Project Facts:
Perth, Western Australia (WA)
Retail
Structural Engineering
2018
For the Woolworths Highgate project, we undertook structural engineering, post-tension design, and managed temporary works. Located in Perth, this retail development was a complex endeavour due to the site’s challenging conditions, including a water table right at the bottom of the ground floor slab. This required careful consideration in the design of the footings to avoid the need for costly dewatering processes.
The post-tension design was particularly intricate, given the heavy retail loading requirements and the necessity for watertightness. Additionally, we had to accommodate complex cantilever and hanging precast panels within the design, further demonstrating our capability to handle intricate engineering challenges.
This project was set against the backdrop of transforming a conventional ‘big box’ design into a high-quality, bespoke offering that aligns with the local suburban fabric. The facility now includes a Woolworths, BWS, and café, along with an early learning centre to boost its business potential. Throughout the development, we faced a tight schedule and complex site conditions, which were navigated through early identification and management of potential challenges.
The Woolworths Highgate project not only highlights our expertise in structural engineering and innovative design solutions but also our commitment to overcoming the unique challenges presented by the site’s conditions. Through our focused approach, we successfully delivered a project that meets the high standards of retail infrastructure while ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of the building.