Engineering Stability in Unpredictable Ground Conditions

Solidity delivered integrated helical pile foundations at Swan Hill Art Gallery, overcoming variable ground conditions reliably.

Solidity

Solidity delivers integrated helical pile foundation solutions through a fully controlled design, manufacture, and installation model, providing certainty in variable and constrained ground conditions.

At the Art Gallery of Swan Hill, Solidity designed, manufactured, and installed a foundation system capable of responding to the sites significant subsurface variability, including uncontrolled fill and buried obstructions, revealed during the sites early geotechnical investigations.

“We were dealing with uncontrolled fill and variable ground conditions, so traditional shallow foundations weren’t suitable,” explained Engineering Manager, Atbin Soleiman. “Our solution was to design and install helical piles that bypassed those layers and anchored into stable founding material.”

The scope included the installation of 177 screw piles for the gallery redevelopment. “Even with challenges like buried concrete and the need for pre-drilling in certain areas, we were able to stage the works and complete the installation within the tight program,” Atbin said.

The team also navigated site constraints including existing structures and heritage considerations, requiring careful coordination and sequencing. “We had to work around existing elements on site while maintaining access for other trades, which meant staging the installation in multiple sections,” he added.

Beyond project delivery, Solidity’s strength lies in its vertically integrated model. “Solidity is a specialist manufacturer of helical piles and foundation solutions. We design, manufacture and install our systems using Australian steel, which gives us full control over quality and delivery,” As National Business Development Manager David McDonald explains,

This approach enables faster installation and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional methods. “Our system is significantly faster than conventional concrete piling and can offer cost efficiencies while maintaining performance,” McDonald said.

With a 50-year design life and minimal site disruption, Solidity’s work at Swan Hill ensures the gallery redevelopment is built on a foundation engineered for longevity and performance.

For more information contact Solidity, phone 03 8402 0189, email info@solidity.com.au, website www.solidity.com.au



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Delivering Complex Fitout Solutions Under Pressure

Skybuilt Projects delivered the Gateway Kelso retail fitout, adapting on-site methods to maintain programme continuity.

SkyBuilt Projects

Offering 5,300m² of large-format retail space to accommodate major national retailers, Gateway Kelso’s design focused on visibility, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The development required a cohesive internal environment to support high tenant performance and long-term commercial function.

Skybuilt Projects delivered the full internal fitout package, including drywalls, plasterboard ceilings, and suspended ceiling systems. Works were undertaken within a fast-paced, tightly coordinated programme, requiring a flexible on-site delivery approach to manage multiple tenancy interfaces and staged access constraints.

“We specialise in fitout construction. Skybuilt prides ourselves on providing efficient solutions to achieve projects milestones. This requires flexibility and regular coordination to adapt to a changing program.” explained Erick Stefanik, Managing Director. “We did consider prefabricated frames in the early stages but due to program timeframes we deemed it more efficient to build and erect the framing in situ.”

Gateway Kelso - interior break room walls.
Gateway Kelso - interior retail space dividing walls.
Gateway Kelso- interior stock room walls.
Gateway Kelso - interior breakroom Rebel Sport
Gateway Kelso - interior Supercheap Auto

Working within a regional location also presented additional logistical challenges, particularly around materials supply and scheduling.

“Due to the size of the project, and the man power on site, we relied heavily on the delivery of materials. Majority of our deliveries will come from our trusted suppliers which are based in Sydney. This required consistent planning. Especially at the pace we were trying to maintain” Erick explained. “You’ve always have delays, whether it’s weather, deliveries, or conditions outside your control. The goal is to mitigate those delays improve efficiency in delivery and maintain project milestones.”

Skybuilt maintained programme efficiency through strong communication and collaborative site management. “This really was a Team effort,” Erick said.

Beyond subcontract fitout delivery, Skybuilt Projects is continuing to expand its footprint as a principal contractor across commercial, aviation, heritage, and specialised upgrade works throughout Sydney and Canberra, bringing a hands-on management approach focused on quality, service, and project delivery outcomes.

For more information contact SkyBuilt Projects, Unit 6, 9 Lithgow Street Fyshwick, 2609 ACT, phone 02 6109 7843, website www.skybuiltprojects.com.au



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Custom Crane Integration for Constrained Urban Developments

Stellar Cranes provided engineered crane solutions at Archibald Mosman, enabling construction within zero-boundary site constraints.

Stellar Cranes Australia

Delivering complex construction outcomes in tightly constrained urban environments requires more than lifting power, it demands engineering precision, strategic planning, and seamless collaboration. At The Archibald Mosman, Stellar Cranes Australia played a pivotal role in enabling construction progress within one of Sydney’s most challenging sites.

Faced with a zero-boundary site in the heart of Mosman Village, a traditional external tower crane was not viable. “By selecting a compact tower crane and anchoring it directly within the building’s permanent elevator shaft, we achieved full 360-degree coverage without impacting surrounding public space,” explained Managing Director, Adnan Wehbe.

“Our engineering team spearheaded the custom design of the crane base, specifically engineered to integrate into the Archibald’s internal lift shaft,” said Adnan. “This included rigorous load-path analysis to ensure the building’s core could support the crane’s dynamic forces during high-capacity lifting.”

This specialised approach directly leverages Stellar Cranes’ expertise in managing complex tower crane configurations for modern additions to tightly constrained commercial footprints. This legacy is anchored by their work on the landmark Ultimo Hotel development. Much like that project – where the crane configuration had to be meticulously tailored to execute a major new-build structural expansion within a dense urban pocket – the Archibald crane engineering plan successfully resolved restrictive footprint while completely isolating lifting stress from the sensitive surroundings.

Stella Cranes onsite at Archibald Mosman.

Once anchored at Mosman, site logistics were heavily optimised. Stellar Cranes integrated an innovative waste management system, utilising specialised self-unloading bins that streamlined debris removal directly from the core. “Positioning the crane internally reduced lift cycle times and allowed early access for façade works and fit-outs,” Adnan noted.

Collaboration made execution seamless. “A key driver for the project’s success was the strong relationship we maintained with the TQM team,” Adnan said. “By ensuring clear, responsive communication, we enabled efficient decision-making and just-in-time material delivery, which was essential for such a constrained site.”

For more information contact Stellar Cranes Australia, 02 8764 0017, email info@stellarcranes.com.au, website www.stellarcranes.com.au



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High-Performance Glazing for High-Demand Retail

Glazeguard Windows delivers high-performance retail glazing through early engagement, improving durability, security, and coordination.

Glazeguard Windows Pty Ltd

High-traffic retail environments place competing demands on glazing systems, requiring a balance of transparency, impact resistance, thermal performance, and security across large-format shopfronts.

At Gateway Kelso, Glazeguard Windows Pty Ltd delivered a coordinated glazing package across the major tenancies, integrating large-format panels and entry systems, including automatic sliding door systems, and a dedicated airlock entry to the Officeworks tenancy, to meet both performance requirements and operational use.

Central to the project was the selection of high-performance glass systems designed to meet both aesthetic and functional demands. The team specified 13.52mm Comfort Plus Clear toughened laminate glass with an SGP interlayer across the project.

“This balanced thermal performance while retaining the natural light you want in a large-scale shopfront, while also meeting security requirements,” explained Mitchell McKenzie, Director of Glazeguard Windows. “We focused on maximising natural light and visibility while delivering a high-access environment through reliable automatic sliding systems,” Mitchell added.

Gateway Kelso - Officeworks shop front
Gateway Kelso - Officeworks air lock
Gateway Kelso - Snooze shopfront
Gateway Kelso - Supercheap Auto shopfront
Gateway Kelso - Rebel Sport shop fronts

In higher-demand areas, Glazeguard upgraded to 17.52mm laminated glass to provide additional strength and resilience. The result is a glazing system that not only enhances visibility but delivers long-term durability in a high-traffic commercial setting.

“Everything was smooth from first site measure to final installation, the site was always ready, and the other trades were professional and easy to work with,” Mitchell said.

Gateway Kelso is a clear example of what’s possible when glazing is approached as a performance-driven system, not just a finishing trade.

By engaging a specialist contractor early, project teams can unlock better material selection, streamline coordination, and deliver shopfronts that meet real-world demands from day one. In high-traffic retail environments, that translates directly to reduced maintenance, improved security, and a better customer experience.

For more information contact Glazeguard Windows Pty Ltd, phone 0499 270 499, email office@glazeguardwindows.com, website www.glazeguardwindows.com



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Designing resilient infrastructure for continuous emergency operations

Wesco Anixter delivered seismic-compliant raised flooring and network infrastructure for the South Australian Ambulance Headquarters.

Wesco Anixter

When the SA Ambulance Service precinct was developed as a mission-critical facility, it required infrastructure capable of supporting resilience, safety and continuous uptime. Wesco Anixter was engaged to deliver integrated solutions aligned with these operational requirements.

At the core of the project was a Bergvik ISO Floor raised- access system designed to meet seismic demands while supporting long-term flexibility. “The system is built with steel pedestals, bearers and joists, and allows wider spans than conventional raised floors,” said Tim Martin, Senior Vice President and GM, Wesco Anixter.. “This provides space to distribute cabling, piping and other essential services beneath the floor, while maintaining structural stability during seismic activity.”

This was critical as the facility was designed to meet Building Importance Level 4 requirements, the highest classification for essential infrastructure. The raised floor supports both static equipment loads and dynamic loads during seismic events, helping ensure that critical systems remain operational.

Bergvik ISO Floor raised- access system
Bergvik ISO Floor raised- access system covered.
Bergvik ISO Floor raised- access system
Bergvik ISO Floor raised- access system
Bergvik ISO Floor raised- access system

Wesco Anixter also delivered the communications infrastructure. “We deployed a SYSTIMAX Category 6A UTP solution using the VisiPATCH 360 system in a cross-connect configuration,” Tim said. This supports the management of eight separate networks within constrained telecommunications spaces, improving space utilisation and system reliability. Seismically rated Rittal enclosures were also installed to protect communications systems.

Collaboration was critical. Wesco Anixter worked closely with the Ambulance Service, consultants and contractors to align the solution with Australian standards and operational requirements. Intelligent monitoring through CommScope’s imVision provides visibility of network infrastructure, supporting secure access and faster identification of faults.

By integrating raised-access flooring, structured cabling and intelligent infrastructure management, Wesco Anixter delivered a scalable platform that supports reliable performance and continuous service delivery, helping the facility maintain critical operations in both day-to-day and emergency conditions.

For more information contact Wesco Anixter, phone 1300 319 499, website www.wesco.com/australia



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