WGE worked with developers M/Group and architects Cameron Chisholm Nicol on Heirloom by Match, transforming the former disused Dalgety Wool Stores into 183 contemporary apartments. The project was recognised as the Winner for Conservation or Adaptive Reuse of a State Registered Place and also received the Gerry Gauntlett Award for excellence in Conservation or Adaptive Reuse. Heirloom by Match was a massive undertaking that required its owners to reach above and beyond to find innovative solutions to conserve and enhance original heritage fabric while satisfying building, safety and utility requirements, as well as customer expectations. WGE provided Civil, Fire Engineering, …
Date: May 29, 2017
WGE’s Rebecca Dracup will be at Green Building Day in Sydney on Wednesday 24 May talking about how sustainability performance can be achieved for heritage buildings. As part of the conference program, Rebecca will be discussing the key sustainability challenges and opportunities with heritage buildings and how to get the most out of Green Star. Rebecca’s presentation includes a case study of the Old Perth Boys School, constructed in 1854. The building underwent a significant restoration as part of the fitout works and WGE was engaged as sustainability consultant achieving 6 Star Green Star – Interiors v1. For more information …
Date: May 23, 2017
With the increasing trend toward taller high-rise residential developments, hydraulics engineers are working harder to ensure reliable and consistent water pressure with optimized plant space available for pump stations – as the space is too precious to be dedicated to mid-level plantrooms. Common practice is to reticulate water at high pressure and use pressure reducing valves (PRVs) to reduce the water supply pressure based on the required condition at the fixture point. PRVs also regulate the water supply pressure to the fixtures by eliminating the fluctuations that may occur within the main distribution pipework. However, when the water pressure rises …
Date: May 15, 2017
WGE’s Perth team have been involved in a number of heritage projects, revitalising and restoring buildings that have often stood vacant for decades. Conserving and retaining heritage buildings is highly important in Perth, given so many buildings with heritage significance were lost in the development boom of the 1970s and 80s. Recent heritage projects by WGE include the transformation of Fremantle’s historic woolstores into Heirloom apartments, the COMO Treasury Hotel in Perth’s CBD, Old Perth Boys School at Brookfield Place, Sage Hotel in West Perth and Curtin Law School – revitalising the hundred-year-old former public health buildings at 57 Murray …
Date: May 10, 2017
Geotechnical Project Engineer Jonathan Durnell has recently joined Wood & Grieve Engineers’ based in the Sydney office, and working across Australia to offer our clients a better understanding of how ground conditions can impact the design, delivery and operation of infrastructure and commercial construction projects. Jonathan can advise on all aspects of ground engineering across all stages of a project, including feasibility, site investigation, design, construction and asset management. To understand and manage the hazards, risks and opportunities associated with geotechnical, geological, geomorphological and groundwater aspects of our projects. Key strengths include: Review of existing information and provision of focused …
Date: May 4, 2017
Perth’s southern suburbs are home to major chemical processing plants and industrial operations, so Fiona Stanley Hospital needs to be equipped to deal with any accidents or incidents involving chemicals and hazardous materials. Decontamination showers are an important first defence against chemical burns and injuries, reducing the potential damage and the likelihood of permanent damage. Fiona Stanley Hospital is equipped with 16 outdoor decontamination showers that needed upgrades in order to comply with updated standards. WGE were engaged to audit the existing system, finding: Existing water pressure is too high Water flow rate is too low The existing cold water …
Date: April 21, 2017
Our engineers spoke to the Property Council of Australia (PCA) recently to share their views on the industry and why they decided to become engineers. This article was recently published by the PCA. A pipeline of engineers is essential to Australia’s industry of nation builders. We checked in with three emerging leaders from Wood & Grieve Engineers on why a career in property has delivered in spades. Engineers Australia’s State of the Professional report 2017, released earlier this month, found that Australia is failing to produce enough home-grown engineers. But the local engineering talent is lining up to join WGE’s …
Date: April 19, 2017
WGE have gathered Sydney’s top property people for a new take on the ‘family feud’ theme that offers some unique insights into the property industry. The video was shared at the Property Council of Australia’s April Business Lunch in Sydney. After surveying 100 property industry people about the current state of play in Sydney and the future of the industry, we asked Ian Lomas, Emma Favretto, Minh Ngo, Richard Rigby, Frank Ru, Marisa Lorigan and a selection of WGE engineers to share their thoughts. Joe Walsh took on the role Grant Denyer for the day, but sadly no one took home …
Date: April 7, 2017
Wood & Grieve Engineers (WGE) Brisbane office hosted the inaugural Young Industry Professionals evening in March. WGE is collaborating with DMA Partners and McKenzie Group to create networking opportunities for young professionals in the Brisbane area. Around 150 people enjoyed the event at WGE’s rooftop with more events planned for later in the year. The group welcomes people who are in the property and construction industry, offering an opportunity to connect with other professionals in a relaxing, casual environment. Interested professionals can join the LinkedIn Group for updates about more events in future.
Date: April 6, 2017
Work is underway on updating Australian Standard AS5488-2013 for Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE). WGE’s Rob Sansbury is involved with Engineers Australia and Standards Australia in improving the approach to the management of underground utilities like gas, water and electricity. The updated standard will address one of the key challenges on a construction site - when existing underground utilities are not documented accurately, or information on existing infrastructure is simply not available. A committee of industry stakeholders is being formed and will meet for the first time in April. Supported by Consult Australia, Engineers Australia, Standards Australia and Dial Before You …
Date: March 31, 2017
The Perth Structural team have undertaken a number of challenging heritage transformations, overcoming complex challenges to preserve historic buildings for future generations. Recent work includes: David Malcolm Justice Centre - constructing a 33-level office development constrained on all four sides by heritage listed landmarks in the middle of Perth’s CBD. Heirloom by Match - our team transformed the historic Dalgety Woolstores into WA’s largest heritage residential development. Rottnest Island remediation works - preserving World War II defence establishments and restoring over 337 roof and wall structures. Kalgoorlie Earthquake - WGE were engaged as the State Advisor to assess and safeguard …
Date: March 14, 2017
WGE have gathered the top property people for a new take on the ‘family feud’ theme that offers some unique insights into the Perth property industry. After surveying 100 property industry people about the current state of play in Perth and the future of the industry, we asked Anna Broughton, Richard Kilbane, Natalie Bell, Greg Howlett, Jim Kemp, Tony Perrin and a selection of WGE engineers to share their thoughts. Perth Office Manager Brett Davis took on the role of (a much taller) Grant Denyer for the day, but sadly no one made it through to the Fast Money round. …
Date: February 17, 2017
The Property Council of Australia has announced finalists for the 2017 Innovation and Excellence Awards. The annual awards program showcases iconic projects across a broad range of sectors and winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney in May. Wood & Grieve Engineers (WGE) congratulates all finalists, and is proud to be involved in a number of shortlisted projects across Australia: State Buildings Perth, WA, nominated for Best Heritage Development Discovery Point, NSW, nominated for Best Mixed Use Development, Best Master Planned Community and Best Residential Development The Village Coorparoo, QLD, nominated for Best Retirement Living Development Stockland …
Date: February 14, 2017
This project involved the modification and reconstruction of roof and wall structures to over 337 public buildings across the island over a five year, state government funded program. The project also included the investigation, reporting, documentation and ultimately the structural restoration of 29 of WA’s most historically significant heritage-listed buildings in liaison with a heritage architect and Heritage WA. Project challenges: The program priorities were to preserve historical construction fabric whilst achieving ongoing public safety, building durability and building code compliance. WGE set up a temporary office on the island completing the restoration program over 3-4 months each year for …
Date: February 10, 2017
The heritage-listed Defence Establishment was an Army base in World War II, and includes bunkers and gun emplacements, plotting rooms, observational towers, magazine and ammunition stores. Project challenges: The buildings were in a poor state of repair and accessible to public, so preservation and public safety were key considerations for this project. WGE’s structural team were appointed as heritage advisor, project engineers and contract superintendent. Structural solution: To preserve and refurbish the building fabric, with minimal intervention approach (consistent with the Burra charter - guidance for heritage works) a program of steel treatment, concrete repair, glass replacement and masonry refurbishment …
Date: February 10, 2017
A team of riders from WGE’s Sydney office put their endurance to the test with a gruelling 900km bike ride from Sydney to Melbourne. The team included engineers Paul Moore, Alex Kobler, Ben James, Olivier Gaussen and Joe Walsh, along with support crew Anna Favretto and Matt Hardwick. WGE’s Perth office has held a Perth to Busselton charity ride for the last 10 years, and the team decided it was about time to try out a similar – but much longer – event on the east coast. Departing WGE’s Sydney office in St Leonards early on Australia Day morning, the …
Date: February 9, 2017
This project involves converting Fremantle’s historic wool stores into 183 apartments. Dating back to 1922, the building played a significant role in Fremantle’s port history, before being converted into ‘Fort Knox’ storage and standing empty for a number of years. Original heritage features including the saw-tooth roof, century old jarrah beams, exposed brick, grand windows and 3.6m high ceilings were retained, resulting in a contemporary aesthetic that honours the buildings history. WGE undertook significant structural alteration of the existing structure as part of the architectural adaptive re-use works. Key structural design outcomes included: Strengthening of the existing building to meet …
Date: February 9, 2017
Wood & Grieve Engineers (WGE) is nominated as a finalist in two categories for the 2017 Financial Review Client Choice Awards announced this week. The prestigious awards recognise excellence in client service across professional services firms and have been running for 12 years. WGE was nominated as a finalist for Best Provider to both the Construction & Infrastructure sector and the Property sector. The firm has a long history of success at the awards, most recently taking out a triple win in 2015 and the Best Provider to Property sector last year. CEO Jose Granado said the awards reflect the …
Date: February 2, 2017
Wood & Grieve Engineers (WGE) has acquired LHO Group business to expand the hydraulics services team within the firm’s Sydney office. Four full time and two part time staff from LHO Group will be commencing employment with WGE from Wednesday 1 February, including Project Engineers David Turnbull and Michael Armitage, Designer James Kwong and Administrator Jilda Coles. LHO Group have been one of the preeminent specialists in hydraulics and fire design for more than 50 years and have been at the forefront of the hydraulics industry in Australia. LHO Group has been involved in many of the nation’s iconic projects …
Date: February 1, 2017
WGE’s Marketing Manager, Shelley Phillipson recently spoke to the Property Council of Australia about the challenges facing the industry and how we can continue to promote diversity. What advice would you give to future leading women in property? Hold true to yourself. I was once told ‘Never wear your hair down’ in professional situations, ignoring that advice was the best thing ever. Being yourself gives you confidence that you can’t fake. It is what can make you stand out and succeed. What are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in your career to date? Each job I’ve had …
Date: January 30, 2017