Shape of things to come

Just as architects like to explore new ideas and innovations, so too is the role of construction companies evolving to meet new challenges. Many firms today are making a much greater contribution at the design and planning stages to ensure a project's success.

The Capella Apartments mixed-use development, constructed by Abigroup Contractors, is a prime example. The $60 million luxury development in Kensington, Sydney comprises 164 residential apartments with retail outlets on the ground floors.

George Bardas, who is Abigroup's building manager for NSW, says the fact that the Capella was a mixed-use devel­opment made it complex to build.

"There were many different building codes and requirements governing the project, as well as varying client needs to accommodate," he says. "The Abigroup design management team came on board early to help solve a number of issues. These included non compliance with the Development Control Plan in respect to private open space and storage. The design of the plant rooms, basement, Level 6 terraces and glass towers also needed revising."

Bardas says some of Abigroup's design innovations included the introduction of car stackers; the use of bentonite blanket underlay to waterproof the basement; retaining the basement using heavy gauge hot-rolled sheet piles; and the diversion of an existing 1800mm stormwater main. The team also negotiated the purchase of an easement from the adjoining owner.

Once the design issues were resolved, the construction of the building also proved challenging, says construction manager Greg Sweeny. The building was located over a major aquifer, with the water table between 1m and 2.5m below surface level, and the basement 4m below surface level. When the basement was fully excavated, the team was pumping out the equivalent of four Olympic swimming pools per day.

Sweeny says the team was able to secure the construction of the basement to the adjoining project and complete the building while keeping the water table constantly flowing as nature intended.

For further details, contact Abigroup Limited & Abigroup Contractors, Head Office and NSW: phone (02) 9499 0999. Victoria: phone (03) 9816 5555. South Australia: phone (08) 8202 1100. Queensland: phone (07) 3020 8200. Western Australia: phone (08) 9267 8900. Email: abimail@abigroup.com.au. Website: www.abigroup.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas