Author Archives: Matteo Tirapelle

  1. VERTIGO – Perth’s newest rooftop attraction

    Leave a Comment

    We are proud to be a part of this magnificent project located at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Vertigo, which is Perth’s newest rooftop attraction was beautifully designed by Hassell Studio, who were part of the original design consortium behind the Stadium.

    The structure was built off site in 15 sections weighing 70 tonnes and was then moved into place by crane while the Stadium was operational (including during the AFL Grand Final)
    Hera Engineering was appointed to provide the crane design to allow for the lifting of the structural steel for the platform.

    VERTIGO holds up to 50 people on its Western Viewing Deck and becomes the first fully accessible rooftop experience at an Australian Stadium, with direct lift access.

    Those brave enough to take on VERTIGO will look down onto the field of play from 42 metres above and can take in a 360 degree view of the Stadium and Perth.

    Crane Supplier: WA Universal
    Architect: Hassell Studio
    Builder: Multiplex Construction

  2. One Richardson: Green light for Construction

    Leave a Comment

    We are thrilled that construction is about to recommence at the One Richardson site in South Perth. The site is currently being cleared and prepped, ready for commencement of the basement level foundations and core wall construction from the top of the re-used raft foundations.

    Located within the new South Perth Station Precinct, the One Richardson project will include 70 luxury apartments and just under 6,000 square meters of A grade office space. The building will display striking modern architecture and provide an iconic presence on one of the most important and visible sites within the Precinct.

    We have been working hard alongside the teams at Devwest Group, MJA Studio and EMCO Building and we are very excited to see this development get the green light for construction.

    Hera Engineering is providing complete structural works for this project.

    Developer: Devwest Group
    Architect: MJA Studio
    Builder: EMCO Building

  3. Lakelands Train Station – Major progress during 56hour rail shutdown

    Leave a Comment

    This weekend at the Lakelands Train Station site we had a 56 hour rail shutdown to facilitate the lift of the modularised concourse bridge and western and eastern lift shaft. Hera Engineering worked hand in hand with ADCO Constructions, PTA and Contractor’s on-site over this weekend to install and pour the reinforced, post-tensioned concrete bridge and suspended decks on the western and eastern side.

    This neat solution consisted of suspending a thin concrete slab from the underside of the steel truss, providing a permanent formwork for the works to progress safely. Simultaneously the overhead line has been reconnected to the concrete deck with trains back operational this morning.

    Congratulations to the huge effort by all, this weekend was a great success with the completion of a huge milestone for the project team. We are proud that these works could be completed safely and in a timely manner without causing significant disruption to the existing network!

    Developer: Metronet Perth
    Builder: ADCO Constructions
    Architect: DesignInc WA

  4. Epsilon Tower – Infinity jump form system progressed up to level 5

    Leave a Comment

    The Stage 2 Tower of the Destination Gold Coast Consortium mega development project is progressing nicely, with the team at Multiplex working extra hard to deal with the extreme weather conditions Queensland has been experiencing lately.

    The level 3 tower slab is currently being poured and the infinity jump form system used to pour the columns and core walls has progressed up to level 5.

    The first Peikko Deltabeam supporting hollow core planks have been installed along Casino Drive and the precast U shells are beginning to be installed. The precast will allow for limited road closure for Casino Drive minimizing the amount of public disturbance.

    Hera Engineering has been working closely with both Multiplex and Infinity Constructions to ensure the construction details suit this innovative system for maximum structural efficiency.

    Developer: Destination Gold Coast Consortium
    Architect: DBI
    Builder: Multiplex Construction

  5. Forbes Residences – First suspended slab poured

    Leave a Comment

    Construction is progressing nicely at the Forbes Residences Site in Applecross. The first suspended slab has been poured and the second set of cores have been installed. The footing for the next basement split level is also currently underway.

    Developed by Mustera Property Group Limited, Forbes Residences is an iconic mixed-use development designed by international architect Woha Architects in partnership with MJA Studios The tower features vertical sky garden with triple storey voids along the various elevations.

    Hera Engineering has been involved right from the start when the design was conceptual, hence we had the opportunity to influence the architectural planning and layout in order to minimise the transfer beams on the project.

    We look forward to bringing you more updates on this Mustera Property Group Limited development along the way.

    Developer: Mustera Property Group Limited
    Architect: MJA Studios and Woha Architects
    Builder: Pact Construction

  6. City of Greater Geelong – New Civic Precinct

    Leave a Comment

    The mass timber component of the innovative City of Greater Geelong’s new civic precinct Wurriki Nyal, topped out in late 2021, making a stunning addition to the city skyline.

    Designed by Cox Architecture and made with mass engineered timber, the commercial office building is surrounded by 2,600 square metres of public active realm with green spaces, cafes, retail and more.

    Hera Engineering was appointed by Besix Watpac due to our broad knowledge and extensive experience with Mass Timber design to perform a full peer review of the structural design. We collaborated with 4D Workshop and XLam to reach the most structurally efficient result for our client.

    The Mass Timber being incorporated will sequester circa 1,100t of CO2. This a great government initiative to promote a more sustainable way to construct our cities and to innovate the construction industry.

    We look forward to seeing the final product mid 2022.

    Developer: Quintessential Equity
    Architect: Cox Architecture 
    Builder: Besix Watpac

  7. Perth’s Exchange Plaza:

    Leave a Comment

    A slightly different and exciting project we have been involved with recently is this magnificent statue located at the entrance of Perth’s Exchange Plaza.

    The design created structural challenges due to the very slender 200mm diameter columns spanning up to 15m. We had to undertake various wind studies and provide extensive finite element design to ensure stability for the overall structure of the statue.

    We really enjoyed working together with the teams at PrimewestBuchan and Built. for this different style of project for Hera Engineering and we hope to be involved with more diverse projects like this in the future.

    Developer: Primewest
    Architect: Buchan
    Builder: Built.

  8. One Subiaco: Almost Structurally complete

    Leave a Comment

    One Subiaco is another amazing project that is nearing Structural Completion. The impressive 24 storey tower at the old Subiaco Pavilion has had its last suspended slab poured and only has the steelwork remaining. The façade and interior fitouts have also commenced and it is expected to be complete and open for Business and Residents towards the end of this year.

    Hera Engineering has provided all structural designs, post tension designs and temporary works. We have been working alongside the teams at Blackburne, Hames Sharley and Multiplex since day one to create the most structurally efficient system to meet the client’s needs.

    This mixed development is sprawled across a collective of three exclusive buildings – Rokeby, Roberts and Seddon – each with their own unique personality and all inspired by and designed to enhance Subiaco’s existing heritage, charm and character.

    Developer: Blackburne
    Architect: Hames Sharley
    Builder: Multiplex

  9. Brightwater The Village – Inglewood: Structurally complete

    Leave a Comment

    Well done to all teams involved with Brightwater The Village. The brand new Aged Care Facility designed by MJA Studios in joint venture with MKDC Design Consultants is now Structurally complete and is currently undergoing façade and interior fitout.

    Located in Inglewood, Brightwater The Village has been designed specifically for people living with dementia.

    Valued at $40 million, the project involved the construction of a new three level building, 128 bed residential aged care (RAC) facility and 150-person corporate head office which will combine with the RAC facility and an industry leading research centre.

    Hera Engineering was appointed by Georgiou Group due to our high level of service on previous projects and we provided full structural design on this development.

    We are incredibly proud to see this project moving closer to welcoming its residents, staff and visitors.

    Developer: Brightwater Aged Care Group
    Architects: MJA Studios & MKDC Design Consultants 
    Builder: Georgiou Group 

  10. Rise Business Awards 2021

    Leave a Comment

    We had an incredible achievement late last year for Hera Engineering at the annual Business News’ RISE Business Awards night where we won:

    – WA business of the year
    – Small business of the year

    ….and got in the Final for Employer of the year. Well done to all the other entrants and winners.

    This is a milestone for our company and we couldn’t have made it without our incredible team and the support and confidence of our loyal clients, who believed in what we could do and gave us the opportunity to excel.

    Thank you!

    Hera Engineering – named after the Greek goddess of women – is proud to look back to its humble beginning in 2015 when (at the time) 35-year-old founder and managing director Matteo Tirapelle bankrolled the company with his personal savings to get it off the ground, building his own business model and staff culture from scratch with dedication and hard work, with the goal to deliver quality over quantity.

    Within an year, Hera had clinched its first $250 million project: The WA Museum Boorla Bardip. Hera has since worked on some incredible projects across Australia, which Matteo calls home after immigrating from Italy in 2007 in search of the best windsufing beaches in the world.

    Hera launched in a depressed market that was not conducive to a new, unproven company’s success and has steadily grown to 25 staff over the past six years, becoming one of the largest building structural consultancy in WA.

    The company has only thrived because it challenged the status quo by offering smarter engineering solutions that focused on creativity and innovation, resulting in buildings with fewer materials that are more economical to construct.

    Here are some highlights over the years:

    -Cirque Apartments, Applecross (Stirling Capital)
    -WA Museum Boorla Bardip (Multiplex Construction)
    -300 George Street office in Brisbane (Multiplex Construction)
    -The One Residence (Multiplex Construction) – TALLEST BUILDING IN QLD
    -High Society (Geocon Developments) – TALLEST BUILDING IN ACT
    -The Switch (COR Partners Pty Ltd) – TALLEST RESIDENTIAL IN WA
    -Epsilon Tower in Broadbeach (Destination Gold Coast Consortium)
    -Queen Wharf in Brisbane (Multiplex Construction)
    -One, Subiaco (Blackburne)
    -The Grove (Blackburne)

    We look forward to another exciting year ahead. Bring on 2022!