The Switch Perth

In our role as the structural engineering and temporary works consultant for The Switch Perth, a collaboration with MJA Studio and Icon Construction, we successfully delivered a project that stands as a significant residential structure in Perth. This 41-storey tower, now recognized as the tallest residential building in Western Australia, reaches a height of 125 meters and is distinguished by its slender form and the use of a precast facade.

One of the unique challenges of this project was incorporating the construction within a heritage building while temporarily retaining the facade during the build. Our innovative approach to lateral stability analysis was key to ensuring the acceleration of the top floor remained within acceptable limits, despite the tower’s slender profile. This was achieved without the need for an expensive roof damper, thanks to our cost-efficient structural system comprising a central core and external precast walls. Traditional reinforced concrete was chosen for the slab, avoiding the use of post-tensioning which was deemed inefficient for this building’s design. Another challenge was to avoid surcharging the busport tunnel which is near the building.

The Switch Perth is a 5 Star GBCA certified co-living building, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation in structural engineering. It offers a mix of room types and shared amenities, designed to foster a vibrant, creative, and connected community hub where people can live, work, and play. The project stands as a testament to our ability to deliver complex and challenging projects on budget and on time, ensuring the preservation and integration of important heritage fabric within contemporary urban infill.