Elevated lifestyle

Major challenges are all part of the routine when bringing together a project such as the 217m-high Aurora in Brisbane. Built on one of the busiest intersections in Brisbane's CBD, by project management, design and construction company Bovis Lend Lease, this residential development includes 478 apartments, a lap pool, gymnasium, theatre, underground parking for 500 cars and five ground-level stores.

Bovis Lend Lease (Qld) general manager Peter Bates says his company has been involved in The Aurora development from the early stages, providing Amalgamated Property Group with a portfolio of services that included assisting in obtaining the finance to make the project viable. The company's role ran through construction to the tail-end management, ensuring a smooth and problem-free handover from Amalgamated Property Group to the new owners of the individual apartments.

Bovis Lend Lease began by identifying and tackling challenges before they became problems. The company worked closely with Cottee Parker Architects to ensure the design met the developer's brief and was clearly documented. Construction issues were discussed and resolved during this process.

Bovis Lend Lease also worked closely with local authorities and with the owners of neighbouring buildings to address their concerns.

Considerations such as pedestrian safety and convenience during the construction period were worked through with the council, and innovative solutions developed. For example, rather than building gantries over the footpath for pedestrians, some paths were closed off and foot traffic was directed via corridors built through the site.

The company's project and construction management skills allowed the design to be streamlined for additional efficiency, says Bates. Cutting-edge technology in the formwork system ensured construction was fast, safe and efficient, setting new benchmarks in productivity.

By actively managing subcontractors, the project flowed smoothly. Each trade cycled through its work on a floor in four days, before moving up to the next level. On this basis, each apartment could be completed within 70 days after the structure was complete, says Bates.

The same speed, productivity and active quality management continued through to the tail-end management, when all 478 apartments were settled on the one day.

Throughout the project, Bovis Lend Lease liaised closely with the owners.

Quality-control processes were successful, allowing the new owners to move into apartments that were properly finished and up to the standard they expected, says building co-owner Graham Potts.

"I believe the quality of this project workmanship, materials, and management has been excellent from the start. And, to support this, we have received few, if any, complaints about problems from the new owners of the apartments."

Part of the design brief was to incorporate the historic, 117-year-old facade of the former Queensland Country Life building into the new street frontage. To ensure it was protected during the construction phase, the historic facade was shrink-wrapped before being restored.

"This project not only returns the old building to its former glory, but also represents a link between the old and new in this rapidly changing, dynamic city," says Potts.

"We are pleased with the way in which the new architectural elements of the building have integrated with the heritage facade."

A contemporary touch is provided by the abstract artwork entitled Beneath, by Australian artist Warren Langley. This extends three levels high and 24m wide and dramatically layers colour, translucency and light.

Inside the building, the public spaces are expansive, with two entry levels integrated to form a large and impressive lobby. Materials such as stone and alabaster add to the ambience.

For more information, contact Bovis Lend Lease, Level 18, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane 4000, phone (07) 3225 7100, fax (07) 3225 7166. Email: christo.visser@lendlease.com.au, or visit the website: www.lendlease.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas