Westera Corp Booklet

Westera Partners Pty Ltd is a highly respected Australian consulting engineering firm that has been practicing on the Gold Coast since 1981, Brisbane since 1998 and Northern New South Wales since 2009, in the disciplines of structural, civil and environmental engineering. The company has extensive experience in the following fields of structural engineering.

- Residential housing - Forensic investigation- Two and three storey townhouses- Low rise unit developments- Medium rise apartment blocks with basement car parking- Factory and warehouse buildings- Aged care facilities- Retail buildings- Low and medium rise office buildings- Service club facilities- School buildings

What makes us different?

Westera Partners provide a very unique service to our clients. We treat every project as if it were our own. We carefully listen to our clients and understand what is important to them. We provide educated and informed feedback to minimise construction costs and reduce construction times.

Our service ensures every project is designed or supervised by a senior engineer with over ten yearsexperience. We are approachable, reliable and experts in our field.

Personnel

The Westera Partners team is made up of highly talented individuals. We currently have over thirty staff across our three offices including Engineers, Draftsmen and Administration Staff. Each member of the team is dedicated to excellence and their contributions to the whole company is invaluable. All Partners and Directors are actively involved in the design of every project worked on and their experience has made the firm a leader in the industry.

John Westera Anthony Hockings Clive Cowdell Bret ArthurConsultant Director & structural Director & structural Director & structural project engineer project engineer project engineer

Peter Ide Ross Keene Joshua Neale Brett Collins Gavin ScoffellPartner & structural Partner & structural Partner & structural Partner & structural Senior civil designer project engineer project engineer project engineer project engineer

Saumel Ide Chad Ings Matthew Gibbs Jeremy Leaning Daniel Christie Adam IdeCivil & environmental Structural design Structural design Structural design Structural design Business Developmentengineer engineer engineer engineer engineer manager

We love engineering and are passionate about creative designs that are economic and easily executed on site. As Directors of Westera Partners we are committed to the success of every project that we are commissioned to work on. We ensure that we are personally involved with every aspect of the design, documentation and supervision to guarantee this. Our client relationships are critically important to us. We pride ourselves on open and honest communication, delivering projects on time and giving cost saving feedback. Our business has been built on our motto of “people before profits” which has always been the key to our success. We look forward to meeting you face to face and working with you on your project.

DIRECTORS NOTE

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL

Location CurrumbinProject Engineer Bret Arthur

SituationMedium density residential development (sixty nine individual units and duplex). The site is very steep with a history of slope instability. Construction of the access roads to service each unit required extensive cut and filling to achieve required grades. Access for construction was very restricted due to only one entry location and the steep narrow roads proposed.

SolutionThe roads were designed with cut and fill to minimise excessive earthworks. To stabilise the slopes, engineer designed masonry retaining walls with deep piles were adopted. This enabled minimum excavation into the existing slopes while maintaining a strong and durable retaining system.

ResultsThe finished stage one area now enables a sealed all weather access to all areas of the site with stabilised batters for the construction of future dwellings. The roadworks and stormwater drainage installed has helped control erosion on the site and managed the discharge of stormwater from the site in such a manner as to not effect downstream properties.

Currumbin Ridge

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | CIVIL

Location Fedrick Street, Logan CityProject Engineer Samuel Ide

SituationSubstantial expansion of the existing aged care facility (fourty six single storey units) to the west of the existing site. The existing site is a vaccant lot with only one exsiting building. Access is to be provided off the existing road network to the west and linked to the existing aged care facility. The site is considerably sloped across to an existing creek at the south of the site.

SolutionExtensive modelling of earthworks to create a road network and building platform which can be used as pedestrian access for the occupants. Stormwater drainage needed to be redirected and captured to ensure no increase in flow was directed to the existing area’s stormwater system. A detention and water quality system needed to be installed that would cater not only for this stage but for future works as well. To maximise site area for buildings an underground detention tank was provided under the road network.

ResultsConstruction for stage one is set to be finished in late 2011. The detention tank under the road has allowed for more site area to be available for buildings and for the dispersal of flows to the existing creek without excessive erosion. The site merges well into the existing road network internally and provides an easy acess for all residential occupants to walk to the main facilities building.

St Paul de Chartres


Peterson RoadLocation CabooltureProject engineer Bret Arthur

SituationResidential subdivision (one lot into twenty three). Existing single lot residential alotment was to be subdivided up into twenty three seperate residential alotments. External catchment from western park area feeding into and through site. The existing road intersection on Peterson Road needed to be modified to allow safe access to site. Existing stormwater and sewer mains in Peterson Road needed to be altered and diverted to ensure adequate capacity still maintained to suit new development.

SolutionLarge detection basin proposed in the south east corner of site to ensure no increase in peak stormwater discharge flows. To maximise the useable site area for development the bio retention basin (needed for water quality) was incorporated into the same footprint as the detention basin.

ResultsA pleasant residential development which has maximised the saleable area available while still maintaining aesthetic landscaping outlook for the majority of the sites.


Menser StreetLocation CalamvaleProject engineer Samuel Ide

SituationHigh density residential townhouse development (two storey buildings). Existing site sloped to rear of allotment. Legal point of discharge for both the sewer and stormwater was nominated at a location 180m to the west of the site, this would require the extension of the sewer and stormwater through an existing council parkland. Removal of trees in the parkland was not to occur and disturbance to tree root systems was to be minimal.

SolutionTo ensure the construction of the sewer and stormwater did not adversely effect the existing tree root system a combined shallow trench system was proposed with a tree arborist on site directing the construction. The alignment of the sewer and stormwater drainage was altered several times to ensure no damage to tree roots, where this was not possible horizontal directional drilling was to be undertaken.

ResultsThe use of on site supervision and modern drilling practises has enabled the construction of the stormwater and sewer systems to occur where conventional construction would have resulted in the project not proceeding.


WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | COMMERCIAL, MULTI RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Andergrove LakesLocation MackayArchitect Idea Architecture Pty LtdProject Engineer Sam Ide

SituationThe Andergrove Lakes development involves six stages of development:- Standard residential lots - 86 in Stages 1-4, estimated 81 in Stage 6.- Medium density lots - 4 in Stage 1-4, numerous medium density villas and units (110 estimated terrace houses equivalent) in Stage 6.- Commercial lots - 1 in Stage 1 (cable ski lake), 1 in Stage 4 (child care), 5 in Stage 5, recreational lake operation and associated facilities in Stage 6.The site presents many challenges for the project including:- Difficult soil conditions such as marine clays and groundwater- Flooding by a complex mix of regional flooding and local overland flow from two separate catchments- Located within an area mapped as High Ecological Significance (HES) Wetlands- Receiving urban runoff from external catchments for maintaining proposed lake water levels

SolutionEarthworks were designed to maximise flood storage and minimise constriction of overland flow from external catchments. The material beneath the marine clays was tested and found suitable for use as fill for lots. Constructed wetlands and a natural waterway were designed to treat runoff from the development and external catchments before discharging into the proposed lake. Sewerage reticulation was designed to include a gravity system, pump station and rising main.

ResultsDesign and operational works approval for stages 1 to 5 are complete. The civil works for stages 1 to 3 have been tendered and is expected to commence early 2012. The development has received positive media overage and is expected to boost tourism for the Mackay region.

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | COMMERCIAL, MULTI RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIALWESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Location Miller Street, BargaraProject Engineer Peter Ide

Summary of the ProjectLocated on the ocean front of Bargara Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This residential development consists of three levels of luxury units with a basement floor, a concrete roof, swimming pool and landscaping features.

SituationWestera Partners were engaged to carry out the civil and structural engineering services for the project. There were a number of challenges to overcome, one challenge was that the neighbouring properties were located reasonably close to the proposed basement excavation and were in risk of being undermined. Another challenge was the depth of the founding boulder matrix below the basement excavation.

SolutionWe were able to design and develop a construction methodology that eliminated the need of expensive sheet piling, but still provided adequate stabilisation to the excavation batters for the basement earthwork. The foundation design of the building chosen was a high level spread footing system in the low bearing capacity sands with localised compaction to reduce settlement. We were also able to be flexible with our design approach when the client decided to reconfigure the load bearing wall locations in an effort to optimise the final unit spaces to suit purchasers.

ResultThe construction was carried out without any incidents, in time and within budget. The development has won the UDIA QLD state presidents award for best overall development in Queensland as well as the best small - medium density development awards.

Saltwater Bargara

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | COMMERCIAL, MULTI-RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | COMMERCIAL, MULTI-RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Location Broadbeach WatersProject Engineer Ross Keene & Clive Cowdell

SituationFreshwater point is positioned in the heart of Broadbeach and neighbours Jupiters Casino and The Gold Coast Convention Centre. The development boasts approximately two hundred and sixty units in total across three buildings from four to ten storeys in height. The resorts facilities include outdoor heated pool, children’s wading pool, sauna, spa, steam room, gym, fishing jetty, café and meeting/function rooms.

SolutionWestera Partners were engaged by the client to provide Civil and Structural Engineering Services to this project. The buildings sit over a double height basement that pushes well into the surrounding water-table. Tension ground anchors were required to resist the large hydrostatic forces associated with this aspect. Precast walls and columns were adopted to support the reinforced concrete slabs to assist in reducing the very tight time frame given to construct the building. These precast elements were constructed off site and were trucked and stock-piled on site ready to be lifted into place after each deck pour. The modern architectural design required large cantilevered slab elements that can be viewed from all elevations.

ResultsFreshwater point was delivered to the client on time and within budget. The construction techniques adopted by the builder were very efficient and resulted in the building being the “talk of the town” at the time, with reference to the construction speed.

Freshwater Point


VIP PetfoodsLocation YatalaProject Engineer Clive Cowdell

SituationVIP Petfoods has become a household name and a world renowned QLD company specialising in fresh chilled pet food. This 7000m2 building is the companies head office located in Yatala. Its signature appearance can be easily noticed when travelling along the Pacific Highway. The project was completed in two stages. Stage one was the two main factory buildings. Stage two was an extension to one of the existing buildings and a purpose built administration building.

SolutionBeing a specialist food preparation building, Westera Partners worked closely with the architect and builder to maximise the efficiency of the design with particular attention to hygiene. The pet food preparation building is a portal frame structure with the portal columns located on the outside of the building. This technique enabled the insulation wall panels to continuously run around the perimeter forming both the internal and external wall structure. The ceiling panels were supported by the concealed roof steelwork. The ground floor slabs were post-tensioned to limit the floor jointing within the building, thus improving the hygiene component.

ResultsVIP Petfoods is a real local success storey and the company continues to grow worldwide. Westera Partners is proud to be associated with this client and look forward to continued work through expansion in the future.


Kula Beach HomesLocation CoolumProject Engineer Joshua Neale

SituationThe Kula Beach homes are situated on the Sunshine Coast nature reserves and within a close walk of the beach. The project consists of sixty two unique architecturally designed homes created by four of Australias leading architect firms. The homes which are two and three storeys high were required by the developer to be economically constructed without compromising the designers creative intent.

SolutionWestera Partners were given the responsibilty of creating a uniform, efficient and affordable construction methodology for all four architects different design variations. We were able to simplify complex problems and explore extensive options to satisfy the builder, architects and developer.

ResultsThe completed homes have proven to be extremely popular in the market with many industry awards already been won. The ability of Westera Partners to communicate with so many different parties on this project and deliver a simple and unified solution has been a contributing factor in the projects success.


HarmonyLocation Runaway BayProject Engineer Clive Cowdell

SituationHarmony is a unique apartment development incorporating the fine art of Feng Shui. The project comprised of six seperate buildings from between three and eight stories in height built entirely over an underground basement. The buildings size and orientation were paramount to the desired theme. The development incorporates a common central courtyard with pool, fire pit, private niches and community spaces surrounded by planting which includes a number of original mature trees retained on the site. A central water feature snakes its way through the central court-yard naturally dividing the different spaces.

SolutionWestera Partners were commissioned by the client to undertake Civil and Structural services on this project. The sites stormwater bio-retention system was cleverly incorporated into the landscaping scheme. The buildings foundation raft slab and podium slab were post-tensioned due to the large basement spans and carrying load pattern above the podium deck. The roof slabs were also stressed to help ensure water-tightness. Generally the typical floors were reinforced concrete supported on block-work and cast insitu concrete walls/columns. The site had a high water table so particular attention was given to de-watering during the basement excavation and construction of the buildings to ensure this would not be an issue for the structure.

ResultsHarmony is a unique development with a lot of special features incorporated, that may not be necessarily visible and therefore appreciated by the buildings occupants. The developer has been meticulous in following his desired theme throughout and has worked very closely with the consultants and builder to create a product that he is particularly proud of.


Audi Centre Gold Coast Location Southport, Gold CoastProject Engineer Ross Keene

SituationFollowing continued strong growth in Audi car sales throughout Australia, Gold Coast Audi franchisee the Frizelle Group embarked on this impressive $11 million development. The development comprises a basement carpark and car storage area, showroom, administration areas and 23 high-tech service bays. The architectural design and detailing of the building was required to conform to Audi’s Showroom Concept, which is used around the world to bring a distinct identity to their dealerships. This includes a curved floor plan with raking columns and walls to divide the customer zone from the car presentation zone.

SolutionThe showroom area, with its curved gallery level and raking columns offered the most challenging aspect to this project. The curve and rake to the columns resulted in the office level, some 8m above the showroom floor, having large spans of up to 24m. A structural steel frame comprising raking and vertical columns, and deep steel plate I beams, was designed to support precast pre-tensioned concrete floor planks. This structural system minimised the need for high formwork scaffolding. Care was required during the design, detailing and construction to maintain the stability of the steel frame until the perimeter blockwork bracing walls and floors were constructed.

ResultsThe completed building offers Audi customers a sophisticated open atmosphere to compliment the premium quality of the vehicles on display. They can even enjoy a coffee in the cafeteria overlooking the showroom floor.


WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | COMMERCIAL, MULTI-RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Location KingscliffProject Engineer Joshua Neale & Daniel Christie

SituationThe project is a relocatable modular structure built and transported to site, then craned into position. The site had limited access which required lifting the structure over the existing obstacles.

SolutionThe design incorporated a welded steel chassis which can be seen in the photos to act as the rigid support frame during the lifting process. Once the building has been craned into position on the steel posts this frame then becomes the floor structure. The building is supported on isolated pier footings.

ResultsThe structure is currently in operation and functioning effectively in the community.

“ WESTERA PARTNERS PROMPT RESPONSES TO QUERIES & ENGINEERING DESIGN SOLUTIONS HAS FACILITTED A SMOOTH WORKFLOW

JOHN RISSMAN - ARCHITECT”

Tweed Valley Respite

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | RESIDENTIAL WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | COMMERCIAL, MULTI-RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Location Kingscliff Supervising Partner Joshua Neale Project Engineer Dan Christie

SituationThe house is located on a sloping site and was met with extensive rock excavation. The design had to take into consideration the build over sewer line which is located under a large section of the residence. The site is also exposed to high wind speeds and the architectural layout had minimal opportunities for bracing due to the open design and Bi-fold doors. The open design also meant that there where large cantilevering sections with restricted locations for support columns to give the desired open design.

SolutionThe design outcome was achieved by closely working with the Architect and builder. The design incorporated raft slab on ground and pier footings to span the structure over the sewer line. The large cantilever members were achieved by the use of steel beams and the structure was braced with a mix of conventional ply bracing and steel work.

ResultsThe house is a standout residence in the area. With an incredible open coastal feel with un-interrupted views when opened up.

Hungerford LaneLocation NewsteadProject Engineer Joshua Neale

SituationThe house is located on a very small site being only 230 square meters. The site also required potentially complex foundations due to the neighbouring property being built to the boundary. Bracing of the structure was challenging as a result of the architectural form and the need to maximise views.

SolutionWe were able to design the structure to resist bracing loads by the introduction of a simple steelwork portal frame and the introduction of blockwork nibs which added minimal costs to construction. We also adopted a hit and miss approach to the foundation system to avoid undermining or underpinning of the adjacent residence which saved significant costs during construction.

ResultsAn award winning architectural home that is intricate and yet structurally efficient. The attention to structural detail is evident in the construction simplicity and clean form.

“ BEING A VERY SMALL AND TIGHT SIGHT, THE ENGINEERING WAS TO BE SMART, SIMPLE AND EASY TO ERRECT.

SHAWN GODWIN - BASE ARCHITECTURE”

Small Street

WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | RESIDENTIAL WESTERA PARTNERS | PROJECTS | RESIDENTIAL

Location Kingscliff Supervising Partner Joshua Neale Project Engineer Dan Christie

SituationThe house is located on a sloping site and was met with extensive rock excavation. The design had to take into consideration the build over sewer line which is located under a large section of the residence. The site is also exposed to high wind speeds and the architectural layout had minimal opportunities for bracing due to the open design and Bi-fold doors. The open design also meant that there where large cantilevering sections with restricted locations for support columns to give the desired open design.

SolutionThe design outcome was achieved by closely working with the Architect and builder. The design incorporated raft slab on ground and pier footings to span the structure over the sewer line. The large cantilever members were achieved by the use of steel beams and the structure was braced with a mix of conventional ply bracing and steel work.

ResultsThe house is a standout residence in the area. With an incredible open coastal feel with un-interrupted views when opened up.

Hungerford LaneLocation NewsteadProject Engineer Joshua Neale

SituationThe house is located on a very small site being only 230 square meters. The site also required potentially complex foundations due to the neighbouring property being built to the boundary. Bracing of the structure was challenging as a result of the architectural form and the need to maximise views.

SolutionWe were able to design the structure to resist bracing loads by the introduction of a simple steelwork portal frame and the introduction of blockwork nibs which added minimal costs to construction. We also adopted a hit and miss approach to the foundation system to avoid undermining or underpinning of the adjacent residence which saved significant costs during construction.

ResultsAn award winning architectural home that is intricate and yet structurally efficient. The attention to structural detail is evident in the construction simplicity and clean form.

“ BEING A VERY SMALL AND TIGHT SIGHT, THE ENGINEERING WAS TO BE SMART, SIMPLE AND EASY TO ERRECT.

SHAWN GODWIN - BASE ARCHITECTURE”

Small Street


Cylinders Drive Location Salt VillageSupervising Partner Joshua Neale

SituationThe house is located in a high wind coastal region and is susceptible to harsh environmental factors such as salt air, thermal fluctuations and large rainfall events. The subject site is also located in a newly developed subdivision that experienced considerable filling to achieve design levels.

SolutionThe project was designed to resist high wind forces by the introduction of a suspended slab and masonry walls to assist in diaphragm action to the exposed rear of the house, thus avoiding unnecessary and bulky steelwork. The foundation system adopted was a raft slab that spread the mass of the house over the majority of the site to minimise differential settlement.

ResultsThe completed house is a standout along the esplanade at salt village and always grabs the attention of visitors. The builder, Steve Kerr from Steve Kerr Homes, has won several awards for his teams extraordinary workmanship and attention to detail. The client has been very pleased with the final outcome.

“ The signficant house structure was efficiently developed by the Westera Team and resulted in a refined composition.

Chris Lillis - Crisilis Architecture”


Lota HouseProject Lota House Project engineers Peter Ide & Matthew Gibbs

SituationThe residence is located on a triangular block near the esplanade fronting Raby Bay. The design had to meet client expectations of high ceilings and open plan living whilst the structure had to withstand the high wind loads caused by the exposure to Raby Bay.

SolutionWestera Partners worked closely with the architect to design various carefully detailed timber and steel bracing elements which ensured the open planned concept was achieved whilst keeping to the clients budget requirements.

ResultsThe finished constructed form has effectively delivered to the clients a beautiful conducive environment for producing their own creative work. The collaboration between the architect, builder and Westera Partners has managed to ensure the restrictive site has been optimised to its full potential.


Hedges AvenueProject Hedges AvenueLocation Mermaid BeachProject Engineer Anthony Hockings

SituationThis house was constructed over four sites on “millionaire’s row”, Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach. The two storey residence is built entirely over a basement that features large column free space for car storage, a feature wine cellar crafted by a specialist artist to create a vintage feel, large cinema room, gym and plant rooms. The architectural design maximised the beachfront views on each level and special consideration was given to the large entertaining areas overlooking the beach, pool and tennis court. The two large columns facing the beachfront represent goal posts reminding the original owner of his successful professional AFL career.

SolutionWe designed the house using a number of specialist techniques. Generally the floor slabs were reinforced concrete construction, however the thirteen metre free span over the carpark required a post-tensioned slab. The external walls were either block work or cast insitu concrete for durability and longevity. The building is situated within the council scour zone and therefore the foundations are supported on deep piles. Ground retention sheet piling was adopted on the southern boundary to protect the neighbouring property. Condition reports were completed on each neighbouring structure prior to construction.

ResultsThis home is regarded one of the most valuable properties on the Gold Coast. Its short history already boasts many interesting stories that stretch far and wide. Its presence commands attention from passes buy, an unforgettable image spread across one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.



CONTACT US

BrisbaneLevel 3 Limestone, 33 Longland St Newstead QLD 4006

PO Box 2016 Fortitude Valley BC QLD 4006

T: +617 3852 4333F: +617 3852 4777

Gold Coast Level 3, 17 Welch St Southport QLD 4215

PO box 6138 Gold Coast Mail Centre QLD 9726

T: +617 5571 1599F: +617 5571 1330

Northern NSW2/22 Moss St Kingscliff NSW 2487

PO Box 1131Kingscliff NSW 2487 T: +61 2 6674 8047F: +61 26674 8049

Westera Corp Booklet

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directors of westera

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