Campus Perth
Campus Perth set out to create one of Western Australia’s first purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA) projects, providing a modern, community‑driven living experience for more than 400 students in Perth’s CBD. ADG was engaged by Devwest Group to provide full structural and civil engineering services for the adaptive re‑use of an existing Telstra commercial building, originally constructed in 1978.
The team’s detailed analysis converted the structure from office to residential use, incorporating modern communal areas, shared study zones, and new upper levels, while optimising construction time, cost, and safety. The result is a landmark project that champions student comfort, affordability and inner‑city connection.
CONSTRUCTION VALUE
INCREASE IN USABLE INTERNAL SPACE
ACCOMMODATED
"Through structural analysis of the existing condition and the effect of removing a significant portion of post-tensioned slab, our team provided a methodology to carefully and safely remove tensioned strands and live ends, tapping into the unrealised potential of the new-use structure."
Adaptive Re‑Use of Existing Structure
- Converted 1970s concrete‑framed office into compliant residential use.
- Navigated limited original documentation and hand‑drawn blueprints.
- Retrofitted structure for modern fire and vibration performance.
Structural Expansion & Modification
- Added four‑storey roof extension to increase capacity by 35%.
- Conducted complex post‑tensioned slab analysis for column‑free atrium.
- Enabled safe removal of tensioned strands through staged methodology.
Enhancing Value & Experience
- Maximised construction efficiency through mixed structural systems.
- Delivered cost certainty and program reliability for the developer.
- Created open, collaborative spaces improving liveability for students
ADG’s solutions were driven by Devwest Group’s goal to unlock a viable, high‑yield student accommodation model that balanced safety, performance, and market appeal. Using advanced analysis and modelling, ADG re‑engineered the original office structure to accommodate new levels, communal areas, and living spaces while maintaining compliance with modern codes.
For the developer, this delivered a commercial asset with greater leasable area, faster build times and reduced structural risk. For students, it created an inspiring, community‑centred environment designed for modern learning and connection. Campus Perth now stands as a successful case study in adaptive re‑use, engineering precision and purpose‑driven design.
The detail:
- Assessment of existing building condition and temporary condition during demolition works
- Multiple option studies assessing numerous structural forms and materials, including concrete, steel and timber
Structural system concept design to enable the inclusion of additional levels - Composite steel option design, driven by efficiency of construction, and consideration of cost and risk
- Extensive internal alterations to the existing structure to accommodate new fit out and compliance with modern codes
- Detailed analysis on existing post tensioned slab to facilitate the inclusion of an extensive new atrium by removal of the floor slab
- Addition of new structure loads
- Coordination of new service penetrations through existing post-tensioned slabs
- Design of a four-storey roof extension to minimise loading, and optimise construction methodology and programme.
Completion of the project in 2018 saw the on-budget delivery of complex structural assessments and strategic design to enable the successful renovation of the building from commercial to residential use in time for a December 2019 student intake.
Another key structural achievement was the team’s complex design analysis methodology, enabling the removal of four column grids of post-tensioned slab to allow for the inclusion of a double-height atrium space for communal student use resulting in the realisation of the precinct’s architectural vision and a unique selling point for future residents.
Innovation & Value Creation
- Adaptive reuse of an existing 1970s commercial tower into modern student accommodation
- 35% increase in usable floor area through innovative structural extension
- Four new rooftop levels delivering outstanding return on investment
- Complex post‑tensioned slab analysis enabling a striking double‑height atrium
- On‑budget, on‑time delivery for Devwest Group
Student Experience
- Purpose‑built communal, study and living spaces fostering wellbeing and connection
- Safe, inclusive design focused on comfort, accessibility and community
- Reduced material waste and embodied carbon through adaptive reuse
- Modern engineering solutions supporting long‑term energy efficiency and cost savings
Redefine urban living with ADG
Meet the team or connect with your local ADG office.
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