Structural | Page 2 of 2 | CORE Consulting Engineers

iAccelerate, University of Wollongong, NSW

CORE was engaged by Project Coordination to create the facade design for a new, 4,000sqm landmark iAccelerate building located at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus – a centre of Australian innovation and research excellence.

Featuring a ‘plug and go’ expandable space for more than 280 entrepreneurs of fast growth start-up companies, the $14.7m project required meticulous design consideration and innovation in order to meet architectural intent, achieve structural adequacy and deliver an inspiring, functional building for end users.

Timeline

12 months – design

Design and functionality unite

CORE’s attention to detail and unwavering commitment to overcoming a variety of technical challenges saw our team design an efficient and cost-effective facade that not only aligns with the highest standards of Australian design and best practice but also aesthetically brings to life the history of the Illawarra region.

The large, three-storey complex facade necessitated the use of exposed steel columns to meet code requirements for strength and strict serviceability requirements for glazing support. Slender steel box sections were installed in lieu of glazing transoms to transfer wind and gravity loads to the columns. Proprietary aluminium glazing adaptors were specified to support the glazing panels and to seal the building envelope from the external harsh marine environment.

CORE designed a multitude of individual facade structural elements to minimise the quantity of steel on the project which ultimately resulted in:

reduced material and transportation costs
reduced embodied energy within the facade envelope
smaller structural materials which in turn reduced the risk to site operators

All connections were carefully considered and detailed by CORE to ensure the facade would be buildable without compromising its integrity. Moisture naturally forming within the facade was designed to escape the envelope
via carefully positioned glazing spigots and weepholes between capping elements. These weepholes also allow for thermal variations between the clip on covers and supporting steel.

Notably, the project was awarded Winner of the 2017 NSW MBA South-East Region Excellence in Building Awards – Commercial Building category and Winner of the 2016 NSW MBA Excellence in Building Awards – Tertiary Building $10 – $25m category.

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

Cooma Hospital Redevelopment, NSW

NSW Health Infrastructure were redeveloping the Cooma Hospital to deliver enhanced services, facilities and care to Cooma and surrounding communities.

With an investment of over $24 million, the project involved a staged extension and refurbishment of two adjacent blocks at the hospital campus. The upgrades saw the development of a new Maternity Ward as well as an expanded and improved Emergency Department and relocation of Ambulatory Care, Pathology and Medical Imaging.

The CORE advantage: collaborative and integrated solutions

Having strong experience in the Aged Care/Health sector, and in delivering solutions for complex, live environments, CORE was engaged to deliver a multi-disciplinary project solution that included the following services:

Structural
Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Fire
Hydraulics

Working closely with Project Coordination over a 2-year design and construction period, CORE delivered flexible, cost-effective engineering for Cooma Hospital that required seamless communication and integration across all stakeholders and services – ensuring the best possible solutions and outcomes were achieved along the way.

Critically, the rollout of our strategies and services enabled Cooma Hospital to remain fully operational throughout the project period.

Commercial Office, Refurbishment/Fitout, Electrical, Fire Engineering & Fire Protection, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Structural

9 Hunter St, Sydney, NSW

Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD, 9 Hunter St is a 17 level office tower with a multi-tenant profile situated above one of the city’s busiest food courts.

CORE was engaged in 2019 as part of plans to undertake a major refurbishment of the lobby area that would include upgrades and alterations to the commercial entry to the existing building, inclusion of a new accessible ramp, fire safety upgrades, shopfront and awning along with bespoke finishes to the foyer and lift lobby interiors such as the undulating ceiling, double-height glass façade and portal lighting.

The objective of the works was to enhance the environment and areas available for lease with cutting edge design, transforming the ground level of one of Sydney’s best situated office towers.

Timeline

6 months – design
12 months – construction

CORE – a partner of choice

As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, continuously adding value throughout the building’s lifecycle, CORE were well equipped to deliver an end-to-end project solution.

Over an 18-month period, our team in conjunction with our project partners delivered all major structural and building services works achieving significant aesthetic, functional, accessibility and safety improvements for tenants and staff alike.

Setting the building apart, one of the most impressive design features is the change from a single-height to a double-height facade which required the complete relocation of major services. Complemented by architecturally designed, undulating dowel with dowel and entry portal lighting designed by CORE, the lobby is the perfect example of design and functionality aligned.

Shoalhaven Hospital Multi-Deck Carpark, NSW

In a major milestone for communities of Shoalhaven and surrounds, Health Infrastructure recognised the need for additional car parking spaces to accommodate the growing use of Shoalhaven Hospital -improving connectivity and allowing easier and more convenient access for patients and visitors.

Timeline

12 months – design
12 months – construction

The Challenge: finding the best solution

Project Coordination engaged CORE for the demolition and development of the new multi-deck car park and security room.
The design stage was critical to ensuring the new car park capacity was optimised and would visually integrate and align with the hospital’s masterplan. Complex, existing issues on site needed to be overcome which saw CORE working closely with builders and clients to alleviate concerns safely and with timely and cost efficient solutions.

CORE’s key areas of focus were: capacity requirements, coordination with the existing helipad and impacts on helicopter approach to hospital, aesthetics, water diversion/flow path management, lighting and hydraulics.

The project was constructed within the challenging environment of an operating hospital and adjacent to a cancer care unit. Close collaboration and communication with stakeholders was required to ensure minimal interruption to clinical services and hospital access; as well as a focus on infection control due to the close proximity of immunocompromised patients.

The Outcome: car park capacity increased by over 50%

Construction on the NSW Government’s $11.8 million multi-storey car park was completed in June 2020.

The new five split-level car park provides patients and visitors with more than 300 new spaces, increasing the hospital’s overall parking capacity to over 550 spaces and features a stunning facade inspired by the colours and landscape art of Shoalhaven luminary Arthur Boyd.

Notably, the project was awarded Winner of the NSW MBA Building in Excellence Awards in the ‘Best Public Building $10-15M’ category.