<news>

Boree St, Burpengary

Project No. 6808

BEC’s Boree St project scope included Structural, Civil, Hydraulic and ESD engineering services as well as ESD modelling, compliance and recommendations on a new 3 storey residence in Burpengary.

Primarily a blockwork/concrete project, the design includes a lap pool wrapping around the north and west walls and originally incorporated a steel frame structure proposed to support north and south facing green roofs. As the project progressed, BEC was also asked to provide an erosion and sediment control plan. Our scope included structural design for the entire building, inclusive of coordination between dwelling and pool such that the dwelling/pool interface includes an underwater basement pool window.

Our ESD contribution covered NatHERS modelling for compliance, solar PV system consultancy, and electricity usage analysis among other recommendations.  The Solar PV system feeds into multiple Tesla Powerwall II systems to ensure the battery power storage is sufficient to continue to power the entire house during heavy storm conditions with no grid power.  (more…)

University of East London

BE Collective director John Tuxworth lead the structural design team for four new teaching and residential buildings as well as a bridge. Situated in a stunning waterfront location the Dockland campus was opened in 2000.

Designed by Foster + Partners for UEL’s Dockland campus, the steel framed educational structures support precast hollowcore floors and roof, which also incorporates building services.  

The characteristic brightly coloured circular residences provide accommodation for over 1200 students. (more…)

Edward Street Vitrines

Project No. 6669

BE Collective were excited to be a part of the designing and specification of some beautiful new glass display vitrines located on  Edward St in the heart of Brisbane CBD’s high end commercial space.

The brief described an upright triangular prism with a bronze frame placed on top of a concrete plinth. The frame has to be strong enough to hold large safety glass panes and withstand moderate levels of pedestrian loads or force (from people clamouring to purchase the products within we assume).

Our completed documentation ensured compliance with strict architectural detail, provided an excellent level of durability and ensured a long life span.

(more…)

QUT V Block Façade

IMG_5203Project No. 6421

BE Collective was commissioned to provide structural consultancy input for two of the recent renovations to the QUT Gardens Point Library.

V-Block is a beautiful, austere and brutalist concrete structure that has well served the student population over decades. In the current digital-age the role and function of libraries is changing rapidly, and the base building fabric of V-Block is enabling re-lifing through wonderful modifications and updates.

The particular project included façade modification to enhance natural light, and also transparency and connectivity with the broader campus, including the historic and heritage listed Old Government House. Our input contributed to the removal of sections of the existing façade including the demolition of pre-cast sunhoods and trimming of insitu-concrete up-stand beams. This had to be done with consideration to the constraints of the existing post-tensioned concrete waffle-pod slab.

A feature outcrop glass glazing façade was incorporated through the use of stainless steel fittings and plates for a clean and contemporary finish. (more…)

St Eugene’s College

20150804_121422Project No. 6320

The New Grade-7 building is the fifth building we have designed at St Eugene’s.

In order to accommodate the transition of the Grade-7 curriculum from primary to high school, St Eugene College commissioned BE Collective to provide structural services for a new building. The two-storey reinforced concrete building includes a steel roof, a small amphitheater and some attractive, raked, off-form columns.

The primary challenge was the design of a suspended ground-floor slab (to allow flood waters to flow beneath) supported on a deep-level foundations nested between a complex web of in-ground – including fire water, communications, electrics, storm water and sewer.

After some adjustments, the project was completed near the start of 2016 – in time for the school year. (more…)