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East St, Toowoomba

March 26, 2019

Project No: 6880

BEC was commissioned to provide multi-discipline engineering consultancy services in support of renovations and an extension to a gorgeous 3-storey pre-war heritage listed dwelling in Toowoomba. The works included internal alterations, addition of Northern and southern veranda roof, reoccupation of veranda as bathrooms, and further external works.

We provided a dilapidation audit of the existing structure and prepared a structural condition report outlining key recommendations with respect to H&S and budget allowances. We prepared structural design of new works including footings, floor, wall and roof framing, bracing, tiedown and retaining walls. The BEC team also handled inspections and documentation for design and construction, coordination of energy efficiency report, and a soil testing report.

We provided extensive ESD services for the project too, which covered model creation and initial simulation; consultation with client, model glazing and insulation improvements, energy efficiency reporting, and glazing and insulation specifications. (more…)

Cannon Hill Residence

November 8, 2018

Project No: 6924

The BEC Team worked alongside Owen Architecture on the design and development approval of a new two storey house and associated external works constructed in Cannon Hill, on Dorothea St.

We provided detailed structural design and documentation, and detailed Hydraulic design and documentation including water reticulation, sanitary drainage and site drainage.  We also provided extensive Energy Efficiency design and assessment elements for the Class 1 dwelling, including software modelling and simulation; iterative model glazing and insulation improvements in consultation with client; and preparation of energy efficiency report to meet Queensland Development Code.

Barton Street

October 13, 2017

Project No. 6807

BE Collective was commissioned by Jason Bird (Founder, managing director, and designer at Luxxbox) to work on structural alterations and additions on ‘The Bird House’ as it has come to be known in the office.  The existing house is a two-storey construction with single-storey street frontage on stumps, and a lower storey which is part built in.

Our mission – as we chose to accept it – was to take the existing house and transform it into a modern dwelling that grows from and compliments the surrounding terrain. Our work included an extension, pool and carport to create a living space that a world class design professional would appreciate. 

The diverse professional skillset of our team allowed us control of the project across disciplines, meaning we could complete the revitalised building design; structural analysis and design; and energy efficiency design process comprehensively and internally. This enabled greater communication across disciplines and a unity of vision throughout every stage of the project. After taking over the design process, BEC was able to drastically reduce construction costs, while increasing thermal performance of the building and provide significant engineering solutions and comprehensive ESD for this structurally complex construction. (more…)

Bangkok Sustainable Masterplan

June 16, 2016

5Project No. 6589

The BE Collective team was  commissioned to provide ESD services in support of a huge 17-hectare high-density, mixed-use development concept in Suan Lum in the heart of Bangkok; master-planned by The Buchan Group.

Tasked with facilitating sustainability and environmentally conscious initiatives for a development of this size, the BE Collective team looked to push ourselves and the project beyond the typical ‘carbon neutral’ or ‘carbon neutral’ standards that are the core of most current energy efficiency rating schemes.

We identified the specific environmental needs of the Suan Lum district to be pollution mitigation relating to air quality, water quality, stormwater management and energy generation.

We envisaged a group of buildings that drew-in air pollution and breathed out fresh air for the neighbourhood. We pictured structures that harvested clean energy from the head of the sun and of the earth to mitigate its own energy needs. A development that took in the polluted water of Bangkok’s struggling waterways and returned it clean and fresh.

To facilitate cleaner air, we suggested high-volume, low-pressure scrubbing and UV treatment systems. While the majority of current external air pollution control systems are designed only to disperse polluted air in a space deemed less harmful (those used in underground traffic tunnels for example)  we nominated a system that would actively contribute to improving air quality.

To achieve higher stormwater management capabilities in the area and increase flood proofing, we suggested a network of storm traps, porous concrete pavements and bio retention including green roofs.

In order to mitigate our developments vast energy needs, we worked to incorporate a multi-pronged and multi-discipline strategy including photovoltaic glass, wind turbines, a tri-generation plant and an underground thermal labyrinth.

Through these initiatives we were proud to target a Platinum “World Excellence” rating through the LEED Neighbourhood Developments rating tool. This equates to the highest possible 6-Star “World Leadership” ranking in the GBCA’s Green Star Communities tool, which is the Australian equivalent rating system. (more…)

Nundah House

January 20, 2014

nundah1

Project No. 6395

The Nundah House is a stunning architecturally designed home for which BE Collective was appointed to provide structural consultancy services.

BE Collective has a strong affinity with high-end residential design, which is evidenced through the innovative, buildable solutions that facilitate the often complex aesthetics of the architecture. Structural framing for this project is significant given the first floor cantilevers on three sides. These cantilevers are designed to disengage the first floor from the ground plan, to provide cover and also privacy to ground floor areas.

The Team also informed the passive solar design initiatives embodied in the architectural design.

The BE Collective team simplified, minimised and rationalised framing in support of a 300mm maximum structural floor-to-floor zone.

BE Collective provided expert and sympathetic engineering a in order to support architectural intent.

(more…)