Frequently Asked Questions

The cost is dependent on a number of factors including the location, complexity and size of your project. We will develop an extensive Scope of Works with all costings for presentation to our customers for transparency and to assist with decision making.

• Site location
• Building size and dimensions
• Intended use of building
• Building requirements and specifications
• Timeframe – when do you want to start, when do you want to move in
• Project Scope and our deliverables (full turnkey solution or engineered steel and precast package)
• Your required budget

Yes, you just need to provide a full set of drawings. With our experience, we are confident we will find value without compromising on delivery requirements.

We understand that circumstances change. We can review at any time and provide updated quotations.

Yes, although it is well worth engaging us to develop the drawings. Through our decades of experience, we have the ability to integrate design factors for steel and precast panel efficiencies that provide additional value.

We have a comprehensive design process that has been developed through our extensive experience to limit the need for design changes at the outset. However, we have the flexibility to implement changes after construction commences, within reason. Importantly, we will work with you to ensure your project meets your design expectations, even if changes are necessary.

This depends on the complexity of the project. As a guide, for a relatively straight forward design, it can generally take approximately 5–8 months from concept to completion for a Turnkey Design and Construction project.

Yes. Akura has registered architects in-house who are fully accredited and authorised to practise. Our Nominated Architects are:

Sarah Vernon – NSW Architect Registration Number 12195, VIC ARBV Registration Number 18581
Stephen Menzies – NSW Architect Registration Number 5217

Yes, this is a key aspect of any project. We understand that with any construction project, the design and construction of a building is influenced significantly by the project location and site conditions.

We are happy to meet and discuss your project requirements to advise on the best possible design / construction approach for your specific site.

A dedicated Project Manager will be allocated to the project and remain as the key point of contact throughout the duration of the scope of works.

Yes. Our focus is on taking a collaborative approach with our customers. Regular project updates are provided to share the progress of your project throughout each phase. Client check-ins at designated stages of the process are also completed to obtain your feedback on progress, and importantly, measure how it’s tracking to your expectations.

Our business has been established for 50 years and is here to stay. With strong company leadership, the business has continued to grow over the decades with a reputation for delivery excellence. In fact, many repeat clients tell us this consistently. But don’t take our word for it. We are happy to provide details of some of our clients to enable you to discuss the process of working with us and why they would recommend our services.

Absolutely. We have a large portfolio of completed projects, only some of which are listed on the website. We can provide you with details of similar projects to help in your partner decision making. It is also possible to organise a personalised site visit with one of our project experts to take you to similar projects so you can see, first-hand, the quality of our work and our people.

• We are a regional, family-owned business with strong people values that are lived, not just put in a frame to hang on the wall. It is important to everyone at Akura to develop long term relationships with clients and customers, rather than being in a race to the bottom. We are very clear on our purpose and where we play in the market. We have built expertise accordingly and are known for delivering high quality outcomes. This is underpinned by engaging and professional people representing these strong people values.
• We take control of the total project resulting in speed and quality through our inhouse manufacturing capabilities.
• We own both structural steel and precast concrete panel manufacturing facilities, conveniently located side by side. This allows for shorter lead times and flexibility to make changes in the construction process, if needed. It also adds value by dealing directly with the manufacturer. Owning this production capability helps eliminate project risk.
• Our design team work to ensure your project is as pleasing to the eye as it is functional.
• Expert Project Managers are appointed from day one, helping to tailor the design, approvals through Council and other regulators, as well as overseeing its successful completion to ensure it fully meets your expectations.
• Because we own trucks, mobile cranes and earthmoving equipment, there is better control of the construction phase which can result in additional time and cost savings.
• We have a team of highly experienced and skilled people, who are the best at what they do, and are committed to achieving customer satisfaction.

We have found the fastest and most streamlined approval process is through a Private Certifier, who can approve a build based on local council development control guidelines. Depending on the site, some restrictions can apply to a CDC and therefore a DA through the local council provides greater flexibility e.g. building use, front setback, signage etc. Our experienced team will work with you to evaluate which is the best option for your project.

Similarly, should we be assisting you to build your project, recommendations can be made on which is the best pathway for your required outcome.

Price per sqm depends on a number of variables such as size, thickness, finishes and complexity of the panel however, as a general rule, our precast concrete panels are anywhere between $250-350/sqm.

We have the capacity to manufacture over 1,500 sqm of precast concrete panels per week.

Projects have been constructed all across the Eastern seaboard by us, and there are many examples of where customers have reaped additional value to their projects. To manufacture precast concrete and steel in our Central West facilities is more efficient and cost effective than in other manufacturing hubs which helps offset costs associated with freight. Our manufacturing facilities are well maintained and receive substantial capital development to ensure they are safe, efficient and producing high-quality products. It also supports regional employment and provides career pathways in operations, sales and construction.

Generally, the maximum panel size produced in the factory is 4m x 10m however, we can produce larger panel sizes which attract an additional premium.

Dimensions are sometimes determined by the weight of panels. Ideally, keeping panels to 10 tonne or under in weight ensures 2 panels per truck load can be safely and efficiently transported.

The minimum compressive strength of our precast concrete panels is 40 mPA, and regularly testing is conducted to ensure all panels exceed 40 mPA at 28 days. Compressive strength is a major contributor of durability.

Our precast panels are denser and have low permeability (high resistance to the penetration of fluids). The density of panels helps to improve their lifespan.

The standard thickness of precast concrete panels used for structural walling is 150mm. We also have the ability to produce 125mm, 175mm, 200mm, as well as custom thicknesses, depending on the required application.

Speed of Construction

• Faster project delivery – precast panels are manufactured offsite and delivered ready to install, reducing onsite construction time significantly
• Minimised weather delays – since panels are produced in controlled environments, projects are less impacted by weather conditions.

Cost Efficiency

• Reduced labour costs – less onsite labour is needed because panels arrive ready for installation
• Accurate budgeting – factory controlled production reduces material waste and cost overruns so there are no project blowouts

Quality and Durability

• Consistent quality – panels are made in a controlled environment, ensuring higher standards and fewer defects
• Long lifespan – precast concrete is highly durable, resistant to fire, pests and extreme weather
• Low ongoing maintenance – virtually no maintenance is required to keep the precast durable, and panels can be washed down to remove dust and dirt periodically.

Sustainability

• Lower environmental impact – reduced waste during manufacturing and installation
• Energy efficient – panels can incorporate insulation for better thermal performance

Design Flexibility

• Customisable finishes – panels can be made in various textures, colours and patterns to meet architectural requirements
• Versatile applications – suitable for commercial and industrial applications

Safety

• Improved site safety – less onsite work means fewer hazards and accidents
• Fire resistance – concrete panels offer inherent fire protection

There are typically three applications that we produce product for:

• Structural Walling: The panel acts as a load-bearing structural element of the building.
• Cladding (clip-on panels/dado panels): Panels are clipped onto a structural steel frame and operate as cladding only; they do not act as a load-bearing structural element.
• Retaining Walls: concrete panels can be used as an effective alternative to traditional retaining walls products in commercial and industrial applications.

Yes. Precast concrete is a popular material for industrial and commercial cladding and facades. This is due to its ability to apply architectural features such as patterns, text, logos and other visual embellishments.