Hydraulic | CORE Consulting Engineers

Government, Heritage, Electrical, Hydraulic, Structural

Pioneers Memorial Park – Leichardt, NSW

Working Within A Sensitive Heritage Landscape

CORE was engaged by Hector Abrahams Architects to deliver structural, electrical and hydraulic engineering design services for new amenities within Pioneers Memorial Park on behalf of Inner West City Council. The project involved the design of a new public amenities facility within a heritage-listed park located above an archaeological cemetery site.

The park is an important local open space and memorial landscape, requiring careful consideration of heritage values and historical sensitivities throughout the design process.

Delivering new infrastructure within Pioneers Memorial Park required careful coordination due to the presence of archaeological remains beneath the site.The design needed to minimise disturbance while ensuring the new facility could be safely and effectively integrated into the park environment.

Key considerations included:

Structural design sensitive to archaeological constraints
Hydraulic services coordinated to minimise ground disturbance
Careful integration within the heritage park setting
Compliance with council and heritage requirements

This project highlights CORE’s ability to deliver public infrastructure within complex heritage environments, where careful engineering decisions help protect the layered history of the site while enabling its continued use by the community.

Aged Care/Health, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical

52-56 Pank Parade, Blacktown, NSW

Coordinating Complex Building Services for a Senior Living Environment

At 52–56 Pank Parade, CORE worked alongside Mode Design for LAHC (Land and Housing Corporation) to deliver a senior’s living development, providing full building services design from concept through to the construction phase.

Senior living projects demand a higher level of consideration – not just in performance, but in how services integrate within often constrained and highly planned environments.

At Pank Parade, this was amplified by spatial limitations and the complexity of coordinating multiple services within a tightly resolved architectural layout.

Our role was to bring structure and clarity to that complexity – progressing the design through to tender and construction phase while ensuring all building services were coordinated, compliant and practical to deliver.

Key aspects of our involvement included:

Delivering fully coordinated MEPF design aligned with architectural and planning constraints
Navigating spatial challenges to ensure efficient and buildable service integration
Managing LVL3 ASP requirements, including authority applications and approvals
Coordinating closely with stakeholders and authorities to maintain program and momentum

Our focus was on maintaining momentum throughout, working closely with the design team and authorities to progress decisions efficiently and keep the project moving.

By taking ownership of the more intricate aspects of services coordination and approvals, we provided a steady and structured approach that supported both the design team and client through key stages of the project.

The result is a well-resolved building services design that responds to the needs of a senior living environment, while remaining practical, coordinated and ready for delivery.

Government, Heritage, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical

Gunnamatta Park – Cronulla, NSW

Overview

CORE was engaged by Sam Crawford Architects to provide Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic and Fire engineering design services for the renewal of the Gunnamatta Pavilion at Gunnamatta Park, Cronulla on behalf of Sutherland Shire Council.

Located on the foreshore of Gunnamatta Bay, the heritage-listed pavilion is a landmark community facility that has served the local community since the late 1930s. The renewal project aims to revitalise the building while preserving its heritage character and strengthening its role as a community gathering place.

The project delivers upgraded public amenities, flexible community spaces and improved connections to the surrounding park and waterfront environment.

Our Approach

CORE worked closely with the architect and consultant team to deliver coordinated building services design that supports both the functional requirements of the pavilion and its long-term role as a community facility.

Our scope included the design and documentation of:

Mechanical ventilation systems
Electrical lighting and power infrastructure
Hydraulic water supply and drainage systems
Fire services design

The engineering design prioritised durability, simplicity and operational efficiency, ensuring the facility can support heavy public use while remaining practical for council operations and maintenance.

CORE’s building services design supports the delivery of a durable, well-integrated public facility that will continue to serve the Cronulla community for generations to come.

Heritage, Hospitality, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical

Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa

Great Engineering Isn't Always Seen. It's Felt.

Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa is a historic Southern Highlands estate originally established in 1910 as a grand country residence, later evolving into one of the region’s most recognised luxury hospitality destinations.

CORE was engaged by Salter Brothers to deliver building services engineering for the refurbishment of guest rooms and public areas as part of a broader repositioning of the estate into a premium boutique hospitality experience.

The works formed part of a multi-million-dollar transformation of the property, carefully revitalising the historic estate while elevating guest experience and modernising the building’s operational performance.

The project required engineering solutions that could support contemporary hospitality standards while respecting the architectural character of the heritage building.

The moment you step into Bowral’s Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa, you’re met with a sense of calm, refinement and quiet luxury -a space that truly transports you.

This project required modern services interventions to be integrated within an existing heritage building while maintaining the atmosphere and elegance expected of a luxury country retreat.

Key Challenges:

Integrating modern building services within a heritage structure
Supporting a premium guest experience through environmental comfort and reliability
Coordinating services upgrades within constrained existing building fabric
Delivering systems that support long-term operational performance for the asset owner

Engineering the Experience

While any project can meet a technical brief, not every engineering approach creates a space that genuinely feels exceptional. In hospitality environments, engineering plays a quiet yet powerful role. Beyond systems and compliance, it influences the comfort, air quality, lighting, acoustics and overall reliability and performance of the building – ultimately
shaping the guest experience.

At Milton Park, our focus extended beyond simply upgrading services. We worked closely with the project team to ensure engineering decisions supported the sense of calm, refinement and quiet luxury that defines the property.

Our Engineering Approach Prioritised:

Creating comfortable and consistent internal environments for guests
Enhancing air quality, lighting quality and acoustic comfort
Integrating modern services discreetly within the heritage structure
Supporting operational reliability for the hotel team

For hospitality asset owners and developers, these decisions also support broader outcomes – helping reduce operational risk, avoid unplanned lifecycle costs and ensure building systems perform reliably for years to come.

By aligning engineering with both the architectural vision and the long-term operational needs of the asset, we were able to deliver a space where the engineering works quietly in the background while the guest experience remains front and centre.

Seeing this beautiful heritage property come to life – and now performing as intended – is incredibly rewarding for the entire team.

Faith-Based Buildings, Education, Electrical, Façade, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Remedial, Structural

Sydney Catholic & Anglican Schools

Delivering Integrated, People-First Solutions Across Multiple Educational Campuses

CORE has developed a strong and ongoing partnership with Sydney Catholic & Anglican Schools, delivering end-to-end engineering consultancy services across a number of primary and secondary education projects throughout Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales.

Our multi-disciplinary capabilities have supported the successful planning, design and delivery of projects at:

Holy Spirit Catholic College, Lakemba
St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Mortlake
St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Meadowbank
Shellharbour Anglican College
St Aloysius College, Cronulla

These projects reflect our ability to respond to the complex and evolving needs of educational environments, delivering tailored solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and long-term value for students, educators, and administrators alike.

Our scope of services across these campuses has included electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, fire, civil, structural, and facade engineering. Each site presented unique challenges – from site constraints in dense urban settings to integration with existing infrastructure and staged construction around live school environments.

Through close collaboration with architects, project managers, and Sydney Catholic Schools’ planning teams, CORE ensured that all building services were designed to meet modern educational standards while supporting sustainability objectives, operational efficiency, and ease of long-term maintenance.

Engineering Educational Spaces for Performance and Longevity…

Educational environments require a people-first approach that goes beyond technical delivery. Considerations around student wellbeing, acoustic comfort, natural ventilation, lighting, and safety are central to our design philosophy.

Our ability to deliver coordinated, in-house consultancy services means fewer handovers, faster issue resolution and a more unified outcome that aligns with the school’s vision and values.

Whether designing for new learning spaces, administration buildings, or upgrades to essential infrastructure, CORE consistently provides thoughtful, responsive engineering solutions that support the holistic development of school communities.

Faith-Based Buildings, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical

ISKCON Temple – North Sydney, NSW

CORE recently completed the design phase for a unique and culturally significant engineering consultancy project: the redevelopment of the ISKCON Hindu Temple at 180 Falcon Street, North Sydney.

Engaged by Potentia Group and ISKCON, our team was responsible for delivering comprehensive building services, including electrical, Level 3 electrical design, mechanical, hydraulic, fire, and vertical transport.

The new temple is set to replace the existing structure, spanning four basement levels and four above-ground levels in a highly visible location at the intersection of Miller and Falcon Streets.

Timeline

Spatials/Concepts – 2 months

Design – 6 months

Construction – TBC

Collaborative Design for Spiritually Significant Spaces

Working on a place of worship requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach that balances technical excellence with a deep respect for cultural and functional needs.

The Hindu temple presented unique challenges, particularly in ensuring that all services complemented the architectural vision and the sacred function of the space. For instance, the large, open-plan worship areas required innovative
ventilation solutions that preserved the spatial openness while achieving comfort and efficiency.

Our team designed a series of vertical risers extending to the roof level – an intensive process that involved iterative design coordination and detailed spatial planning. Over a two-month spatial and conceptual design phase, followed by
six months of detailed design, we worked closely with the project architect, a sustainability engineer, and the town planner to ensure full integration of all building systems.

This coordination was crucial in a development where aesthetics, spiritual significance, and community use had to be sensitively considered alongside compliance and technical performance. CORE’s capacity to deliver a full suite of services under one roof streamlined communication and enhanced the outcome for the client – ensuring that the final design is not only technically robust but also reflects the temple’s cultural importance and community role.

Aged Care/Health, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Structural

‘Uniting Bramley’ Aged Care Village, Beecroft, NSW

Situated in leafy Beecroft, Uniting Bramley is favoured amongst locals for its location – just moments from Beecroft Place shopping centre and Beecroft train station, it is perfect for those needing to downsize.

CORE has been engaged to provide electrical, fire, hydraulic and structural engineering consultancy services pertaining to Uniting Bramley’s aged care village. The village consists of 46, 2-bedroom aged care residences that are spread across three low-rise buildings.

The scope of work will see significant upgrades and modernisation carried out to existing buildings with the objective of optimising usable space and delivering on end-users changing requirements.

Working closely with the architect, AI Design, the CORE team are tasked with assessing existing assets and preparing a recommendation that supports the Client’s vision, timelines and budget. We are also facilitating DA lodgment with Hornsby Council.

Our MEPF and Structures divisions are working closely to provide a design that enhances Uniting Bramley’s residences with tenant comfort and experience in mind. We are also providing rectification solutions to improve elements of the original design to ensure these locations reflect and align with proposed modern additions.

Timeline

Currently undergoing design (3 – 6 month estimate)

Aged Care/Health, Electrical, Façade, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Structural

‘Anthem Care’ Residential Aged Care, Hornsby, NSW

CORE were initially contacted by Blissett Group to provide pre-engagement advice regarding a new residential aged care development in Hornsby. During this period, our team collaborated with both the Client as well as their preferred local and international suppliers to determine optimal construction methods.

Testament to our quality advice and having gained a strong understanding of Client objectives, CORE was formally engaged to deliver design services from concept to completion across all major disciplines: mechanical, electrical, fire, hydraulic, facades, structures.

Timeline

Our team is currently undergoing design for the 12-storey aged care facility with commercial tenants and assisted living units. We estimate a 6 – 9 month completion timeframe for design.

A Welcome Addition to Hornsby’s Community Hub

Located in the middle of the Pacific Highway and adjacent to Hornsby station and key community sites such as Hornsby Westfield, Anthem Care’s new facility is a welcome addition to Hornsby’s community hub.

This project is a great example of what CORE does best – showcasing our ability to deliver 360-degree engineering solutions via our in-house team of experts, providing seamless project coordination of multi-disciplinary services and all bolstered by exceptional communication.

CORE are committed to delivering on the Client’s vision, with superior engineering and Client experience at the helm of our offering.

Residential/Strata, Hydraulic, Remedial, Structural

67 Ocean St, Woollahra, NSW

CORE was engaged to conduct a site inspection and condition assessment of 36 units and balconies at 67 Ocean St, Woollahra – a 1967, 7-storey, brick-facade residential/strata building.

Inspection Findings…

During the inspection process, the CORE team identified numerous issues ranging from:

Non-compliant balustrades
Defective balcony soffits with non-functioning drip-grooves
Inadequate primary drainage systems causing extensive water ponding and significantly reducing the service life of waterproofing membrane
Blocked and non-compliant secondary overflow outlets
Leaking downpipes
Concrete spalling
Drummy balcony and skirting tiles
Balcony doors and windows installed with inadequate separation between external and internal areas causing water ingress

Detailed Reporting to Inform Decisions…

Upon completion of the inspection, a detailed balcony condition assessment report was submitted to the Owners Corporation (OC) along with recommendations on how to resolve root causes, address internal consequential damage and achieve a long-term solution for the owners.

CORE’s engagement continued as per the OC’s request for the delivery of technical specifications and approval to proceed with tendering the works inclusive of a:

Balustrade upgrade
Stormwater drainage system upgrade
Balcony waterproofing works
Balcony sliding door upgrade
Concrete spalling repairs

In relation to the balustrade upgrade, CORE provided several options for the OC’s consideration – taking both the building’s aesthetic and project budget into account. Indicative design mock-ups were issued, enabling owners to
envision the end result for each option and make a more informed decision on how to proceed.

Overall, the project required the expertise of CORE’s Remedial, Facade, Structures and Hydraulic divisions.

Preparing for the construction stage…

The next stage saw CORE tender out the works to 3 remedial contractors within our preferred partner portfolio.

It is important to note that CORE’s Contractor portfolio has been established and vetted over many years – developing and maintaining relationships with the most reputable and reliable Contractor groups in the industry.

Prior to the works contract being signed, CORE team met with all owners and the OC to provide a detailed brief of the issues, upcoming works and to provide an opportunity to answer any questions they had.

All eyes on safety and communication…

CORE believes that both safety and communication play a critical role throughout our projects and are crucial to achieving a successful outcome.

Prior to any works being formalised or contracts signed, the CORE team met with all owners to provide a detailed brief of the building issues at hand along with upcoming works.

Upon commencement of works, CORE delivered weekly progress updates and ensured remediation was carried out with minimal disturbance to residents.

The project was compliant with the new DBPA requirements and Certificates of Practical Completion were delivered. The project was completed in October 2022.

Investa: NSW, VIC, QLD Portfolio

Our Partnership

CORE has delivered facade auditing and fire consulting services for Investa’s NSW, VIC and QLD portfolio of 21 assets for more than 10 years.

As Investa’s base building consultants, our team has gained an intimate knowledge of each building as well as a strong understanding of the operational and compliance excellence expected of Investa’s suppliers, along with their key drivers of success.

Achieving 100% Compliance with Inspection and Legislative Requirements, Codes and Authorities.

Working in close collaboration with the Investa management team, and in accordance with all state requirements, CORE has successfully delivered a national program of facade inspections and management of identified defects achieving and maintaining 100% compliance with Investa’s inspection requirements.

Our development and management of Investa’s fire compliance and certification process has seen CORE create a bespoke model that is well above industry standard and is reflective of the unique service requirements of Investa. This model continues to strengthen and evolve as we aim to deliver an efficient, sustainable and customised fire consulting services for Investa for years to come.

The People Behind the Buildings…

Paramount to our partnership’s success is CORE and Investa’s mutual commitment to effective communication and nurturing relationships throughout all streams of engagement.

With dedicated Site Managers and State Managers assigned to each location, CORE facilitates a personal, consistent and streamlined communication experience for both parties an approach that is supported by our operational processes and systems.

We understand the importance and value of clear, accountable communication flows and believe this to be one of the most critical components of what we deliver.

Experts in Existing Buildings.

Heavily integrated with other major disciplines, facades and building services play a significant role in determining the overall value, performance, safety and sustainability of a building.

CORE’s multi-disciplinary teamwork means we differentiate in facade excellence – delivering continuous improvement and setting new benchmarks in the industry.

More than 70% of CORE’s business is in existing buildings.

Our team are experts in this field – acutely aware of the challenges and constraints that arise throughout the building lifecycle and equipped to provide solutions that minimise tenant disruption whilst offering the safest, most efficient
and cost-effective outcomes.

It is our choice to only work with select clients to manage their premium building portfolios via our bespoke methodology and boutique client service. This approach enables us to deliver and uphold a high-quality, turn-key solution that
encompasses both technical engineering and project management practises seeing us take on all administrative, technical and cost analysis responsibilities so that our clients can focus on servicing their tenants.

Being at the forefront of the industry for compliance management – we’re always keeping commercial and regulatory requirements top of mind and working closely with clients to navigate and deliver in alignment with the ever-changing
compliance environment.