Australian has a highly advanced building and construction sector. The building and construction sector accounts for around 6.3% of Australia’s GDP, adding A$ 48 billion [US $ 42 billion] to the Australian economy and employing 8% of the workforce.

Australia has significant expertise across a wide range of product and service offerings for the building and construction sector.

Overview of building and construction services

Australian expertise in building and construction services spans architecture, design, engineering, project integration, project management and construction of civil engineering projects.

Architectural services

Australian architectural firms are recognised for their successful internationally. This reflected by the fact that 7 out of the world’s top 60 architecture firms are from Australia. Australian architecture expertise encompasses master-planning, landscape design and project implementation and management across industrial, commercial, institutional and residential segments. Australian architects also have expertise in projects requiring disability access or consideration of heritage and conservation issues.

Australian architecture firms are involved in numerous international projects including the urban planning design for the Arab Emirate of Um Al Quwain and projects around the Beijing olympic games and the 2010 Commonwealth games in New Delhi.

Consulting engineering companies

Australian consulting engineers provide design advice to major projects in construction, manufacturing, mining transport and the environment sectors. Major services in this sector include: undertaking project feasibility and environmental impact studies; project design and management including the coordination of documentation, asset management, construction process and quality control.

Consulting engineering services account for a significant large portion of Australia’s building services exports.

Construction companies

Australian construction firms have a track record of proven, quality products, efficiency, ability to deliver on time, and specialised skill sets which is a reflection of the success of Australian firms like Leighton holdings, Bovis lend lease, Multiplex in international markets

Engineering construction

Australia is internationally renowned for the superior construction of mines. Australia also has engineering construction expertise across infrastructure projects including railways, dams, roads and bridges, major pipelines and electricity and other utilities.

Landmark design and construction projects

International projects which highlight the creativity, innovation and depth of Australian architecture, design, project management and construction expertise includes the Chep Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong; The Bluewater shopping centre [Europe’s largest shopping centre outside of London]; Taipei-to-Kaohsiung Taiwan’s high speed rail project [one of the largest infrastructure projects of its kind in the world], and the luxury resort, Palazzo Versace in Dubai.

Overview of building products and materials

Australia has significant expertise in building and construction products. A combination of a well developed domestic market, stringent regulatory system resulting in the manufacture of high quality products and the use of advanced technology is furthering Australia’s expertise in producing innovative, world class building and construction products.

Innovations in Australian building material

Some of the prominent Australian innovations include;

• Fire resistant steels
• Space frame forms for lightweight, high strength construction in new forms
• Computer software to simulate construction
• Bar coding/IT systems for materials tracking
• Construction robotics (eg roof crawling machinery, robotic concrete finishing)
• Laser levelling/advanced electronic measurement techniques
• Pre-cast panels for large scale building or civil construction projects
• Adhesives and fixatives (eg glue for pre-fabricated or laminated timber beams and  trusses) with minimum impact on the ozone layer
• Fibre reinforced concrete and fibre reinforced plastics
• Lightweight aluminium, super strength steels (eg Low carbon steel)
• Reinforced concrete in new forms
• “Green” concrete which facilitates the growth of plant life

Australian capabilities

Australian expertise in building products and materials range from the supply of inputs to building and construction such as steel, structural metal, plaster, timber products, cement, lime, concrete, paint and bricks to value-added products including:

• Interior finishes including floor coverings, tiles, , internal wall materials and coverings,  partitioning, architectural mouldings, coatings and paint finishes, solid surfaces, laminates and veneers
• High performance glass and energy efficient windows
• Landscaping and outdoor products
• “Green” floor coverings, especially carpets
• Electrical and lighting products and systems
• Windows, doors and glazing
• Building technology such as manufacturing systems for windows and doors, energy saving products and building security systems
• Roofing materials
• Water saving solutions
• Energy modelling systems and tools
• Building security and maintenance systems
• Energy efficient air conditioning-systems, heating, cooling and insulation products

Going “Green”

Australia has wide ranging expertise in the design, construction and management of environmentally aware or “green” buildings including the provision of architectural and project management services. Key areas of proficiency include:

• Refurbishment of existing buildings
• Sustainable and green products and innovative building materials
• Energy conservation and modelling systems
• Tools and building management systems

Australia’s pre-eminence in delivering successful green building projects have been further strengthened by the introduction of “Code Mark” - a building product certification scheme and, “Green Star” - an environmental rating system for buildings.

With India’s green building movement picking up momentum, Australian companies can offer a range of products, technologies, skills, services, and project management capabilities for Indian companies for design, construction, and management of green buildings.

Events

Australian building and construction sector capabilities can be accessed and sourcing / partnership relations can be developed with Australian firms at Australian pavilions in major events in Australia, India and in Middle East.

1. New South Wales - DSRD Building & Construction Mission to India

2. Australian Building & Construction Pavilion at Interbuild India 2007

3. Indian Building & Construction Buyers Mission to Big 5 Dubai

4. Indian Building & Construction Buyers Mission to Project Qatar

5. Indian Building & Construction Buyers Visit to Australia - Designbuild Australasia 2008

Business offers from Australian companies

1. Professional services to develop tourism & leisure projects on offer

2. Australian architecture & design solutions on offer

3. Architect Firm specialising in multiplexes seeks partners

4. Australian manufacturer of acrylic bathtubs & spa baths seeks distributors for India

5. Medical treatment & spa furniture manufacturer seeks distributors & joint venture partners

6. Bath & spa manufacturer seeks distributors

7. Manufacturer of high speed productivity doors seeks customers

8. Innovative Commercial Architecture Solutions on Offer

9. Shade and Waterproof tension membrane structure manufacturer seeks distributors

10. Australian Construction Formwork company seek Joint Venture partners in India

Related Articles

1. Australian Building & Construction Sector in focus at Interbuild India 2007

2. Australia Green Building Expertise on Offer for India

Key resources and links

• www.industry.gov.au - Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
• www.gbcaus.org - Green Building Council of Australia
• www.masterbuilders.com.au - Master Builders Association of Australia
• www.acif.com.au - Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF)
• www.planning.org.au - Planning Institute of Australia (Urban)
• www.raia.com.au - Royal Australian Institute of Architects
• www.acea.com.au - The Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
• www.constructors.com.au - The Australian Constructors Association

Accessing australian building & construction industry expertise

For more information on accessing Australia’s building and construction industry expertise or in exploring partnership opportunities with Australian companies in the building and construction sector, please contact Partha Sen, Business Development Manager, Australian Trade Commission at partha.sen@austrade.gov.au