Square Kilometre Array Observatory
- Envar
- Commissioning
- Construction & Installation
- Custom Fabrication
- DDC & BMS Solutions
- Engineering & Design
- Maintenance & Service
- Government & Defence
- WA
Project
Design & Construct Mechanical Services – Modular Prefabrication Strategy
Key Challenges
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Precision HVAC and air conditioning systems for highly sensitive electronic processing facilities
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Modular prefabrication of facilities in Perth, with reassembly and commissioning in remote WA
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Delivery under NEC4 Engineering & Construction subcontracting framework, within a large-scale alliance
Outcomes
Delivered $30M modular mechanical services scope for SKA-Low
70% prefabricated and pre-commissioned in Perth
Precision HVAC for world’s largest radio telescope
The Client
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is an intergovernmental organisation comprising ~16 member states, building the world’s most advanced radio telescope facilities across two continents. The project will transform radio astronomy, probing the origins of the universe with unparalleled sensitivity and scale.
Ventia was awarded major infrastructure delivery contracts for the Australian component, SKA-Low, located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) on Wajarri Yamaji land in Western Australia. Envar was engaged to deliver the mechanical services installation package, a critical component in ensuring environmental stability for highly sensitive processing equipment.
What we achieved with our customer
Envar delivered the full mechanical services fitout for the SKA-Low facility, including a Central Processing Facility (CPF) and 18 Remote Processing Facilities (RPFs) with associated plant enclosures. The scope also covered precision HVAC, ventilation, and environmental controls, designed to meet strict environmental tolerances required to protect advanced signal processing equipment.
To address the challenges of the remote Murchison site, Envar adopted a modular prefabrication strategy, with approximately 70% of works completed and pre-commissioned in Perth and the remaining 30% focused on final connections and commissioning on site. This approach improved quality control, reduced risks, and minimised time spent in harsh conditions.
Additional achievements included the creation of a new Level-13 roof deck to accommodate major plant and ventilation systems, supporting both the CPF and RPFs. Envar’s expertise in coordination under the NEC4 alliancing model ensured smooth integration with Ventia, SKAO, and other stakeholders, resulting in a world-class solution delivered on time and on budget.
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