Adina Hotel | Elevating Heritage

The redevelopment of Brisbane’s historic 100-year-old high-rise Government Office building, originally constructed between 1914 and 1922, presented several complex challenges. The goal was to add five levels above the existing structure without requiring significant reinforcement below, a feat necessitating precise engineering and innovative methodologies.

• The structure utilised a variety of materials, including sandstone, concrete, timber, and structural steel, with an unusually complex and non-standard construction style due to material shortages during World War I. The refurbishment required a delicate approach to preserve the bespoke heritage features, such as grand staircases and ornate ceilings, crafted by master artisans of the time.
• Constructing the core structures within the building proved time-intensive, and the goal to add five levels above the existing structure without requiring significant reinforcement below demanded precise engineering and innovative methodologies.
• ADG also needed to ensure the existing columns were not overstressed while accelerating the construction of the super-structure slabs.

ADG utilised advanced engineering solutions to address these challenges:

• A detailed finite element analysis and comprehensive testing regime were developed to facilitate the addition of five levels without requiring extensive structural modifications to the original building.
• Working closely with the building contractor, ADG devised a unique construction methodology, allowing super-structure slabs to be built up from the existing roof slab ahead of the core lift and stair shafts, which were still being constructed from the basement upwards.
• Comprehensive testing and investigation included GPR and ferro-scan surveys to map the as-built reinforcement details and geometry of existing slabs, beams, and columns.
• Material tests for compressive strength, carbonation penetration depth, and chloride ion content were conducted across multiple levels, providing critical data on the structure’s durability and life span.
• Point cloud surveys recreated the building in 3D space, enabling precise modelling and monitoring of movement during construction.
• Temporary steel columns aligned with the existing structure enabled simultaneous construction progress, while hydraulic jacks carefully released loads and adjusted the building’s vertical load path to fully utilise the remaining redundant load capacity.

The project achieved outstanding outcomes.

ADG successfully added five levels above the existing roof of the heritage building, preserving its historical integrity while maximising its structural capacity.

The extensive investigation and use of real-life data rather than conservative estimates ensured informed and effective design calculations. Bespoke methodologies maintained the integrity of heritage features while accelerating project timelines, with both construction fronts advancing simultaneously.

The redevelopment fully utilised the load capacity of the existing structure, and project yield exceeded initial feasibility figures, demonstrating ADG’s expertise in delivering innovative, whole-of-life engineering solutions that blend heritage preservation with cutting-edge modern practices.