In August 2020, AET was awarded the temporary galleries fit-out for the National Gallery of Australia under a single select process due to our early engagement in the design work. The temporary galleries host world-class exhibitions and recently displayed the Matisse and Picasso exhibits.
The fit-out was necessary as some of the spaces had become less waterproof over time and maintaining a constant temperature in the galleries was difficult. The project consisted of:
- internal demolition of existing data, power and lighting
- new gallery switchboard installed to latest Australian Standards
- lighting control by Dynalite/Dali, including Casambi tuneable Bluetooth control for the lighting of each exhibition space
- new gallery lighting installed throughout the temporary gallery space – the largest being 10 metres and weighing 280 kgs, with six of these installed in total
- recessed LED track installed over 300 lineal meters
- restoration of existing floor boxes
- new data and comms installed
- new WiFi connection points installed throughout the gallery programmed for NGA headset connectivity
- assistance with the thermal break installation around our electrical works in certain areas to improve the moisture and temperature egress in the building.
Overcoming the structural challenges of high ceilings, heavy light fittings and long stretches of track lighting in existing ceilings, as well as protecting world-class artworks is never without its challenges. The onsite AET team was regularly briefed on the importance of the success of this project. We stayed on track with our works and engaged with the other trades to ensure the upgraded lighting and communication cabling was installed with professionalism.