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.

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.

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.

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.