Boola Bardip (New WA Museum)

Outcomes

The Client

Western Australian Museum (WA Museum), one of the state’s most significant cultural institutions, embarked on a $400M redevelopment project to create Boola Bardip—the New Museum for Western Australia. This iconic project, designed by HASSELL + OMA and delivered by Multiplex, brings together heritage-listed landmarks such as the Old Gaol, Jubilee Building, and Hackett Hall with expansive new structures, exhibition galleries, and public spaces. The result is a landmark cultural facility in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre.

Envar Engineers & Contractors was appointed to deliver the mechanical (HVAC) scope of works under a Design & Construct contract. Envar’s reputation for large-scale, technically complex projects was a key factor in securing its role in this world-class redevelopment.

What we achieved with our customer

The Perth New Museum redevelopment required a HVAC strategy capable of serving both heritage-listed buildings and large contemporary exhibition spaces. Envar’s $8.1M mechanical scope included the full supply, installation, and commissioning of air handling systems, ductwork, pipework, controls, and associated ventilation systems. This work had to be carried out with precision, given the mix of preserved historical structures and new state-of-the-art facilities.

Key to the project was the integration with the Perth Cultural Centre Central Energy Plant (PCC CEP), another Envar-delivered project. The PCC CEP supplies heating hot water and chilled water to the Museum, allowing for centralised, high-efficiency energy distribution across the precinct. This connection significantly reduced plant redundancy within the building itself, optimising lifecycle performance and energy outcomes.

The HVAC solution included dedicated air handling units for galleries, with active humidity and temperature control to preserve sensitive collections. Heritage galleries were served via existing penetrations with displacement and return systems, while Hackett Hall and front-of-house areas received their own tailored systems. Ventilation systems were installed for specialist spaces including switch rooms, transformer rooms, the exhibition goods lift motor room, and waste management zones. Acoustic attenuation was applied throughout to meet strict performance standards.

Envar’s team coordinated extensively with Multiplex, architects, and services consultants to ensure all systems met compliance while minimising disruption to the complex build program. Despite the technical challenges, commissioning and handover were delivered to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.