Herston Quarter
When heritage meets contemporary performance, you need engineers who know how to honour both.
Australian Unity’s $1.13 billion Herston Quarter redevelopment transformed three iconic heritage buildings – Lady Lamington, Lady Norman and Edith Cavell – constructed between 1895 and 1938 as nurses’ accommodation. ADG’s forensic investigations and strategic structural design achieved 100% seismic strength increases whilst maintaining culturally sensitive heritage values, enabling these century-old buildings to serve Brisbane’s health precinct for another 50+ years as modern commercial office, medical, hospitality and student accommodation spaces.
CONSTRUCTION VALUE
TOTAL PRECINCT DEVELOPMENT VALUE
SEISMIC STRENGTH INCREASE
AGE OF OLDEST BUILDING RESTORED
ADG’s considered structural design captures both the proposed new structures as well as works related to the renovation and rejuvenation of existing buildings, including building repair, remediation, strengthening and provision of enhanced performance under seismic excitation. This has resulted in enhanced preservation of the heritage structures and improvements in the structural performance of the buildings, including a 100 per cent increase in the seismic strength of the Lady Lamington Towers.
Unknown Structural Conditions
- 125+ years of building history with potential hidden defects and material degradation
- Uncertain load-bearing capacities across different construction periods
- Risk of major structural surprises that could derail development timeline and budget
- Need for comprehensive investigation without damaging irreplaceable heritage fabric
Performance vs Preservation Paradox
- Balance modern building codes requiring enhanced seismic performance with Heritage Register requirements
- Achieve contemporary safety standards whilst preserving architectural character
- Deliver accessibility improvements without compromising heritage integrity
- Meet “change as much as necessary but as little as possible” Burra Charter principles
Material and Construction Complexity
- Wide spectrum of heritage materials (concrete, steel, timber, masonry) across different eras
- Unknown construction methods and hidden structural elements
- Managing hazardous materials risks whilst maintaining heritage fabric integrity
- Developing building-specific strategies recognising each structure’s unique construction era
Economic vs Cultural Value Tension
- Every structural intervention carrying significant cost implications
- Protecting project budgets whilst preserving culturally sensitive heritage values
- Converting heritage buildings from maintenance liabilities into premium commercial assets
- Achieving full Heritage Register and building code compliance without extended review periods
ADG combined advanced diagnostic technology with heritage-sensitive engineering to transform 125-year-old buildings into modern commercial spaces whilst preserving their cultural value.
Intelligence-Led Investigation
Comprehensive desktop forensics reviewed building documentation and historical construction methods to understand each structure’s evolution. Working alongside historians, we ensured investigation methods preserved heritage integrity whilst enabling confident structural design. Our fit-for-purpose analysis identified actual deficiencies, enabling targeted remediation rather than blanket overcorrection.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We minimised destructive testing whilst maximising data capture through:
- Point Cloud Scanning: Millimetre-accurate 3D capture enabling precise structural modelling
- Ground Penetrating Radar: Non-invasive identification of hidden elements and defects
- Forensic Material Testing: Strategic sampling of concrete, steel, timber and masonry
- Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed dilapidation surveys establishing preservation baselines
This approach delivered an 85% reduction in invasive testing, protecting Brisbane’s cultural heritage whilst providing construction certainty.
Bespoke Engineering Excellence
Tailored structural approaches recognised each building’s unique construction era and heritage significance. Our dual-scope design addressed both new structures and heritage works, ensuring seamless integration.
The Burra Charter principle – “change as much as necessary but as little as possible” – drove all decisions. Strategic strengthening achieved 100% seismic strength increases for Lady Lamington Towers whilst maintaining 1930s features.
Comprehensive upfront investigation delivered a 30% reduction in structural contingencies, protecting budgets by eliminating assumptions. Evidence-based solutions enabled Hutchinson Builders to deliver with precision and certainty.
The result:
50+ year structural life extension with authentic heritage character, full compliance without compromise, and successful transformation into premium commercial assets serving Brisbane’s health precinct.
Risk Mitigation
Comprehensive forensic investigation eliminated major structural surprises before construction commenced. Our strategic investigation planning identified hazardous materials risks, hidden defects, and material degradation patterns early, enabling proactive solutions rather than reactive problem-solving. The 30% reduction in structural contingencies demonstrates how intelligence-led investigation protects project budgets whilst delivering superior outcomes. Our detailed dilapidation surveys established clear baselines for heritage preservation accountability, ensuring every intervention could be measured, monitored and verified throughout construction.
Technology Integration & Innovation
Advanced diagnostic technology transformed how heritage engineering is delivered. Point cloud scanning created comprehensive 3D structural models enabling precise intervention planning and future maintenance optimisation. Ground penetrating radar revealed hidden structural elements without invasive testing, protecting irreplaceable heritage fabric. Our forensic material testing program strategically sampled across different construction periods, providing evidence-based strength and durability data that eliminated guesswork. This technology-driven approach achieved an 85% reduction in invasive testing, establishing new benchmarks for heritage investigation methodology now being applied across ADG’s portfolio.
Heritage Preservation & Performance
Successfully balancing heritage preservation with contemporary performance requirements demanded deep understanding of both cultural significance and structural engineering principles. Our Burra Charter-compliant approach ensured every intervention was necessary, minimal, and reversible where possible. The 100% seismic strength increase for Lady Lamington Towers demonstrates how strategic engineering can enhance safety whilst preserving character. Working alongside historians and heritage specialists, we developed building-specific strategies that respected each structure’s unique construction era and architectural significance. The result: buildings that honour Brisbane’s cultural legacy whilst confidently serving contemporary commercial needs for another 50+ years.
Collaborative Partnership Success
Success required seamless coordination between ADG’s structural team, Hutchinson Builders’ construction teams, Nettleton Tribe Architects, heritage consultants, and Queensland Government authorities. Our local knowledge of Brisbane’s regulatory environment and established relationships with heritage stakeholders enabled efficient approvals without extended review periods. We enabled Hutchinson Builders to confidently deliver the heritage component of this transformational development, supporting Australian Unity’s vision of creating a vibrant, intergenerational community. This collaborative approach converted potential complexity into streamlined delivery, demonstrating how local insight and technical expertise combine for inevitable successful outcomes.
Awards
2022 | Property Council of Australia | Innovation & Excellence Awards
- Queensland State Development of the Year Winner
- Development of the Year – Urban Renewal Finalist
- Best Public Building National Award Winner
2022 | Master Builders | Brisbane Housing & Construction Awards
- Refurbishment Award Winner
2022 | Queensland Government Minister's Award for Urban Design
- Commendation
Let’s start the conversation.
When cultural legacy and contemporary needs must coexist, you need engineers who know how to honour both. Let’s talk about your next heritage transformation challenge.
Meet the team or connect with your local ADG office.
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