Making the client’s vision a reality
The physical environment proved challenging with regards to site access, constructability, proximity to adjacent heritage buildings (Adelaide Railway Station, Dunstan Playhouse and Adelaide Festival Centre), and working within high profile operating public spaces.
Our acoustic engineers analysed the noise and vibration for construction works and permanent condition to ensure that the structural integrity of the existing buildings’ foundations, and the design, complied with noise requirements.
Aurecon structural engineers used ‘engineering gymnastics’ to create a structure that partially overhangs the existing station building with the new expansion, by utilising a series of splayed columns, transfer walls and cantilevered floors. This enabled the client to maximise available building space and provide multiple links into the existing building across multiple levels while being sympathetic of building offsets and sight lines to adjacent heritage buildings.
Seismic and construction engineering was critical to understanding the behaviour and performance of the new structure, how it could be built safely, and how it interfaced with the 100-year-old railway station building.
Aurecon held detailed presentations with the contractor and trade contractors to brief them on the design intent and key drivers of the design and worked collaboratively to safely construct the building. This collaborative and integrated approach ensured that the architectural design intent was met without compromise on quality while achieving a structurally-efficient design.
Engineering ingenuity was used to design the transfer structure midway up the building. This floor represented a change in structural grids between the lower podium floors, where the focus is on column-free spaces, and the upper hotel floors where efficient room planning, and minimising structural depth was key.
Adding complexity was the 100-tonne pool and spa on this level, and the client’s requirement for a large, column free, conference centre below to maintain function and maximise hiring attractiveness.
A building for the future
The project is a luxurious entertainment and resort precinct of world-class calibre in the heart of Adelaide’s Riverbank Precinct.
Aurecon is proud to be a part of the shared vision and ambition to reinvent and reinvigorate Adelaide as a cosmopolitan and alluring destination that’s competitive in the domestic and global tourism markets.
