The UNSW Health Translation Hub (HTH) is a 15-storey health, education and research facility located at the corner of High Street and Botany Street within the UNSW Randwick Campus. Hansen Yuncken engaged Karabiner under the BMU / Façade Safe Access System package to design, supply and install all façade access, rope-access, and height-safety systems. The building includes complex architectural forms, bridges, terraces, sunshades and extensive glazing requiring a comprehensive and compliant access solution for cleaning, maintenance and glass replacement. The works were delivered in accordance with Australian Standards, the Façade Access Strategy, and all statutory requirements.
Client / Stakeholder Challenges
The client required a full-coverage façade access solution for a highly articulated façade featuring bridges, atriums, sunhoods, large glass panels, podium roofs and roof level.
Working within a live hospital and university precinct added strict constraints around safety, noise, traffic control and working hours. Additionally, the project demanded interface coordination with structural, services, façade, bridge-link contractors and Green Star requirements. Ensuring all RA-BMU & RA-Ponies cast-ins, davit sockets, RA-BMU tracks, and power brackets were correctly positioned without impacting watertightness or architectural finishes was a significant risk that required Karabiner BMU expertise.
Our Solution
Karabiner designed and delivered the full BMU Façade Safe Access System including rope-access BMUs with an Auxiliary Hoist, Rope Access Ponies, Davit arms, Davit sockets, restraint systems and hot-dip-galvanized track systems across all roof zones.
The solution incorporated systems for the Wallace Wurth Bridge, Children’s Hospital Bridge, podium levels, L06 & L08 terraces, and the Level 15 roof to ensure complete façade reach. Karabiner provided structural interface details, coordination with consultants, engineering certification, and full documentation including as-builts, manuals, and statutory signage.
All equipment was engineered to meet WorkCover requirements, Australian Standards and the project’s need for non-marking wheels, full safety limits, alarms, emergency stops.
HTH
Execution & Methodology
Karabiner executed the works through staged installation aligned with HY’s construction program, including early-phase supervision of all cast-in elements during concrete pours.
Key activities included supplying and surveying cast in anchors, positioning BMU tracks, installing and commissioning the rope access BMUs and Ponies, mounting davit sleeves, fitting the required static lines and verifying operating zones.
WHS controls were maintained across all levels of the live site.
Karabiner coordinated with structural, mechanical, electrical and façade trades to manage penetrations, Glass and materials lifting needs, Power posts installation and Ponies cast in anchors installation. Commissioning was completed both pre-PC and again after HY’s construction use of the BMU.
Key Outcomes & Results
Karabiner delivered a fully certified, compliant and future-proof façade access system designed for safe window cleaning, periodic maintenance and glass replacement. All systems were installed to Green Star and Australian Standards requirements, with zero safety incidents recorded. The integrated BMU and rope-access solution ensures long-term accessibility to complex façades, reduces maintenance risks, and supports efficient operational outcomes for UNSW. The project was completed with full collaboration, documentation, commissioning and required training.