Structural | CORE Consulting Engineers

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.

Refurbishment/Fitout, Structural

Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists, Rosebery, NSW

Therian Architects and their client had taken on an ambitious project to convert what was previously a warehouse building into a modern veterinary practice in a prominent location. Our structural team was engaged to complete the structural design of a new mezzanine floor, lift shaft, additional floor strengthening and a new car park, with our in-house civil team providing the stormwater management plan and public domain upgrade.

A cost-effective transformation

Engaged as the lead structural and civil engineers, the CORE team was excited to transform what was once an outdated, existing structure into the client’s vision.

Clever design and material selection resulted in significant cost savings for the client. Our engineers worked together to challenge council requirements and design a stormwater system that exceeded requirements which in turn, saved the client thousands of dollars.

When managing a project of this scale, it is important to apply a holistic approach to desired outcomes, costs and timeframes. CORE ensured that the quality and timelines of our advice was meticulous and that the optimum end-result was delivered.This project is a strong example of two engineering disciplines problem-solving and working closely together to develop out of the box solutions.

With the architect based interstate, timely and effective communicationwas key – CORE ensured the client was kept updated at all times, throughout the project duration.

The client was delighted with the result and quality of the finished product. The practice is now providing around-the-clock care for pets in the Eastern and Inner suburbs of Sydney.

Retail, Façade, 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.

Residential/Strata, Façade, 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.

Commercial Office, Government, Hospitality, Refurbishment/Fitout, Transport, Electrical, Façade, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Remedial, Structural

City of Sydney, NSW Portfolio

Our Partnership

Since 2019, CORE has been proudly appointed by MBM as City of Sydney’s partner of choice for the delivery of multi- disciplinary, technical engineering services across a portfolio of 125 assets.

An array of prominent, flagship locations that shape the city of Sydney…

Town Halls
Aquatic Centres
Community Centres
Childcare Centres
Libraries
Leisure & Entertainment Venues
Commercial Offices
Industrial Warehouses

Experts in existing buildings, delivering turn-key, multi disciplinary engineering solutions.

Our dedicated CORE team are responsible for the provision of:

Technical due diligence investigations and reporting
Facade inspection services
Condition reporting
Feasibility studies
Design and specification
Construction services
Building safety upgrades
Fitouts / refurbishment projects
CAPEX projects
Certification

Leading with a ‘People-First’ approach and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

Operating as a true extension to the City of Sydney team, CORE places a strong focus on the simultaneous delivery of high-quality engineering and exceptional customer service.

Working with a diverse group of stakeholders – from Facilities Managers, engineering and project management divisions, the sustainability team, through to tenants themselves, we pride ourselves on delivering a customised approach
and handling each interaction with care.

Communication, flexibility, a high level of responsiveness and the commitment to addressing priority items with urgency are integral to our approach.

Managing the unique, ever-changing requirements of each asset, City of Sydney’s diverse portfolio has required an intimate understanding of existing buildings and their lifecycle, along with experience in navigating the sensitivities
and intricacies of government requirements.

In addition to governance and regulatory obligations, historic value, cost and sustainability requirements, risk management and impact on end-users are always carefully considered to ensure the delivery of exceptional engineering
solutions and long-term value for our client.

As we continue our work with City of Sydney, we look forward to increasing our knowledge of their buildings and seeing them flourish within the community.

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

Next Practice Medical Centre, 20 Bridge St, Sydney, NSW

Next Practice Health aims to deliver a new level of healthcare, offering the very best in medical services and facilities in a modern, reimagined setting that has patient experience at the very heart of its vision.

With a mission to continually innovate the healthcare journey and extend services into Sydney’s CBD, Next Practice prepared to transform a prior office space at 20 Bridge St into what is now best described as a ‘clinic of the future’.

Timeline

8 weeks – design
10 months – construction

Engineering ‘clinics of the future’

Having strong experience in the Healthcare sector and in delivering high-end solutions for complex, live environments, CORE was engaged to deliver a 360 multi-disciplinary fitout solution that included the following engineering consultancy services:

Mechanical
Electrical
Hydraulic
Fire
Structural

Working closely with Next Practice to bring the client’s vision to reality, the CORE team engineered a meticulous combination of design and functionality for the space. Beyond a standard fitout, the project required several points of coordination and intrusion with base building services. Electrical requirements were unique for lighting and equipment specification for mechanical services was critical to achieving the client’s clinical ‘consulting pod’ concept.

Paramount to the project’s success, our team’s strong level of coordination, exceptional attention to detail and focus on collaboration and communication with key stakeholders has positioned CORE as the preferred partner for Next Practice Health’s national portfolio of clinics.

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

Commercial Office, Heritage, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Structural

139 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, NSW

Located in the beautiful suburb of Woolloomooloo, this commanding late-Victorian terrace was set to undergo a complete renovation and rear extension, transforming it into a unique commercial office space.

Timeline

20 months – design through to completed works.

Blending old with new to achieve heritage

Engaged by M.A.D Bespoke Property Group, CORE delivered a 360-degree, multi-disciplinary structural and building services solution for 139 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo.

One of the most impressive features of the project was the design of a custom, inter-tenancy steel staircase showcasing an industrial, warehouse-style finish, serving as a unique focal point within the overall design.

Structural framing for the building’s flooring and rear facade was also designed in-house and utilised as much of the existing structure and framing as possible, resulting in a cost-effective solution that preserved the building’s heritage, achieved architectural intent and delivered the functionality and aesthetic of modern day.

The project spanned 5 open plan levels with CORE’s fire, electrical and hydraulic teams engaged to provide all-encompassing building services design in support of the building’s renovation and extension.

Experts in existing buildings with a passion for heritage, CORE are proud to have completed another successful transformation.

Residential/Strata, Remedial, Strata, Structural

7 Commonwealth Parade, Manly, NSW

This impressive, 1900s heritage-listed building was experiencing significant water ingress across the entire southern facade as well as severe concrete spalling to the eastern facade. Having built a strong relationship with Strata Title Management over the years, and having previously worked at this location, CORE were engaged to undertake detailed investigations and reporting, prepare technical specifications and to manage the tendering a construction phase for the project.

Timeline

Stage 1 ‘high-risk’ works: initial investigation through to construction – 18 months

Stage 2: in progress

Experts in existing buildings: delivering safe, long-term solutions

CORE was initially engaged to investigate and identify the root cause behind water ingress and concrete spalling issues to the southern and eastern building facade.

Upon completing an inspection of the southern facade via ropes access (enabling a more thorough and cost efficient inspection), it was found that the building’s original lintels were failing, and required full concrete replacement – the main source of water ingress.

On the eastern elevation, a concrete beam supporting the majority of the eastern facade and internal flooring had corroded resulting in the building’s structural capacity being significantly compromised and posed a high-priority
safety risk to residents. During the investigation stage, general spalling to other areas was also found (locations not initially flagged as areas of concern). Upon further detailed investigations, the concrete spalling was significantly more deteriorated than expected with lintels on the eastern facade also failing with multiple structural beams in need of urgent replacement.

Due to the additional, critical findings, it was determined that the project could not be addressed within one scope as originally intended, and that works would need to be staged in multiple phases with high-risk items prioritised.

To date, CORE have delivered a complete in-house structural design solution for the building, managing the project into the construction phase to see all high-risk works completed on time and to budget. Stage 2 works are currently in progress.