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Palmview Schools

#Project No: 7086

BE Collective were pleased to work with James Cubitt Architects (JCA) on the Palmview Schools project. The DoE commission was for the development of three new schools on a greenfield site. We delivered a coordinated multi-discipline service offering including Structural, Civil, Hydraulic (including Wet Fire), and Section J Energy Efficiency.

Our team was involved from the master planning phase, through concept, schematic, and detailed design for the new State School, Special School and State Secondary School (with a combined functional space of 18,000m2).

The scale and complexity of the project, combined with its proximity to protected wetlands proved to make the time-sensitive project a challenge. We worked closely with the Client, JCA, Cadence and  Place Design Group’s Landscape team, to ensure an optimal result. A concerted multi-discipline approach facilitated a smooth delivery & a project we’re proud of.

Hiron Street, St Lucia

Job No: 6923

BE Collective supported the circa $2mill alterations & additions to this architectural river-front home at St Lucia in Brisbane. The original home was designed by BVN, and detailed to the exacting standards of then Director Shane Thompson. The integration of services and finishes of the original build have facilitated an effortlessly pleasurable living experience. The current owners have invited Shane back (now as Shane Thompson Architects) to reconfigure and extend the home to facilitate expanded entertainment & guest suites.

Our multi-discipline commission included Structural, Civil, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy Efficiency & ESD.

The energy demands of the property are substantial. Our brief included maximising alternative energy generation, which in this instance necessitated covering all available roof space with high-efficiency micro-inverter photovoltaics and the installation of a large battery array. In this instance 2 x Tesla Powerwall battery-units were adopted.

The structural aspects of the project included extension of the existing basement to side boundaries, and facilitating extension of the multi-storey reinforced concrete structure with portal-framing employed to facilitate full-width stacker doors.

All disciplines were documented & coordinated in Revit, including the plumbing & drainage and gas as required for multiple kitchens and basement fixtures. Civil earthworks were modeled in Civil3D. The existing stormwater system was modified to facilitate pumping of flood waters for those times where Council modeled 1% AEP levels are exceed in the future.

Macadamias Australia – New Facility

Project No: 7083

We recently came on-board alongside Architect Tomas O’Malley to assist Macadamias Australia with a proposed two-storey industrial and commercial complex. The Bundaberg development includes a processing facility, office area, and tourism facility.  Our team provided Energy Efficiency reporting which covered a preliminary design assessment, a detailed Deemed-to-Satisfy report, and Form 15 Energy Efficiency certification. We used the NCC glazing and lighting calculators to ensure compliance of glazing specifications and lighting energy use respectively. The facility’s façade is almost entirely glass, which made glazing for the western side particularly challenging.  We also ensured that the wall/roof/ceiling insulation was adequate, and specified the mechanical services performance requirements (air conditioning, ventilation, security, etc.).

Bubbling Springs, Hiddenvale

Project No: 6973

The Bubbling Springs Landscape Masterplan is a proposed eco-tourism site covering 11,000 Acres and accommodating approximately 290 people. The development will provide facilities to the Hidden Vale Adventure Park which is primarily mountain biking and trail running. The development is to be based on sustainable principles to minimise impact on the natural landscape while aiming to maximise the natural, educational and cultural values of the existing environment.

Following an information request from Council, Spicers Retreats reached out to us. BEC’s provision included Design and Documentation for an emergency Generator and associated fuel storage; Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids; maintaining the functional use of the proposed Wastewater Treatment Systems; Cold Storage for the Café/ Restaurant; and the location of generators and pumps for water reticulation for water supplies. We designed all documentation to include appropriate offsets and clearances for remnant bushland/vegetation.

Images: Tim Bardsley-Smith (more…)

East St, Toowoomba

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…)