Where History Meets Modern Engineering: Heritage-Safe testing Solutions

Integrity Testing International

In the ambitious transformation of Melbourne’s historic WEFO Wool Store, Integrity Testing International played a critical behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the century-old structure could support the demands of a modern redevelopment, without sacrificing its heritage character.

“Integrity was brought on as a specialist structural engineering consultant to understand the present structure’s ability to accommodate the proposed development, particularly its foundations, columns, and floor slabs,” explained Director Rikki Tongue. “ With limited historical documentation and no room for error, Integrity Testing conducted a diagnostic investigation using proprietary non-destructive techniques to assess the structural integrity of the site.

Integrity Testing International onsite at WEFO Wool Store performing testing for structural analysis.
Integrity Testing International onsite at WEFO Wool Store performing testing for structural analysis.

“Our Mod-shock® foundational and column testing methods allowed us to evaluate load-bearing capacity and structural condition without intrusive excavation or disruption to the operational building,” said Rikki. “Especially at the southern end, where part of the floor slab was semi-suspended, we needed to determine which areas were safe to carry additional loads.”

The heritage nature of the Wool Store, combined with ongoing limited-use operations and potential asbestos presence, demanded a tailored approach. “We couldn’t rely on traditional geotechnical testing or destructive methods,” Rikki said. “Our systems are completely non-destructive, portable, and low-impact, ideal for sites with sensitive heritage or safety concerns.”

In addition to foundational analysis, Integrity’s testing satisfied Australian and international compliance standards, including AS 2159-2009 and ISO 22477-10:2016. “All our methods align with ISO 9001-2015 quality standards,” Rikki added.

Working closely with the client and consulting engineers, Integrity ensured all data requirements were met ahead of major construction. Their real-time insights provided direct, in-situ measurements without the need for complex desktop conversions, saving time and reducing risk.

“Ultimately, our goal was to deliver accurate, efficient, and non-intrusive diagnostics that respected the heritage value of the structure,” said Tongue. And in doing so, Integrity Testing helped lay the groundwork—quite literally—for the Wool Store’s new future.

For more information contact Integrity Testing International, email info@integritytesting.com.au, phone 03 5444 0782, website www.integritytesting.com.au

/by

Adaptive Fire Safety Solutionsfor Complex Heritage Sites

Focus Fire Protection

At the revitalised WEFO Wool Store precinct, Focus Fire Protection delivered a performance-led fire safety solution that balanced modern compliance with heritage preservation, engineering a full-system overhaul within one of Melbourne’s most complex adaptive reuse environments.

“Our scope included stripping out and replacing the damaged concrete fire tanks, installing fully compliant modern replacements, refurbishing and recommissioning the site’s fire pumps, replacing every sprinkler head across the facility, and delivering a new, networked fire detection and evacuation system,” explains Mike Donohue, Project Lead at Focus Fire Protection.

Focus Fire Protection onsite at WEFO Wool Store.
Focus Fire Protection onsite at WEFO Wool Store.
WEFO Wool Store fire tanks installed by Focus Fire Protection.

The biggest challenge came in protecting the main warehouse, which required a fire safety overhaul within the high-ceilinged, heritage-sensitive, multi-use environment, with void ceilings approaching 20m high. Traditional point or beam detection was either non-compliant or impractical due to ongoing maintenance requirements.

Instead, Focus Fire Protection implemented a KIDDE MODULASER aspirating system, using long sample pipe runs with modular detection heads feeding into a central FIP. “It gave us reliable coverage in a harsh, dusty environment while respecting the heritage aesthetic,” Mike explained. “It’s a great example of performance-based engineering being done right.”

Focus Fire Protection also played a critical role in identifying flaws in early consultant drawings, saving the client more than $500,000 through targeted value management, refined layouts and smarter material strategies. Their collaboration with Fusion Fire also ensured full compliance with AS1670 and AS7240 battery recharge standards, an area often overlooked.

“WEFO is a project we’re incredibly proud of, but our work in the BESS sector is equally exciting,” says Mike. “We’re doing some great things in battery energy storage fire protection right now, and the level of risk and innovation required in that space makes it a natural fit for our expertise.”

By combining heritage sensitivity with advanced detection technologies, Focus Fire Protection delivered a performance-based fire safety solution tailored to a challenging adaptive reuse environment—demonstrating the practical application of intelligent design in achieving lasting safety outcomes.

Focus Fire Protection Logo

For more information contact Focus Fire Protection, phone 1300 565 002, email admin@focusfireprotection.biz, website
www.focusfireprotection.biz

/by

Compliance in Action: Heritage, Flood Zones, and Building to Code

Philip Chun

As part of the transformative Boyd Village development by PDG, Philip Chun’s role was to ensure the project adhered to regulatory requirements from concept to completion.

Appointed to deliver building surveying services in accordance with the Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018, Philip Chun’s involvement spanned compliance assessments, building permit approvals, mandatory inspections, and final occupancy certification.

“Our engagement began in late 2019 with a compliance review of pre-tender design documentation,” said Andrew Urli, Director at Philip Chun. “From there, we provided detailed assessments across all design disciplines—structural, civil, architectural, and services—to ensure the design aligned with the Building Code of Australia 2019, which was applicable at the time.”

Philip Chun onsite at Boyd Village
Philip Chun onsite at Boyd Village
Boyd Village exterior with childrens playground in the foreground.

The site surrounding the heritage building for the former JH Boyd Girls’ School, presented a unique challenge for flood level compliance. “The minimum finished floor level needed to be significantly higher than surrounding streets and footpaths,” Andrew explained. “We worked closely with the design team to ensure Melbourne Water and Melbourne City Council authority requirements where satisfied.”

Philip Chun’s strategic involvement from the early design phase helped drive documentation quality and supported a streamlined approvals process. “Our early compliance reviews set a benchmark for the entire design team and consultants,” Andrew noted. “Once the builder came on board, we provided ongoing compliance reviews tailored to building permit staging, which enabled efficient delivery.”

Throughout the construction process, our statutory role requires mandatory inspections to be undertaken. Chris Farrell, who has over 30 years of experience as a building inspector conducted these inspections from foundations, to concrete pours, to fire rating of apartments on every storey through to completion. The attention to detail during the design and construction process emphasis’s the team aspect at Philip Chun, in being able to deliver a positive outcome for the project and the occupants of Boyd Tower.

From a building surveying perspective, Andrew highlighted the complex ground floor interface and the Level 6 terrace pool zone as particularly challenging and rewarding aspects of the project. “Navigating accessible provisions with elevated entries and rights of access around the adjoining parklands was intricate, but seeing it come together was incredibly satisfying.”

Through proactive engagement and expertise, Philip Chun helped deliver a compliant, accessible, and functional urban development in the heart of Southbank.

For more information contact Philip Chun, Suite 3, Level 1, 5 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, phone 03 9662 2200, website www.philipchun.com

/by

Beneath It All: Solving Subsurface Challenges

LTE Construction Group

LTE Construction Group brought its expertise in groundworks and foundations to the ambitious Boyd Village development in Southbank, a transformative social and affordable housing project delivered by Homes Victoria. As specialists in civil construction and ground preparation, LTE was responsible for the site cut, installation of foundation piles, rafts, pile caps and slab-on-ground works across the precinct.

“This was a fairly standard job for us in terms of scope,” explained Benjamin Patrick, General Manager at LTE Construction Group. “But every site presents its own set of challenges. Boyd Village was no different.”

LTE Construction Group onsite at Boyd Village completing piling and foundation ground works.
Civil groundworks time-lapse compilation from Boyd Village site works camera.

One of the primary logistical hurdles was the site’s tight access and the complex urban setting. “We managed the title boundary works and liaised with Hamilton Marino, who handled the broader management plan, including council approvals and traffic plans,” said Patrick. “It was a brownfield site, so there were environmental considerations too.”

A major obstacle emerged early in the foundation works. “We had to use polymer slurry to create deep foundation piles that socket into bedrock,” Patrick explained. “Initially, we lost time due to contaminants—specifically E. coli in the groundwater—were deactivating the polymer slurry. That caused some of the pile shafts to collapse.”

To address the issue, LTE brought in a specialist company to customise and manage the polymer mix on-site. “Once we got the chemistry right, we could produce consistently clean, stable pile holes,” he added. “It was a challenge, but overcoming it became a real point of pride for our team.”

Weekly site meetings and close coordination with builder Hamilton Marino allowed LTE to maintain momentum and compress the schedule where needed. “We often had multiple activities overlapping to make up for lost time,” said Patrick.

In the end, LTE’s ability to deliver the critical groundworks under pressure reflects their reputation for reliability and excellence in infrastructure projects across Melbourne.

For more information contact LTE Construction Group, email info@lteconstructiongroup.com.au, phone 03 9748 3646, website www.lteconstructiongroup.com.au

/by

Complete Tiling Solutions forMulti-Residential Projects

Philton Group provided full tiling services for Floret Glen Waverley, covering bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries.

Philton Group

Philton Group brought their reputation for quality and consistency to the Floret Glen Waverley development, where they were engaged to deliver full tiling services across the multi-residential project.

Their scope covered bathrooms, ensuites, kitchens, and laundries—key wet areas that demand both durability and aesthetic cohesion.

“Given the size of the project, we staged the works and had a dedicated team on-site to maintain workflow and meet key deadlines,” said Tony Fakhoury, Managing Director of Philton Group.

Bathroom Floret Glen Waverley.
Kitchen variation Floret Glen Waverley.
Kitchen variation Floret Glen Waverley.
Bathroom variation Floret Glen Waverley.

While all tiles and finishes were selected by the client and design team, the Philton crew was responsible for executing those selections to the highest standard. “We worked strictly to the construction drawings and tile schedules to deliver everything to spec and on time,” Tony explained.

“Our focus was on clean, accurate installations with consistent quality throughout,” Tony said. That quality-first mindset helped ensure the finishes complemented the premium look and feel of the broader Floret Glen Waverley design vision.


Philton Group has expanded its business footprint with the recent acquisition of TILEPRO Australia and Melbourne Home Centre, adding the capacity for a tile and bathware showroom in Epping, as well as a warehouse to support wholesale supply to other tilers and builders. “This helps us offer better service, faster lead times, and a full end-to-end solution for our clients,” Tony said.

The move positions Philton Group to further enhance its service offerings while supporting the broader industry with premium products and logistical efficiency.

As both a trusted tiling contractor and a growing supplier, Philton Group is well placed to continue delivering precision and reliability across Victoria’s residential and commercial construction landscape.

For more information contact Philton Group, 35 Longford Road, Epping VIC 3076, for Trade shop TILEPRO Australia and Melbourne Home Centre, phone 0406 062 103

/by