Retail | 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.

Heritage, Retail, Structural

Queen Victoria Building (QVB) -Sydney CBD, NSW

Overview

CORE has provided ongoing engineering support to Vicinity Centres at the iconic Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in Sydney.

As one of Australia’s most significant heritage retail buildings, the QVB requires careful engineering oversight to ensure that upgrades, tenant works and maintenance interventions respect the historic fabric while maintaining safety and performance. CORE has worked closely with the asset team to provide practical, heritage-sensitive engineering advice, supporting both major interventions and day-to-day operational requirements.

CORE’s involvement has included a wide range of structural and facade engineering services, including:

Replacement of the main dome external walkway balustrade, designing a copper-clad stainless-steel structure to replicate the heritage appearance while improving durability and safety (construction value approx. $2.5M)
Facade and structural condition audits, monitoring and targeted repair recommendations
Replacement of the main dome external walkway balustrade, designing a copper-clad stainless-steel structure to replicate the heritage appearance while improving durability and safety (construction value approx. $2.5M)
Tenant fit-out engineering, including structural strengthening, mezzanine structures and selective wall removals
Great Australian Clock maintenance works, including load assessments and access planning
Awning structural assessments
Loading assessments for internal EWP access to enable safe maintenance and installation works
Engineering support for amenities upgrades within the heritage building

Trusted Engineering Advice for a Complex Heritage Asset

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.

Through ongoing collaboration with Vicinity Centres and the broader consultant team, CORE has helped ensure that upgrades and operational works within the QVB are delivered safely, efficiently and with respect for the building’s heritage
significance.

Our role as trusted engineering advisors has supported the long-term stewardship of this landmark Sydney asset, enabling the building to continue operating as one of Australia’s most recognisable retail and heritage destinations.

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.

Retail, Façade

Volvo Showroom, 2 Anella Ave, Castle Hill NSW

Our facade design engineering consultants were engaged to transform an existing showroom into a Volvo-branded space that reflected the automaker’s distinctive aesthetic. Tasked with aligning the showroom with Volvo’s brand identity, our team embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the window systems. This involved careful removal of existing windows and the installation of a new double-height glazed facade, designed to showcase Volvo’s vehicles to their fullest advantage.

Timeline

Design – 6 months

Construction – 6 months

Project Details

Value management played a crucial role throughout the project, as our engineers endeavoured to preserve the integrity of the original facade while adhering to Volvo’s exacting brand standards. To optimise costs without compromising quality, we strategically implemented an overclad of select areas of the facade. This approach not only achieved budgetary objectives but also maintained the cohesive Volvo brand aesthetic throughout the showroom.

Collaboration was key to the success of the project. We worked closely with the contractor to navigate logistical challenges and integrate design specifications seamlessly into the construction process. Our team meticulously documented every aspect of the design, ensuring that all requirements were met while accommodating supply chain, fabrication, and installation considerations.

Coordination with the client, architect, structural engineer, ESD and mechanical services ensured that the new facade not only met aesthetic and functional criteria but also aligned with broader project goals.

This holistic approach enabled us to deliver a showroom that not only met Volvo’s exacting standards but also enhanced the overall customer experience, reinforcing Volvo’s brand presence in a compelling and visually striking manner.

Retail, Façade

Yves Saint Laurent, Queens Plaza, NSW

Our facade design team were engaged by Construction By Design to undertake a prestigious facade design project within the high-end Queens Plaza precinct in Queensland. The project centered around the creation of a striking new boutique retail shopfront that would embody the essence of YSL’s iconic brand while seamlessly integrating with the luxurious ambience of the shopping centre.

Project Details

Requiring meticulous attention to detail and innovation in materials and design, one of the key aspects involved the full design of custom glass steel window systems, which were crafted to enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality. These windows not only needed to showcase YSL’s products but also had to withstand the rigors of daily retail operations.

In addition to the windows, our team was entrusted with the design and implementation of custom glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) cladding. This material was chosen for its versatility and ability to be molded into intricate shapes while maintaining durability and weather resistance.

Prior to installation, our team conducted rigorous custom testing on the GRC to ensure it met both our stringent quality standards and YSL’s expectations for longevity and visual impact.

Our Process

Throughout the project, collaboration was key. Our team worked closely with Yves Saint Laurent’s design team based in Hong Kong, ensuring that every aspect of the facade design aligned with the brand’s global standards and design ethos.
This collaboration not only facilitated smooth communication but also enabled us to incorporate YSL’s specific design preferences seamlessly into the final product.

Completion of the facade design represents a harmonious blend of architectural innovation, material expertise, and brand identity. It stands as a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering superior results in high-end retail environments, where precision, aesthetic sensitivity, and functionality converge to create memorable and impactful spaces.

Retail, Structural

Jardan – 42 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW

CORE was engaged to provide structural and facade engineering services for the conversion of an existing two-storey (plus basement) office/retail building into a high-end furniture showroom in Sydney’s bustling suburb of Paddington.

Project Details

The works included:

Strengthening of the existing timber-framed building for seismic upgrade and increased gravity loads
Design of an impressive 13m span circular steel staircase and 5m glass skylight within the existing timber floors and roof structures
Strengthening of existing timber roof trusses to facilitate the removal of existing timber columns
Partial replacement of the brick facade to allow for large glazed openings
Awning strengthening works to ensure compliance with current standards

Our Process

CORE’s specialisation in adaptive re-use of existing buildings and expert knowledge in working within the confined of an existing envelope enabled us to conceptually design the major structural works at an early stage with the key consultants and raise any potential issues. Through the course of several early-stage design workshops, several options were explored for all parties to consider ‘form vs. function’ as well as cost. CORE responded immediately to design changes required to suit the existing structure once works commenced on site and provided additional temporary works design support to the builder.

CORE and the project team were proud to achieve the client’s requirements to deliver a superior result in keeping with the premium nature of the client’s brand.