Australian High Commission, Islamabad

Kane Constructions was awarded this fixed price Design and Construct contract to build the Australian High Commission residence in late 1998, following a select tender of suitably pre-qualified building contractors by the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Property Group, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia.

It is one of a number of similar high quality, high security projects Kane Constructions has completed offshore for the Commonwealth of Australia.

The works consisted of a new house, staff quarters, infrastructure, hard and soft landscaping within the boundaries of the Australian High Commission.

The design was completed in Australia, and the design and works were completed to both Australian and Pakistan (mostly British equivalent) standards. The design included security, data and communications technologies and services necessary for a modern embassy.

Kane completed the design in early 1999 and commenced on site in February 1999, sending several containers with plant, equipment and materials to Islamabad from Australia to enable a fast start on site - including materials not readily available in Pakistan.

Construction consisted of a concrete frame with masonry walls, timber roof frame, steel deck rook and hand high quality local finishes. Paint and many finishes were imported to ensure the highest quality.

Kane Constructions negotiated subcontracts with specialist Pakistani contractors for construction, mechanical, electrical, landscape, and stone cladding trades. Local labour was engaged either direct or through labour only subcontractors allowing control of occupational health and safety and worker welfare. Worker moral and productivity was outstanding throughout the project.