Designhaus_ICC-173444_1.jpg

Project Budget

$15M

Architect

Architects Designhaus

Client/Developer

DHHS

Year

2010

Image courtesy of architects designhaus and Derek Swalwell

Project Brief

Structural design, documentation and construction administration.

Key Challenges

This building has an interesting architectural form which demanded careful integration of structural elements to meet the architect’s brief as well as budget and practical construction constraints. The structure consists primarily of precast and post-tensioned concrete elements, many of which are expressed as an integral part of the architecture. The most significant structural features are the external inclined precast struts which support two floors above.

Part of the brief was to employ ESD (ecologically sustainable development) principles in design where possible which included the use of ‘green concrete’ throughout the building resulting in a 20% reduction in the conventional (High CO2 emission) cement.

Result

A visually impressive building with specific functional requirements, where the structure has made a significant contribution to the overall aesthetic of the building.