Frequently Asked Questions

Standard payment terms are 10% deposit with order, fortnightly progress claims are issued throughout the project, with the balance payable upon practical completion of the project

• Site location
• Budget
• Intended use of building
• Building requirements and specifications
• Timeframe – when do you want to start, when do you want to move in
• Project Scope

Yes.

No problem. We can review at any time.

Akura has the flexibility to implement changes after construction commences within reason. If the project scope changes; for instance you would like to add an awning to your structure, we have the capacity to integrate this into the existing design and construct accordingly. We will always work to ensure your requirements are met.

Generally speaking, it takes approximately 5-8 months from concept to completion for a Turnkey project. However this largely depends on the complexity of the project.

For a U-Select™ Structural Package (footings, steel and panels), the turnaround can be from as little as 3 weeks.

A U-Select™ Lock-Up Package can be delivered from as little as 8-10 weeks.

You will be allocated with a specific Project Manager from the very beginning who will work with you throughout the duration of our scope of works.

Absolutely. Akura’s focus is on taking a collaborative approach with our customers. This means we provide regular updates regarding the progress of your project throughout each phase.

We have many happy customers as proof! Akura can provide you with details of past customers to discuss with them the process of working with Akura and why they recommend using us. Alternatively take a look at what some of our happy customers have to say.

Absolutely. Akura has a large portfolio of completed projects, only some of which are listed on the website. Our staff can provide you with details of specific projects similar to yours, or we can also organise a site visit so you can see first-hand the quality of our work. This also provides you with the opportunity to speak with past customers and get their take on what is like working with Akura.

• We are a family owned business with strong rural values, thus we have both a professional and personal interest in delivering high quality outcomes, underpinned by friendly and approachable staff.
• We have over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry and have worked across commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential projects
• We are supported by our ability to manufacture both structural steel and precast concrete panels which allows for shorter lead times, flexibility to make changes to the construction and cost efficiencies associated with dealing direct with the manufacturer – us!
• Our innovative design team work to ensure your project is as pleasing to the eye as it is functional.
• Expert Project Managers are involved from day one, helping to tailor the design, get it through Council and oversee its successful development to ensure it fully meets your needs.
• Because we own our trucks, mobile cranes and earthmoving equipment we have near complete control of construction.
• 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 the capacity to manufacture up to 1,200sqm of precast concrete panels per week.

To manufacture precast concrete and steel in the Central West is far more efficient and cost effective than in Sydney and other metropolitan areas. This offsets costs associated with freight. Our projects are largely based in areas like Canberra, Western Sydney, Tamworth and Central Coast – therefore we have many examples of how we’ve been able to be competitive against manufacturers located in those areas.

The maximum panel size is 3.5m x 10m

The standard thickness of precast concrete panels used for structural walling is 150mm. However, we have the ability to produce panels at a range of sizes and thicknesses.

Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment such as plant or factory to remove weather related variables that could cause inaccuracies and disrupt quality finishes. This controlled environment is optimal for reduced curing times and the advanced mix ratios achieve superior strength to withstand transport and erection loads.

Tilt-up panels are manufactured on site and is a time and space consuming practice, whereby a number of variables such as weather and site can impact the quality assurance of the final product and curing times are longer. But it can be beneficial on small, hard to access sites that precast concrete panels would not be able to be transported into.

Structural Walling
The panel acts as a load-bearing structural element of the building.

Cladding (clip-on panels/dado panels)
The panels are clipped onto a structural steel frame and operate as cladding only – they do not act as a load-bearing structural element.

Absolutely. Precast concrete panels are often utilised as a cost and time efficient alternative to traditional retaining wall products. Akura can supply precast concrete panels for residential, commercial and industrial retaining wall applications.

• Reduced lead times
• Flexibility to integrate any type of design or finish
• Flexibility to customise the panels specific to size and thickness
• Low Maintenance
• Durable
• Fast installation
• Cost efficient
• Can be used for structural walling or as a cladding/facade material

Absolutely. Also known as dado panels or clip-on panels, precast concrete cladding is manufactured to clip onto a structural steel frame. The beauty of this material is that there is the ability to apply architecturally designed features and is a robust, durable, low maintenance and high quality facade material.

The technology in concrete mix design has advanced considerably over the last decade and continues to do so. The very specific mix ratio ensures the durability of precast concrete panels, which at present across the industry, have an anticipated lifespan of around 100 years.

Environmental factors, purpose and use will impact this, i.e. in the case of precast concrete panels used for a building which contains chemicals, heavy material and corrosive elements, the lifespan may be considerably reduced.

The demand for precast concrete to cure faster and provide high early compressive strengths only continues to drive advances in technology and analysis of chemicals and additives.

The compressive strength is also a major contributor to durability. As an industry standard, precast concrete panels are manufactured to achieve a strength of 40mPA at 28 days. Akura’s process exceeds this standard.

This means that precast concrete panels are denser, thus have low permeability – meaning panels have a high resistance to the penetration of fluids. Denser the panel – potential for a longer lifespan.

The use of additives help precast concrete panel manufacturers to produce products that contain low w/c rations and higher compressive strengths than many cast-in-place structures – like tilt panels.

One of the many benefits of precast over cast-in-place/tilt panels is the ability to produce quality products on a consistent basis using new advances in additive technology and ‘environments’.

There exists a lot of confusion regarding the different ‘types’ of precast concrete panels, with many believing that both precast panels and tilt-up panels are one and the same. However, these two types of concrete panel are very different; in both the way that they are manufactured along with their durability and cost.

Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site, generally in a manufacturing plant which ensures a controlled environment for fast curing and consistent quality.

Tilt-up panels are manufactured on-site, where form-work is put together, concrete is poured on site and panels are lifted. The trend has moved away from site-cast (tilt panels) over the last decade, with many builders and architects appreciating the improved quality that factory cast, quality-tested precast panels can deliver.

There are a number of benefits of combining structural steel and precast concrete panels, but largely interface between both materials has greater accuracy due to coordinated drafting, and we can achieve greater construction efficiency during the installation process.

Absolutely not. Akura’s structural steel is 100% Australian sourced.