The constraints of the project allowed a highly considered design outcome that makes a bold statement in this city-scape and commits to the future.Ĭonstructed in line with Warren and Mahoney’s contemporary environmental design standards, the project’s major initiative is commercial longevity and owner-occupation. Bolted column connections to the foundation raft allows the building to be relevelled in the event of differential settlement following an earthquake. The primary structure incorporates low-damage resilient design.
Part of the former basement foundation has been incorporated into the new raft foundation to offset costs.Ī steel moment-frame primary structure was adopted, to accommodate the site’s geometry and to eliminate bracing frames. Geotechnical conditions restricted the size of the building to four storeys, being roughly equivalent in mass to the previous structure over an increased floor area. The core was relocated to the north boundary providing an uninterrupted floorplate over three floors. The post-earthquake city plan removed both setbacks and required full site coverage, a significant improvement. The original (five-storey) building suffered from a central core and restrictive setbacks from both Victoria and Kilmore boundaries. The ratio of external wall to floor area is high, a cost penalty for any design outcome.
Excellent views and daylighting are available in all directions however, these benefits are countered to some degree by the site’s triangular geometry. The site is well located opposite a revitalised Victoria Square. The brief developed with the client proposed a mixed-use building comprising three floors of commercial space and a rooftop apartment. Commissioned following the Christchurch earthquakes of 2011, the development replaces the former Riverlands House building (Alun Wilkie, 1996).
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