The Switch Adelaide

The Switch Adelaide, a notable project in Adelaide, South Australia, stands as a significant contribution to student accommodation, merging modern living with heritage preservation. Developed by Accord, designed by Brown Falconer, and constructed by Synergy Construction, this project embodies innovation in structural engineering and temporary works, culminating in a 35-storey structure that incorporates a heritage facade​​​​​​.

Hera Engineering’s early involvement was pivotal, proposing a shift from the initial architectural design with a side core to a more cost-effective solution featuring a central core and external precast. This change not only optimised the project’s structural efficiency but also allowed for the preservation of the heritage facade, a critical aspect of the development. The project presented a unique challenge in maintaining the heritage facade while demolishing internal slabs for the new tower’s construction, necessitating sophisticated temporary works to support the historic structure throughout the process​​​​

The Switch Adelaide is celebrated for its adaptive reuse of a significant neo-gothic styled masonry building from the 1870s, originally serving as a warehouse. This redevelopment has not only revitalised a commercially dormant heritage building but has also introduced a new dimension of student living in Adelaide. The project has been recognised for its contribution to heritage architecture, receiving a commendation from the Australian Institute of Architects, SA Chapter in 2023, and winning the Commercial/Industrial Building $20M to $50M category at the Master Builders Building Excellence SA in 2022​​​​​​.