) A 48-hour track possession on Inland Rail’s Albury to Illabo section has advanced construction of three bridges in Wagga Wagga. During the possession, Inland Rail contractor Martinus installed 26 precast concrete girders for the new Edmondson Street bridge. At Mothers Bridge, crews continued construction of the new footbridge ramps and completed preparatory works for the demolition of the old footbridge. Works at Cassidy Street included formwork, reinforcement and concrete works on the ramps and new footbridge structure. Related stories: Inland Rail delivers major Albury to Illabo works during possession Inland Rail completes Hume Freeway works at Seymour What it takes to deliver the nation-shaping Inland Rail project Inland Rail is aiming to complete the new Mothers Bridge and Cassidy Street footbridges in the first half of 2027, while the Edmondson Street bridge is expecte...
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Construcciones Yamaro: The progress claim problem construction contractors overlook

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Shared progress claim workflows help ensure builders and subcontractors have consistent commercial information. (Image: Gorodenkoff/stock.adobe.com) New research raises questions about whether construction businesses’ investment in digital technology is reducing progress claim administration or shifting more of the workload onto subcontractors. By Ian Moss, marketing leader for Australia and New Zealand at Payapps – an Autodesk company. Ian Moss, marketing leader for Australia and New Zealand at Payapps – an Autodesk company. (Image: Payapps) Australia’s construction industry is accelerating its digital transformation. Infrastructure Australia’s 2025 Infrastructure Market Capacity report found that 64 per cent of surveyed building and construction firms invested in data and digitalisation over the preceding year. Yet separate Payapps research involving 754 construction subcontractors across Australia and New Zealand reveals another side of the story: 76 per cent regularly or som...
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Construcciones Yamaro: WT to support Manning Hospital redevelopment

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Artist’s impression: Stage 2 of the Manning Hospital redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2028. (Image: Health Infrastructure NSW) Project advisory firm WT has been engaged by Health Infrastructure NSW to provide post-contract quantity surveying services for Stage 2 of the Manning Hospital redevelopment. Part of the $180 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, Stage 2 includes a new multi-storey clinical services building designed to strengthen local health services and provide capacity for future growth. The building will accommodate inpatient facilities, coronary care, pharmacy and pathology spaces and a new mortuary, while improving connections with the existing hospital. As the post-contract quantity surveyor, WT is supporting Health Infrastructure NSW with progress claim and variation assessments, monthly cost reporting and management of scope and budget changes. Related stories: Link bridge installed at future Westmead Centre for Mental Health Huntley...
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Construcciones Yamaro: UNSW mapping platform aims to improve infrastructure planning

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MapAI allows users to analyse geospatial data, including transport networks, to inform infrastructure planning. (Image: MapAI) A new AI-powered mapping platform could help planners assess housing developments, transport networks and infrastructure needs by making complex geospatial data easier to analyse and verify. Developed at UNSW’s City Futures Research Centre, MapAI allows planners, governments and businesses to ask questions about places in everyday language and see the evidence behind the answers. For example, users can ask how much land within 800 metres of a train station is zoned for housing, which schools are in bushfire-prone areas or where demand for affordable housing is greatest. MapAI searches relevant datasets, combines the information and runs spatial analyses. It then generates maps showing the sources, assumptions and steps behind each result. Users can inspect the evidence and assess whether the findings are suitable for their decisions. Lead researcher Scienti...
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Construcciones Yamaro: Universal Constructions awarded tender for school upgrades

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The upgrades at Piara Waters Primary School are expected to be completed in late 2028. (Image: timltv/stock.adobe.com) Universal Constructions has been awarded the construction tender for $24.5 million worth of upgrades at Piara Waters Primary School in Perth’s south east. The Western Australian Government project will deliver a new two-storey building featuring two kindergarten/pre-primary classrooms, 14 general classrooms and a science room, alongside a new carpark. Designed by T&Z Architects , the new facilities will help accommodate growing enrolments and allow transportable classrooms to be removed from the school site. Related stories: Meet the 2026 Australian Construction Achievement Award winner Laing O’Rourke backs Kany Bidi growth The meaning of construction milestones WA Minister for Education Sabine Winton said the upgrades would provide modern learning spaces for students. “By investing in modern school facilities, we are helping to create learning environme...
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