BG&E was engaged to provide structural and civil engineering services for Edith Cowan University (ECU) – including an academic building, a large administration building, an iconic colonnade structure, and an undercroft car park.

The brief from ECU was to create a grand statement with the academic building as it forms the centrepiece of the campus for both staff and students. We worked closely with the architect to achieve the complex structural form and high-quality finishes required to meet the brief.

The Academic Building at ECU Joondalup campus was completed in 2003. The cross- section of the building closely resembles the form of the new proposed facility for Rushton Park and included coloured precast concrete steps and seating facing a large podium area for ceremonial occasions e.g. graduations. Tall masonry walls flank the sides of the building, and the glazed façade overlooking the podium area is also inclined.

Waterproofing the precast tiered seating and steps was critical since the space underneath was to comprise student computer labs. To achieve this, we developed specific details for surface drainage and joint interfaces of the precast elements, as well as a secondary collection system under the precast. The project brief sought to implement environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles, and BG&E contributed to this endeavour through selection of construction materials (thermal mass), use of recycled materials (timber), solar efficiency (louvres and shutters), and a focus on durable design (concrete mix and steel surface protection).

Project features include

• Composite steel/timber colonnade.
• Extensive use of precast concrete for floors and external terrace.
• Prestressed floors for administration building.
• Highly detailed, exposed steelwork.