SON HIN HUTUCIL DERS B
HUTCHIES’
2017
105 1912
YEARS
A Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R F O R H U T C H I N S O N B U I L D E R S
A U G 2 0 17
Team initiative avoids combustible cladding CHAIRMAN Scott Hutchinson has congratulated the initiative of the quick-thinking Hutchies’ team for last year averting a difficult situation for a client involving combustible cladding. Scott said the project involved the installation of an EPS cored copper cladding. “Test certificates and a letter from a fire engineer provided by the supplier confirmed the suitability of the product as cladding on the building,” said Scott. “Hutchies proceeded with the installation of this specified cladding but, during further investigation, the team had concerns about the test certificates.” He said the team decided to conduct a full facade test at the Exova Warringtonfire Aus test facility in Victoria to ascertain the combustible properties of the product. “Unfortunately, the cladding performed poorly in the test so the decision The Grenfell Tower was made to remove the tragedy in London cladding sparked an interna- substandard and reinstate the copper tional alert on combusover a non-combustible tible wall cladding. substrate,” said Scott. “Given recent events at the Grenfell Tower in London and the Lacrosse in Melbourne, the team’s action has proven to be a great decision.” The recladding work was conducted on a seven days a week program to mitigate the impact on the building’s completion date. Scott said that, although the supply and installation of this product was specified and certified by
Fire testing the cladding system at the Exova Warringtonfire Aus test facility in Victoria. others, Hutchies wore the full cost of approximately $600,000 for recladding the building. “Quality and safety was paramount in this proactive decision,” said Scott. “The team’s call reconfirmed our reputation as a builder who resolves problems and does not look to litigate or shirk responsibilities.”
Surprise package
Surfing legend launches anniversary celebrations
‘Rabbit’ at Hutchies’ 105th anniversary party on the Gold Coast.
THE Coolangatta team kicked off Hutchies’ 105th celebrations this year with a combined new office official opening and anniversary party early in June. The highlight of the night was special guest speaker, Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew AM, who entertained the crowd with stories of bringing surfing into
the international sports arena and of how important Coolangatta had become as Australia’s home of professional surfing. Hutchies’ 105th anniversary festivities will continue around the country during the rest of this year. • More parties and pictures on Pages 14, 15, 16 & 17.
THEY say good things come in small packages, but this gift-wrapped bundle is huge so it must be awesome. What is it? • Turn to Page 2 to find out.