Service | Page 2 of 5 | CORE Consulting Engineers

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.

Government, Industrial/Logistics, Structural

Piper Drive – Ballina, NSW

Our structural division was engaged by MODE Design to deliver full engineering and modelling services for a new multi-storey council depot located on Piper Drive, Ballina. The facility includes a ground-floor warehouse and a first-floor office, all within a steel-framed structure tailored to meet the operational needs of Ballina Shire Council.

Timeline:

Design – 2023

Construction – 2024

MODE’s Vision, Engineered To Perform

From the outset, we added value through early design collaboration – working closely with MODE to refine structural options that balanced buildability, cost-efficiency and designintent. Our comparative analysis of concrete versus steel framing systems provided the clarity needed to proceed confidently with a steel solution, streamlining the structural
grid and reducing material waste while supporting MODE’s architectural vision.

A key area where we supported MODE was in the detailing of architecturally exposed elements, including cantilevered staircases and a visually prominent 10-metre-long awning on the building’s northern side. These components required
careful engineering to ensure performance under live and environmental loads, while preserving the clean architectural lines essential to the design narrative.

Our team’s proactive coordination with MODE’s design team allowed for seamless integration of these features into the overall structure, minimising redesign and delay during documentation.

Throughout construction, we provided consistent technical support – including site inspections, real-time issue resolution and final certification, ensuring the project moved efficiently from design to delivery.

Our proven track record working with local councils helped streamline compliance with statutory requirements and contributed to the timely approval process for Ballina Shire Council.

This project demonstrates the value we bring as a collaborative and solutions-focused structural partner – delivering more than just engineering, we bring clarity, coordination and confidence to every stage of the project.

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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, Mechanical, Structural

Nan Tien Temple – Berkeley, NSW

CORE was engaged to provide multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy services for a highly sensitive and culturally significant project at the Nan Tien Temple – Australia’s largest Buddhist temple, located in Berkeley, near Wollongong.

Our scope included electrical, mechanical, civil, fire, façade, and structural engineering services, all delivered in support of the integration of a new lift system within the temple’s existing structure.

This upgrade was intended to enhance accessibility for worshippers and visitors, while ensuring minimal disruption to the function and integrity of the temple.

Timeline: 6 weeks – design

Mindful Integration Within a Living Place of Worship

Given the spiritual and cultural importance of Nan Tien Temple, our design approach was deeply respectful and mindful of the environment we were working within.

Faith-based buildings demand not only technical expertise but also a nuanced understanding of how engineering interventions affect the daily operation, acoustics, atmosphere, and visual harmony of the space.

The addition of the lift required significant coordination across all disciplines – structural adaptations to accommodate the lift shaft, re-routing of mechanical and electrical systems, and careful integration of fire safety requirements – all while preserving the aesthetic and spiritual ambience of the temple.

The project was completed under a fast-tracked design timeline, with CORE delivering a comprehensive and coordinated design package in a matter of weeks. This quick turnaround was achieved through close collaboration between our in-house teams, allowing us to anticipate service clashes early and propose efficient, buildable solutions.

By taking a people-first engineering approach, we ensured that our designs supported not only the functional upgrade of the facility but also the comfort, dignity, and spiritual experience of its users – reinforcing our commitment to engineering with empathy and precision in spaces that serve 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.

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.

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.

Education, Façade

Macquarie College, 182 – 222 Lake Rd, Wallsend NSW

Our facade design engineering team was thrilled to be engaged in the design of Macquarie College’s new educational building. We were tasked with a comprehensive scope including the design of:

External wall systems
Facade window glazing
Bespoke oculus skylights
Decorative perforated screens supported by prefabricated steel frames

Timeline

Design – 3 months
Construction – 6 months

Project Details

Collaborating closely with structural engineers and other stakeholders, our team navigated the intricate process of integrating these elements seamlessly into the architectural vision. One of the critical challenges we addressed was the design of prefabricated steel frames, carefully considering building movement and installation sequences to align with the architect’s geometric aspirations. The corrugated perforated screens, crafted into striking triangular shapes, required detailed planning to ensure structural integrity while upholding the aesthetic intent of the project.

Moreover, we focused on optimisingthe project’s cost-effectiveness, particularly in the value engineering of the perforated screens through careful selection of aluminium grades and thicknesses. Our team also played a pivotal role in coordinating with framing suppliers to deliver facade window glazing solutions that met rigorous thermal and wind pressure requirements.

Working on such a significant educational facility resonates deeply with our team, as we understand the profound impact of this college on future generations. We take pride in contributing our expertise to projects that support learning environments, ensuring they not only meet functional demands but also inspire and enrich the educational experience.

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.