$28m

Project Value

2017

Completion

14500m2

Site Area

The new multi-level Bunnings Warehouse store was to be constructed on a brownfield site with an area of approximately 14,500 m2, and with a building footprint of 13,500 m2. The breakup of the levels consisted of an 11,000m2 undercroft carpark, the construction of 13,500m2 Level One suspended retail floor and a 3000m2 suspended retail mezzanine and office area.

Being a Design and Construct procurement method, Pascale Construction followed a stringent Bunnings Design Brief to deliver on all their specific requirements. This included ensuring that the building met all code and council requirements, whilst incorporating a high level of buildability into the design to take into consideration the restricted site access and manoeuvrability within the site.

The structure consists of a basement with precast concrete retaining walls and lift shafts, with a concrete slab on ground. The maximum depth of the excavation was in excess of 4.0 metres and due to the proximity of adjacent structures and roads, required treatment via a combination of traditional battering, concrete stabilised batters, and concrete piles. 

The superstructure is predominantly structural steel with steel columns, primary and secondary steel beams supporting level’s one and the mezzanine connecting to both Precast and pad/strip footings. The insitu suspended concrete structural slabs are on a bondek soffit, with the trading floors finished with a burnished concrete topping slab to achieve the high level finish outcome that Bunnings demand within their stores.

Due to the significant clearance height required as part of the brief, the level one suspended slab was designed to be poured without the need for propping – this saved significant time and cost throughout the construction phase and enabled critical works to continue in the basement unobstructed.

There is extensive infrastructure incorporated within the build, to meet the strict heating and cooling requirements set by Bunnings, as well as meeting all energy efficiency, fire and life safety design requirements, and the management and reuse of stormwater for the nursery area.

Peripheral works included the coordination and liaison with DPTI and associated authorities to conduct road improvement works on North East Road, and the upgrade of the slip lane at the intersection with Innes Street. This work was conducted with minimal impact on road users to coincide with the opening of the store.