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Queensland State Velodrome

June 28, 2014

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Project no. 6454

Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane

In 2018 the Gold Coast will play host the Commonwealth Games and the new Queensland State Velodrome is the nominated venue for the international indoor cycling program. 

 
Laing O’Rourke consulted BE Collective to in order to identify a series of design and construction sequencing options for the stadium roof structure.
 
BE Collective’s sequencing options were developed with reference to concept documentation by Cox Rayner Architects and Planners, due to the complexity  of the structure and the associated potential program and budget risks identified in the tender briefing documents. 
 
A balanced score-card assessment based on the following in-house performance criteria was used to rate each of the three innovative design and construction options, including a cable-net structure:
  • Minimisation of Temporary Works Design
  • Member wall thicknesses efficiency due to sequencing
  • Speed of construction
  • Access for concurrent ground level works programme
  • Minimisation of onsite storage and assembly
  • Reduce working at height
  • Minimisation of temporary works
  • Maximisation of natural light (minimisation of shadowing)
  • Traditional construction methods
  • Innovation
  • Dematerialisation 
  • Minimisation of logistics 

 

Queensland Government media statement and image credits

[pdf_attachment file=”2″ name=”Conceptual-Construction-Sequencing-Report.pdf”]

[pdf_attachment file=”1″ name=”Sequencing Option1a.pdf”]

(more…)

Belambi Street Modular Prefabrication

January 23, 2014

bel1Project No. 6397

BE Collective was extremely excited at the opportunity to work with renowned Sydney architect Hannah Tribe of Tribe Studios and Redwood Project’s Sam Graiche on an innovative residential prototype, involving a pre-fabricated modular construct.

The idea was to create a modular pre-fab that could be both cost and time efficient. Time and money could be saved by offsite manufacturing and standardisation techniques, and the existing home could be used while the new structure was being built. A pre-fab structure was found to be appropriate for the site especially in regards to the uneven sandstone ground that would normally make piles difficult.

BE Collective was commissioned to provide consultancy services relating to a range of design and engineering aspects, including modularisation and connectivity issues. In terms of structural design our initiative was to “dematerialise” without compromising structure. BE Collective representatives from the Brisbane office were flown to Sydney for a site inspection and to meet and collaborate between partners.

The balance of rigorous design and engineering requirements was facilitated through a commitment to collaboration and a high level of effective communication. (more…)

Gambaros Restaurant & MG Hotel

September 15, 2013

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Project No. 6182

BE Collective were commissioned to provide structural and civil design for this significant project in the heart of the Caxton St entertainment precinct.

The project comprised additions to the existing restaurant in Phase 1, with Phase 2 including a new 5-storey hotel with 2 new floors above the restaurant.
There were many complexities associated with the project, including:

  • The requirement for strengthening existing slabs, beams, columns, and foundations
  • Replacement of an existing combined sewer which served several adjacent heritage buildings
  • Detailed design and documentation to initially retain a ‘building or significance’ heritage façade and end walls
  • Significant demolition
  • Structural reporting to the Brisbane City Council Heritage department
  • Tight site constraints & neighbouring tenancy issues
  • Phased construction
  • Fire protection of strengthened elements whilst meeting budgetary expectations and ceiling height constraints
  • Degradation of the existing structure
  • Continued restaurant trading
  • Minimal contingency

Our innovative approach informed the base structure featured steel framing and precast ‘Hollowcore’ concrete floor planks to achieve the benefits associated with prefabrication and light-weight construction, whilst still providing a ‘dense’ floor system for the hotel suites.

The alterations and additions to building elements of several different vintages and varying construction quality necessitated multiple design and documentation iterations and a significant site presence throughout construction.

BE Collective was also commissioned separately to provide engineering support for contractor elements associated with temporary and construction works.

Footage of the hotel construction as featured on Nine News, January 30, 2014. (more…)

WDEA Offices, Warrnambool

January 20, 2013

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Project no. 6173

The new Western District Employment Agency (WDEA) offices in Warrnambool, Victoria, is a 2000m2 GFA 2-storey stand-alone commercial development. BE Collective provided structural, civil and sustainability support for the project. The principal consultant was extremely receptive to our sustainability initiatives, which lead design decisions across the other disciplines.  Precast hollow core planks were specified in support of dematerialisation and exposed thermal mass. Reverse veneer construction was achieved by adopting painted tilt-up concrete concrete walls in conjunction with insulation and light weight cladding.

The building is founded on shallow piers in weathered sandstone, and stormwater management was achieved via ground water recharge detention tanks. Construction completion is expected mid-2013.