Style meets sustainability in the heart of Brisbane

Full steam ahead

Ingenuity and an innovation-focused approach positioned the team to creatively overcome a number of challenges, including building over a Queensland Rail tunnel. The existing basement slab over the tunnel could not take the load of the three floors above. To compensate, the ground floor and level above were made stronger so that together, these could handle the live load. Other methodologies included using a structural steel cruciform truss surrounded by concrete, placing rock anchors under the tunnel and continual monitoring of the rail line.

The carpark in the basement also posed a challenge as it had originally been earmarked for demolition. The plans were changed to keep the carpark open. BESIX Watpac adapted by developing a design to cast a new post tensioned slab over the existing slab that could be bolted together. The existing columns could then be removed as the slabs were supported by the new tower columns. This enabled the carpark to remain open.

A solution was also found to the cantilevered floors from levels 13 to 34 which extended 5.5 metres past the lower levels. To construct these floors, temporary decks similar to loading bays were installed at level 11 which were then removed after casting level 15. 

Icon of sustainability

As the first building in Brisbane to achieve a 6 Star Office V3 Green Star Design Rating, 180 by Daisho boasts numerous sustainable features. These include several water-saving measures, such as water-efficient fixtures and fittings, water metering and monitoring with sophisticated leak detection, and systems for harvesting and filtering rainwater and greywater for irrigation and toilet flushing. The project also made use of responsibly sourced materials, and 95 per cent of the exterior façade was designed to allow disassembly for future reuse and recycling.

Mirroring the sustainable features of the building, our construction methodology also respected the environment. Dust and noise pollution were controlled and suppressed, recycled water was used to clean out the concrete pump hopper and lines, and 80 per cent of all waste generated by demolition and construction activities was recycled off-site.