Animal Aid, Coldstream
Victorian Animal Aid Trust (VAAT)
2016 - 2023
$9.08M
Coldstream, VIC
Project Details
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Attributes
Project Partners
Overview
Staging construction to strengthen a crucial community mission while relieving financial strain.
Since its inception in 1948, Animal Aid has been a vanguard for animal welfare. Their Coldstream facility serves as a sanctuary for our community’s furry residents, offering more than just adoption programs. With a comprehensive range of animal health and support services, Animal Aid reinforces its deep commitment to the broader cause of animal welfare.
Higgins partnered with Animal Aid through the progressive expansion of their site, carried out over six key stages. Under a cost-plus arrangement, we expertly navigated the construction of these vital facilities, ensuring continuous operation and fiscal prudence. Budget control for the non-for-profit was central to our delivery strategy. We approached our client’s unique constraints by offering various cost-saving options and collaborating with subcontractors and consultants to select the most economical materials.
Stages 1, 2 & 3: Veterinary Clinic and Cattery
Fast-tracked program helps secure government funding.
Stage 1 and 2 saw the expansion and modernisation of Animal Aid's current administration office to establish a new Veterinary Clinic. We also began the first stage of improvements to the cattery. Through meticulous coordination, we executed this program two weeks ahead of schedule. This allowed our client to meet the deadline for a $50k government grant, which they successfully secured.
In Stage 3 we put the finishing touches on the cattery, completing all remaining upgrade works to this component of the precinct.
Stage 4: Cat Welfare Building
Functional efficiency for staff and a variety of accommodation options for felines.
We constructed a new cattery shelter, streamlining what was once a disjointed setup across three areas into a cohesive, single-building solution. This facility boasts a variety of tailored accommodations:
- ‘Premium’ pens, expansive and ideal for multiple cats.
- ‘Villa’ pens, singularly cozy for individual cats.
- ‘Condos’ for the more timid or distressed cats, equipped with blackout spaces, hiding nooks, and independent air systems.
- ‘Play Pens’, both small and large, with scratch pads and assorted toys, ensuring an engaging, rotational playtime experience.
Stages 5 & 6: Dog Pens and Administration
Bespoke boarding for man's best friend next to a new front-of-house.
We replaced a dated kennel facility with two new wings of 61 bespoke dog pens, each with external dog runs. In line with previous stages, this project breaks away from the typical design of a sterile animal care facility, creating a homely environment through abundant natural light and essential connections to the outdoors.
We equipped the pens with a dual-zone hydronic heating system embedded in the concrete slabs of the sleeping areas and a ducted air conditioning system, which guarantees a comfortable environment throughout all seasons.
Finally, we built a new two-storey administration building next to the kennels. Serving as a front-of-house for Animal Aid, the new building accommodates work zones for full-time workers and volunteers, a kitchen and circulation space, an animal adoption office, and a private office for the CEO.