Residential/Strata | CORE Consulting Engineers

376-390 Pacific Highway 1 Balfour St and Balfour Lane Lindfield

376-390 Pacific Highway, 1 Balfour St & Balfour Lane, Lindfield

Setting the Standard at Balfour Lane

CORE was engaged to deliver Facade Consultancy and Engineering for the Balfour Lane development – a mixed-use project combining residential living (59 luxury apartments) with an impressive retail hub. With different performance demands across residential and retail interfaces, the facade required a carefully coordinated approach to ensure compliance, durability and buildability across the entire development.

Our role extended beyond design – working closely with Builtcom and the consultant team to align intent, manage risk and support a smooth path from documentation through to construction.

CORE provided end-to-end facade engineering and advisory services:

Coordination across the design and construction teams
Preparation of the Facade Performance Specification
Safety in Design (SiD) review and advice for facade systems
FP1.4 Performance Solution Report
Structural certification and declaration of facade systems in accordance with DBPA
Construction phase support, including hold point inspections
Final Quality Control (QC) certification

Turning complexity into clarity…

Navigating mixed-use performance requirements
Balanced the differing needs of residential and retail interfaces – ensuring the facade system performed across acoustic, weatherproofing and durability requirements.

Clarity in compliance and certification
Interpreted and applied current codes, standards and DBPA requirements – providing the client with confidence that compliance obligations were met without ambiguity.

Keeping the project moving
Responsive communication and proactive coordination helped resolveissues quickly, reducing delays and avoiding unnecessary rework on site.

A trusted presence throughout delivery
By staying engaged from early design through to final certification, we supported better decision-making, reduced risk and contributed to a more seamless delivery process.

Faith-Based Buildings, Heritage, Hospitality, Residential/Strata, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical

‘Finrose Residences’ 2–10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove, NSW

A Layered Mixed-Use Challenge

CORE was engaged to deliver building services design for Finrose Residences – a premium mixed-use development comprising over 50 residential apartments, commercial tenancies, an auditorium and a heritage church.

With a construction value exceeding $70 million, the project required a considered approach to support a high-end residential offering while integrating complex uses and respecting the existing heritage fabric.

Our Approach

Working through to 70% detailed design, our focus was on creating a well-coordinated and buildable services solution across a highly layered project.

The integration of new residential and commercial elements alongside a heritage structure required careful planning and close collaboration. We worked proactively with Plus+ Architecture and the broader consultant team to navigate spatial constraints, resolve key interfaces and ensure services aligned with both modern performance requirements and heritage sensitivities.Our team took an active role in design workshops – not only contributing technically, but often leading coordination discussions across disciplines to maintain momentum and clarity as the design evolved.

Value Beyond Design

Beyond delivering the technical scope, we acted as trusted advisors throughout the process. We supported both the architect and builder in navigating key development decisions – providing guidance on options, identifying potential roadblocks early and helping shape outcomes that balanced performance, cost and constructability.By bringing a broader project perspective – extending beyond building services – we helped simplify decision-making, reduce uncertainty and ensure the client felt confident and supported at every stage of design.

Complex Project. Clear Outcome.

Through proactive coordination and informed decision-making, we helped bring multiple uses, constraints and stakeholders into a single, aligned design. The result is a seamless, high-performing development – ready for delivery and grounded in clarity from the outset.

Commercial Office, Residential/Strata, Retail, Façade

5-7 Charles St, Parramatta, Sydney

CORE was engaged to deliver complete facade design and construction-phase support for the 49-storey, mixed-use development at 5-7 Charles Street, Parramatta. From early design through to on-site delivery, our role extended well beyond technical documentation – acting as a trusted advisor to support our client through complex coordination, stakeholder challenges, and real-time construction issues. The result was a high-performance, visually refined facade system that balanced architectural intent, constructability, thermal performance and program certainty.

Design & Technical Scope

Fixed and operable glass window wall system wrapping approximately 80% of the building envelope
Integrated sliding door systems for seamless indoor-outdoor connection
Custom spigot-supported half window wall balustrades
Independent and integrated cladding systems
Detailed THERM thermal modelling and performance analysis
Interface coordination with primary structure and mechanical services

Construction Phase Services

Ongoing QA inspections to maintain design integrity and build quality
Real-time on-site issue resolution and consultant coordination

Delivering Value Beyond Technical Engineering

Our greatest impact came through proactive communication, leadership and ongoing support throughout construction.

Advocacy through clarity: When complex issues emerged on site, CORE carefully reviewed project history, design decisions and technical interfaces to provide clear, factual guidance. This helped our client navigate challenges with confidence, ensuring matters were resolved efficiently and fairly – without unnecessary risk or delay.

Bridging design and delivery: By working closely with builders and consultants, we translated technical requirements into practical, buildable solutions, maintaining architectural intent while keeping the project moving.

Confidence at every stage: Our regular site presence, QA inspections and responsive advice gave the client certainty around performance, quality and outcomes – not just compliance.

Residential/Strata, Retail, Remedial

Rhodes Central – 14 Walker St, Rhodes NSW

Helping Billbergia Build Better – From Design Through To Delivery

As part of the landmark Rhodes Central development, Billbergia engaged our team to support the delivery of 668 new residential apartments integrated within a vibrant mixed-use precinct. Our role was to provide specialist consulting across building durability and waterproofing services – helping ensure that the project not only met compliance standards but also performed long-term for residents and retailers alike.

Focused On What Matters Most To Our Client…

Confidence in Design Decisions: Through detailed design and compliance reviews, we provided clarity on key risk areas early – helping Billbergia refine construction strategies and avoid rework.

Fully Integrated Advice Across Disciplines: Leveraging our multi-disciplinary expertise, we delivered a holistic consultancy solution that considered how all systems interact – saving time, cost, and the complexity of coordinating multiple consultancies.

Better Buildings, Not Just Code-Compliant Ones: Drawing on our understanding of how buildings perform post-construction, we helped the team make smarter material and detailing choices – resulting in more durable outcomes and fewer long-term maintenance concerns.

Responsive Problem-Solving On Site: We worked closely with the construction team to resolve emerging issues in real time – providing alternative solutions and technical guidance to keep progress on track.

Risk Mitigation Through Quality Assurance: Our involvement in construction QA provided another layer of assurance that the project would meet both regulatory requirements and Billbergia’s internal standards.

The Outcome

Our involvement helped Billbergia deliver a high-quality, future-ready development that reflects the vision of the broader $2 billion Rhodes precinct.

By integrating practical, technical advice with proactive collaboration, we contributed to a project that performs as well as it looks and supports long-term success for both the client and the community it serves.

Residential/Strata, Façade

Opera Residences, 79 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW

Our facade design engineering consultants played a pivotal role in the development of the Opera Residences, a hallmark of luxury residing at Sydney Harbour. Over a meticulous two-year period, our team was entrusted with delivering comprehensive design and construction services for the architectural stonework both externally and within the lobby spaces of this prestigious development.

Timeline

Design – 9 months

Construction – 12 months

Project Details

The project encompassed the crafting and installation of intricate elements using San Francisco granite, carefully selected to harmonise with the iconic stone prevalent at Bennelong Point. Our scope included the fabrication of large-format double-curved column panels, facade cladding panels, overhead stone soffits, and the interior detailing of the double-height lobby and fireplace stone walls. Each piece required bespoke support systems and steelwork framing to accommodate the unique shapes and weights, demanding exacting structural coordination.

Upholding Safety and Design Integrity

Navigating the challenges inherent in integrating eccentric stone designs into a modern architectural framework was a focal point of our work. We meticulously identified and addressed gaps in structural support, innovating solutions that ensured both safety and design integrity were upheld throughout the project. Our commitment to safety in design was paramount, as we safeguarded against compromises in the aesthetic or structural robustness of the final installation.

Today, the Opera Residences grace Sydney’s skyline and stand proudly among the city’s most revered landmarks. Our team takes immense pride in our contribution to this development, knowing that our dedication to precision and innovation has left a lasting impression on Sydney’s architectural landscape.

Residential/Strata, Façade

Emporium Apartments, 305 Anketell St, Greenway ACT

Our team was engaged to provide weatherproofing FP1.4 (F3P1 2022) reporting and facade consultant certification for the ‘Emporium Apartments’ development in Greenway, Canberra, following issues with the initial engineering consultant’s delivery.

Project Details

Upon receiving the project, our team reviewed the architectural drawings, conducted thorough design load assessments, and performed prescriptive engineering reviews of the facade elements. We reviewed sub-drawings and diligently prepared comprehensive weatherproofing FP1.4 reporting.

During on-site weatherproofing testing (Site Water Hose Test to AAMA 501.2), we identified critical defects in the window and door systems, which were swiftly rectified to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Throughout the process, we maintained direct communication with both the client and the architect, facilitating detailed briefings on scope and delivery requirements. Our team’s extensive knowledge of FP1.4 requirements and our experience in delivering precise performance solution reporting enabled us to provide thorough and reliable facade consultant certification.

We take pride in our ability to present complex technical information in a clear, accessible format that meets professional standards and ensures complete understanding by all stakeholders involved.

Structural Awning Safety Inspections and Certification

Aged Care/Health, Commercial Office, Education, Government, Hospitality, Residential/Strata, Remedial, Strata, Structural

Structural – Awning Safety Inspections & Certification

Council Crack Down On Awning Safety

Following a tragic incident that occurred at Sydney’s Northern Beaches some years back, Councils have continued to crack down on ageing, unsafe awnings by implementing a ‘Awning Safety Program’ to addresses their potential failure or collapse.

The program has seen a significant number of Council notices issued to business owners, instructing them to have their street front awnings inspected and assessed by a registered professional engineer as a matter of urgency. Following the inspection, the engineer is required to submit a 5-year safety certificate certifying the structural integrity and safety of the awning.

Our Expertise

As a result, our team has recently seen an influx in Council stipulated requests and is providing this service to an array of clients – having recently completed awning assessments to 80 awnings for the City of Sydney.

CORE Consulting Engineers is a multi-disciplinary firm armed with the knowledge and expertise of the industry’s leading engineers. For more than 20 years, our team has delivered outstanding, 360°engineering solutions to a range of clients across all major property sectors Australia-wide.

An awning’s age along with recent weather conditions are some contributing factors to structural failures and can pose a significant public safety risk.

Awning inspections include a condition assessment and are then followed by a structural assessment to confirm the awnings are compliant for gravity, imposed and wind loadings. Sometimes, awnings need to be strengthened to comply with current codes of practise.

Having your awning inspected and assessed by a RegisteredProfessional Structural Engineer is critical to confirming that there are no underlying safety issues.

Typically, Councils require awnings to be reassessed every 5 years.

Key Process Stages

Where an awning is a closed structure, we undertake opening up works with the contractor, typically by lifting roof sheets at key locations to facilitate visual inspection of the internal framing to assess condition and measure up the members. CORE can engage a contractor to conduct opening up works under CORE’s direction and also facilitate access to the awning roof.
We then conduct a risk assessment of the awning to establish whether an awning can be accessed by the public, either via openable windows above the awning, from adjacent accessible awnings, by ladders from ground level or other means such as adjacent structures.
Awnings can be subject to high imposed loads due to unauthorised access by the public, such as the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest in July 2021, when a large number of people climbed onto the Woolworths Building awning.
Australian Standards require varying application of imposed loading to an awning depending on its access risk level.
CORE then undertake a condition assessment and structural loading assessment to ascertain if any remedial works or strengthening works are required to achieve structural adequacy for load compliance and also ensure the awning is structurally sound.

If an awning is determined to be structurally adequate and does not require major repair, we will provide a structural certificate, valid for 3 to 5 years. Where strengthening or major remedial works are required, we can assist with the design and specification of any upgrade works before CORE undertake a final inspection and then provide final certification.

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.

Electrical – Switchboard Reviews & Upgrades

Our Expertise

CORE has been delivering switchboard upgrade consultancy services for an array of long-term partner portfolios such as: City of Sydney, MBM, Investa and AMP Capital and has also supported electrical upgrades for a broad host of clients across several industries and sectors.

Our team has extensive technical experience and an intimate understanding of the integration between the main switchboard (MSB) and other interfacing electrical elements and building services. Known for our expertise in existing buildings, our team have successfully implemented MSB upgrades for buildings of various ages and at different stages of their lifecycle for compliance and capacity purposes.

Our approach to all MSB upgrades is to ensure our recommendations align with future building plans, seeing us offer long-term value and MSB solutions that support each asset’s requirements for years to come.

Imperative to providing our clients with customised and cost-efficient solutions, CORE has developed a strong understanding of the extensive MSB and distribution board market and its suppliers.

From evaluating your building’s requirements through to sourcing optimal equipment and managing upgrade works all the way to completion, our engineers deliver a robust solution to switchboard upgrades.

Some of our most recent switchboard upgrades include:

Coronation Hotel – Park St, Sydney
9 The Crescent – Annandale, Sydney
Bay St Depot – Ultimo, Sydney
Victoria Park Pool – Camperdown, Sydney
SDN Surry Hills Long Day Care Centre – Surry Hills, Sydney
Reginald Murphy Activity Club – Elizabeth Bay, Sydney
Rex Community Centre – Elizabeth Bay, Sydney

MSB Impact on Building Safety and Performance…

It’s important to know the age and condition of your main switchboard along with any supplementary distribution boards powering your building to ensure they comply with current BCA standards.

Non-compliant MSBs can restrict accessibility, limit the ability to carry out maintenance services and can also pose a significant safety hazard to users – carrying serious risks such as electrocution, particularly when the expected lifespan for circuit breakers is reached or close to expiry.

Switchboards that are newer to the market are equipped with ‘earth leakage detection’ safety mechanisms, enabling minor current leaks to be detected and trapping the circuit immediately.

When not upgraded, the MSB can also damage cables and other distribution boards having a costly, flow-on effect to other electrical components and in turn, impacting a building’s overall performance – an issue that can be managed and avoided.

When was your building’s last switchboard review?

It is recommended that an electrical assessment, visual inspection and subsequent report be completed every 5 years. This is especially important prior to any building services upgrades/maintenance being implemented as the impact on the MSB must be considered.

Approximately a 1-day engagement for inspection and reporting, CORE conducts visual evaluations of an asset’s electricals including but not limited to: power, lights and switchboards – evaluating their expected lifespan and notifying
Building Managers of all findings and any identified defects. A report is then provided, detailing item prioritisation and recommendations with indicative costs and information on whether further testing is needed to verify potential defects.

For what is a critical piece of infrastructure, that is often overlooked for inspection and maintenance, the switchboard inspection and testing process is a relatively quick, low-cost exercise that can prevent future faults or problems, and ensure your building and its people are well protected.

Residential/Strata, Structural

Sinclairs of Berry – 24 Prince Alfred St, Berry, NSW

Collaborating on numerous successful projects over the years, CORE was engaged by Hilton Residential to deliver end to end structural engineering consultancy services for the redevelopment and extension of a charming 2-acre farm right in the heart of Berry.

Timeline

6 months – design and construction

Experts in structural engineering – residential

Responsible for the delivery of new building specifications and certifications, external retaining wall works and the design of an external pool and studio, CORE worked closely with the client from design through to construction to see a truly bespoke vision brought to life – resulting in the creation of one of Berry’s finest, luxury farm stays.

The secluded two-storey farmhouse and luxury cottage has 8 boutique bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and accommodates 18 adults in pure comfort and style. Beautifully designed and built with quality details and finishes, the picture-perfect home is filled with character and offers a rare sense of peace and serenity.

“The original house was a red weatherboard with a red tin roof. The layout was very dysfunctional; there was no way to fix it without adding an extension,” said owner Caroline.

“Today, many people walking past the house think that the new extension is actually the old part of the house, and the old two-storey part is new. We love this – it means the house is perfectly balanced.“

With structural engineering a key component of the project, CORE is proud to have contributed our expertise to this extraordinary home and are happy to see another family’s vision brought to life.

To explore more of what this beautiful farm stay has to offer, visit: www.sinclairsofberry.com.au