advanced aquarium technologies · requirements in an aquarium. water is a tricky substance. in...
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ADVANCED AQUARIUM TECHNOLOGIESCOMPANY PROFILE
Global Office Locations
AUSTRALIAHONG KONG
CHINA
General Enquiries
+61 7 5476 [email protected]
www.advanced-aquariums.com
Advanced Aquarium Technologies
Building a world-class aquarium is not only an opportunity to develop a profitable and exciting investment, it creates an experience capable of inspiring, educating and thrilling thousands of visitors for years to come.
For more than twenty years AAT’s focus has been on pioneering the techniques and technologies required to design and build ever more inspiring, enlightening and sustainable aquariums all over the world.
During this time AAT has had the opportunity to put its methods and equipment to work in some of the world’s best aquariums and zoological facilities. Like Den Blå Planet, for example, Denmark’s USD $130 million National Aquarium in Copenhagen with an award winning, nature inspired design by architects 3XN that took home the best exhibit award at the 2013 World Architecture Festival.
Central to AAT’s approach and business model is the belief that an aquarium’s success rests on the knowledge, inventiveness, craftsmanship and components used to create its infrastructure. AAT’s extensive Start-to-Finish capability ensures that the infrastructure is built to deliver the maximum possible value to an aquarium’s portfolio of diverse stakeholders.
John LangmeadManaging Director
Aquarium Infrastructure Services
Aquarium Design
Life Support Systems (LSS)
Rockwork & Artificial Environment
Acrylic Viewing Panels
Specialist Waterproofing
FRP Exhibit Tanks
LSS Service Platforms
Aquarium Lighting
LSS Automation
- The installations that form the basis for any operation or system
- The basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organisation
- The fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city or building
AAT’s Start-to-Finish aquarium service allows the delivery of a world class aquarium, and provides peace-of-mind through the planning, construction and operating phases by placing the project in AAT’s safe and experienced hands at every stage along the journey. AAT’s team of skilled and talented specialists create a customised critical path schedule, project management system and apply specialist construction and installation methods that will carry your aquarium on its journey from dream to reality.
The three major stages of development are broken down throughout this profile and include the Design, Build and Operate phases.
The AAT Start-to-Finish model integrates our entire portfolio of capabilities into a single turnkey service.
AAT’s Start-to-Finish service offers clients a turnkey solution that relieves the complexities involved in the project cycle of building a world class aquarium. Benefiting investors, architects, governments, and developers engaged in creating or operating an aquarium. AAT offer solutions and project management of the aquarium backed by years of experience and expertise.
SKETCH &SCHEMATICSERVICE
DESIGN &ENGINEERINGSERVICE
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
AQUARIUMOPERATIONSSERVICE
REPAIR,RESTORATION &REFURBISHMENT
COMMISSION,TRAINING &HANDOVER
LIFESUPPORTSYSTEMS
LIVESTOCK SOURCING &RELOCATION
CONSTRUCT & INSTALLSERVICE
The first phase in the development of an aquarium answers all of the feasibility
and pricing question through to developed design and
engineering models.
The second phase focuses on the physical aquarium construction, supply and
installation of all of the life support systems and
equipment, filling the aquarium tanks and stocking them with
animals.
The third phase involves the aquarium operation and maintenance. This includes
the steps involved in handing the aquarium over from
construction to the aquarium’s owners and operators.
Also included in this phase are services relating to
refurbishment and renovation.
It starts with a simple idea, building an aquarium. Whether an iconic feature for a major shopping mall development, a signature feature for a luxurious hotel, a research facility in a University, an uplifting exhibit for a hospital or a nations’ major aquatic attraction, AAT’s Concept Development Service will answer the myriad of questions that quickly follow such an idea and outline the feasibility and investment potential that building an inspiring and commercially viable aquarium can deliver.
Aquariums are an inspiring and enlightening experience, the intricacies involved can become daunting for those without experience in building or managing one.
Is it really possible? What would it take and could it be viable? Is the area large enough? Are aquariums hard to manage? Who and how many people will come? How do you design and build an aquarium? These are just some of the questions that arise in the early stages of an aquarium development.
With extensive experience and expertise in designing, building, operating and maintaining some of the world’s largest aquariums around the globe for more than twenty years, AAT’s Concept Development Service is for anybody thinking about the feasibility and initial designs of an aquarium. Assisting investors, planners, architects, governments and developers the Concept Development Service creates a realistic vision ensuring that the feasibility study is appropriately structured, scoped and informed.
Support and guidance for detailed feasibility, scoping and idea generation in very early stages.
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CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
AAT works closely with architects, developers, government agencies, town planners, major hotels, resort owners, and investors all over the world on the design of new aquariums and by doing so have collaborated with some of the largest architectural companies in the world, including 3XN, Foster & Partners and Boltshauser.
The Sketch & Schematic Service assists architects in particular by:
• Giving access to the technical expertise they need to cater for the unique space and engineering requirements of a world class aquarium.
• Identify and cater for common pitfalls early so they don’t become a problem later.
• Push the boundaries of engineering to enable innovation that matters for visitors including unique viewing experiences, educational capabilities and research potential.
• Explore ways for the aquarium to achieve high standards in environmental performance.
• Create unique and exciting visitor experiences (above and below the water line).
AAT’s network of strategic partners includes talented architects experienced in the design and construction of aquariums. Connecting clients with skilled architects in collaboration with AAT, the Sketch & Schematic Service will explore potential designs and concepts and deliver the initial vision of a world class aquarium and the visitor’s journey.
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The AAT Sketch & Schematic Service benefits architects, designers and visionaries by offering expert knowledge that taps into the latest and most advanced aquarium technologies so that they can push the boundaries of innovation and realise their creative dreams, without compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of the aquarium infrastructure, operations and life support systems.
SKETCH & SCHEMATIC SERVICE Push the boundaries of
creativity and imagination with confidence through
early access to innovative technical expertise.
The Design & Engineering Service is a critical step towards creating an efficient world class system designed to provide longevity, economical operating costs and low maintenance requirements in an aquarium.
Water is a tricky substance. In addition to its tremendous weight, water is corrosive to metal, breeds bacteria effortlessly, is able to convey toxic minerals long distances and will try to escape whatever vessel contains it. With the expertise that AAT can bring in developing world class systems, the Design & Engineering Service will resolve the unique engineering and specification challenges for architecture and construction companies working on buildings that will contain millions of litres water, and thousands of precious marine animals.
Without compromising on safety and durability, AAT’s team will design and engineer the fundamental elements that create a marine ecosystem best suited for the animals living in the aquarium, meanwhile, incorporating vast acrylic viewing windows and acrylic features for an inspiring and surreal underwater viewing experience.
Acrylic manufacturing techniques are constantly evolving and enabling ever more creativity from underwater tunnels and walkways to domes and underwater experiences. In 2014 AAT enabled the Cube Oceanarium, at Seaside City in Chengdu, China, to declare itself the proud owner of the world’s largest acrylic panel, at 40 meters long and 8.3 meters high,
and awarded two Guinness World Records. DES
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AAT’s expertise in aquarium construction isn’t purely theoretical, it’s backed by years of hands-on experience designing, constructing and delivering aquariums around the world.
This experience has enabled AAT to build a team and company focused on practicing the best techniques to design and engineer aquariums that will seamlessly flow through the many phases involved in the construction and installation process.
DESIGN & ENGINEERING SERVICE
Technical engineering and construction specifications for the primary and augmented infrastructure.
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Building an aquarium from design to completion is a niche industry requiring a highly experienced workforce, and a range of specialised skills and tools.
AAT has assembled one of the most experienced team of experts in this field and created the global supply chain required to complete the construction on time, on budget and to the highest international standards.
CONSTRUCT & INSTALL SERVICE
Expert coordination and a combination of on-site and prefabricated techniques coupled with proven global sourcing and logistics.
AAT’s Construct and Install Service is built on a carefully coordinated combination of on-site construction combined with prefabricated system installation, coupled with proven global sourcing of suppliers and products, and a global network of logistic services. Unique requirements of constructing and installing the range of specialist equipment include assembling highly sophisticated Life Support Systems to a diverse range of exhibit tanks throughout the aquarium.
The margin for error for this work is staggeringly small, and the cost of failure staggeringly high. Quality assurance, knowledge and skill is everything.
PROPRIETARY ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
AAT’s Construct and Install capabilities enable us to lead, coordinate and deploy teams of highly skilled specialists to aquarium construction sites anywhere in the world. AAT are leaders in the specialist aquarium services and through years of experience have developed proprietary techniques in specialist waterproofing processes, tank construction methods, and LSS equipment installation.
Wherever possible and practical, AAT trains and nurtures its own talent. AAT’s team leaders and specialist workers include veteran AAT employees who share a common philosophy around the best way to get the job done to the highest standards.
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PREFABRICATED LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Traditional processes for tank construction and Life Support System assembly involves amassing a wide range of specialists and sub-contractors to do the work on-site.
AAT’s experience in the industry allows us to design aquariums that recognise and reduce the resources and operational costs required to operate such a facility. Life Support Systems may be acquired individually and installed on-site or shipped as a pre-assembled unit from the manufacturing facility in China.
With a dedicated fabrication facility located in Guangzhou, home to a team of over 100 AAT personnel, comprising skilled tradesmen and technicians trained to world class AAT standards. This is also the base for AAT’s international team of engineers, manufacturing experts and experienced internationals from Australia, China, Japan, NZ, Spain, South Africa, USA and United Kingdom.
SPECIALIST WORKS IN AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION
Other services required to build an aquarium include specialist waterproofing, aquarium lighting systems, rockwork and artificial scenery design and delivery, and FRP tank supply and installation services for smaller exhibits or quarantine tanks throughout the aquarium.
AAT’s team of specialists cover all of these fundamental processes and services throughout the construction phase and can deliver a range of options that will meet budget requirements without compromising on creating an inspiring and world class visitor experience.
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ACRYLIC VIEWING WINDOWS
On every major aquarium build there is an opportunity to create inspiring, immersive viewing experiences with the use of acrylic windows however during the construction phase the critical path runs through the supply of the large and complex acrylic panels. AAT have built a highly trained and experience team that understand the complexities of working with cast block acrylic by providing a full range of thermoforming, bonding and annealing technologies to create the unique panels.
Taking our delivery of projects one step further AAT has signed a technology agreement with Evonik to begin manufacturing cast block acrylic in sheets sizes up to 12 x 3.3 m. For our clients this now means that we can provide accelerated production timeframes of high quality acrylic and then attend to site to carry out the installation. AAT’s installation experience and expertise is world renowned which is why AAT was contracted to install the world record setting 260 ton panel at Marine Life Park, Resort World Sentosa (Singapore).
LOGISTICS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Due to the complex nature of building an aquarium, project management and project programming is vital to delivering the project on time for the grand opening, and paramount to delivering the aquarium within the client’s budget requirements.
AAT’s clients can be assured of quality, time frames and world class standards being successfully met.
The aquarium Life Support System (LSS) is not just another water treatment plant, in overall design and philosophy the aquarium LSS is an inherent part of the living ecosystem and fundamentally different from a conventional pool filtration plant. Aquariums require more than just water clarity. Water chemistry, system biology, component material, turnover rate and even tank currents are all integral to the health of the system.
Many standard water treatment components are not suited to the biological nature of aquarium LSS, or the salt laden environment. For this reason AAT have for many years designed, developed and manufactured our range of LSS components. The range of LSS products include:
• Foam Fractionators
• Sand Filters
• Multi-Function Bag Filters
• Titanium Heat Exchangers and Heat Pumps
To accelerate a project, reduce cost and ensure quality assurance, pre-fabricating systems before arriving on-site not only can the installation be smart, simple and efficient, the systems arrive tested and approved during the pre-assembly process.
• UV Filters
• Ozone Generators
• Skid Mounted LSS Units
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LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
The vital components of an aquarium is its Life Support System (LSS) which is responsible for the flow, chemical composition, cleanliness and temperature. AAT designed aquariums have the LSS bound into the design from the initial concept. The relationship of key components of LSS plant and treatment tanks to the aquarium itself is fundamental to plant efficiency, operating cost and water quality.
Life Support Systems play a major role in enhancing the physical health and wellbeing of the species in any aquarium.
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LIVESTOCK SOURCING & RELOCATION
AAT’s Livestock Sourcing and Relocation Service is designed to maximise the animal’s wellbeing at every stage in the journey. With years of experience AAT have the resources to provide maximum control and influence from the beginning to the end of this journey following strict international guidelines and expectations.
Entirely different from conventional fishing, precision harvesting of marine life involves marine biologists and divers with extensive expertise in animal identification catching individual animals one at a time by hand or by hook. Using this technique ensures no collateral damage, and on occasion lends itself to encounters with species in need of assistance.
Once recovered the animals are safely transferred as swiftly as possible, to larger onshore tanks at AAT’s aquaculture and quarantine facility. Here AAT’s team of highly experienced aquarists monitor their welfare and introduce them into their new environment.
Quarantine processes are more than a legal and compliance consideration. The export of fit and healthy disease free animals is vital for their own welfare too, as they embark on a journey across the nation or even around the world. AAT teams are well versed in animal quarantine requirements as well as the vital considerations of animal care and welfare.
AAT holds all of the necessary approvals, endorsements and licenses to acquire and export the marine animals required by public aquariums for research, breeding and exhibition.
Responsibility requiring extreme sensitivity to
the species’ needs and welfare at every stage of
what can be a lengthy and complex journey.
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COMMISSION, TRAINING & HANDOVER
Commissioning an aquarium is a sequence of carefully coordinated events over time, involving many skills and disciplines including engineers, plumbers, fitters, electricians, aquarists, marine biologists and managers. Ultimately the process confirms that the systems are safe and performing as they should in accordance with their design and specification.
The AAT Commissioning, Training and Handover services comprises of the technical commissioning of the aquarium infrastructure and equipment as well as getting aquarium staff trained and oriented on all aspects of running, managing and maintaining the facility.
The aquarium and Life Support System commissioning process is one of the most important steps in a quality assurance program that begins many months earlier to ensure that all of the equipment is properly installed and fully operational. It is also one of the most important moments in the handover of operational responsibility from construction to the owners and operators.
It is important to recognise that this process takes many weeks to provide for curing times, filling the tanks, achieving the appropriate water chemistry and confirming stable water quality, testing all plumbing, fixtures, fittings, equipment, and introducing the species in an appropriate order and manner.
For years of reliable service, a thorough and successful commissioning procedure is in everyone’s best interests.
One of the most important steps in the quality assurance program is to guide the operation of the aquarium successfully into the future.
The Aquarium Operations Service enables aquarium owners and operators to contract many or all aspects of the technical operational management to AAT. The service is flexible and modular by nature. Different owners and operators have different preferences regarding which processes and responsibilities to keep ‘in-house’ and which to ‘out-source’.
AAT is able to put together a bespoke portfolio of services for each individual client based on their circumstances, wants and needs. This service can be provided anywhere in the world given appropriate lead times, and can potentially include one or any combination of the following responsibilities:
• Life Support System operator and maintenance
• Exhibit cleaning and diving
• Aquarist animal management
To ensure optimum conditions are met over the life of an aquarium, AAT can provide inspections and audit services to existing aquariums that require maintenance and upgrades to life support systems, acrylic window refurbishment or replacement, and general infrastructure and equipment optimisation. This service will provide a comprehensive report including all technical findings with a proposed timetable of recommended actions and next steps.
Peace of mind that comes from knowing that the aquarium is being operated by the experts.
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AQUARIUM OPERATIONS SERVICE
AAT are world renowned for managing some of the best aquariums efficiently and effectively, from unique signature aquarium features to some of the largest aquariums and oceanariums in the world.
Outsourcing the technical operations of the aquarium allows the client to concentrate on the front of house requirements and visitor experiences.
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REPAIR, RESTORATION & REFURBISHMENT
Our services for restoration draw upon AAT’s proven construction and installation capabilities, because for larger projects there is considerable logistical and reconstruction considerations, particularly in the event that restoration work is coupled with redesign and upgraded exhibits.
Modern construction techniques and aquarium technologies are constantly evolving and improving. Restoration and refurbishment actions may be needed particularly in some of the older or more established facilities to increase footfall and revenue.
Upgrading an existing aquarium not only allows for modern and efficient systems to be introduced, but also allows exhibits and the journey through an aquarium to be upgraded, boosting visitor numbers and generate repeat customers for many years. AAT’s Repair, Restoration & Refurbishment Service allows the project to be completed in a swift and reliable manner using the latest and most robust technologies with minimal impact on the animals and visitors.
The proven construction and installation capabilities that AAT have delivered on large projects provide ease in the considerable logistical and construction considerations of repair, restoration and refurbishment projects.
By upgrading and refurbishing exhibits, the aquarium will continue to
attract repeat visitors.
Featured Global Projects
Den Blå Planet (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Year: 2009 - 2013Project Value: $ 30,000,000
Aquarium specialist works including waterproofing, life support systems supply and installation, acrylic panel and tunnel installation, rock work and theming, FRP tanks, testing and commissioning.
Marine Life Park, Resort World (Sentosa, Singapore)
Year: 2010 - 2011Project value: $ 11,000,000
Life support system design consultancy, supply and on-site supervision along with acrylic panel installations, including the main tank panel.
Grand Aquarium, Ocean Park (Hong Kong)
Year: 2009 - 2010Project value: $ 15,000,000
Life support system design, supply and installation, commissioning.
Cube Oceanarium (Chengdu, China)
Year: 2013 - 2015Project value: $ 17,000,000
Aquarium specialist works including waterproofing, life support systems supply and installation, acrylic panel installation, rock work and theming, FRP tanks, testing and commissioning.
Global Office Locations
AUSTRALIAHONG KONG
CHINA
General Enquiries
+61 7 5476 [email protected]
www.advanced-aquariums.com