WGA provided civil, structural and geotechnical engineering support for stages two and three of the Minda redevelopment at Brighton, SA.
Key elements of this $85 million project included up to four multistorey apartment buildings for both retirees and Minda residents with other single-level housing for Minda residents, several ‘lifestyle village’ facilities for specialist and retail activities and extensive landscaping. Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) will be employed to enhance the existing wetland system and flood mitigation works.
The outcomes of Masterplanning studies undertaken during the Stage 1 phase of development have been progressed and modified to suit changing client requirements, and have included the planning of open space areas to accommodate potential site flooding from upper catchments during extreme weather events.
There were several challenging design and construction issues associated with construction in the coastal environment which required both a careful and innovative approach. The excavation of a large basement generated a significant volume of excess dune sand which we were able to utilise as replenishment for the storm-damaged dune system along the entire beachfront length of the Minda site. This key environmental initiative saved considerable haulage of material off-site and also assisted in sand replenishment of the beach. The main apartment buildings were founded on continuous flight auger (CFA) piles which were selected to enable penetration through soft sands and high groundwater levels to stiff underlying clays approximately 15m below the surface. All concrete and steel material specifications were selected for minimal maintenance in the harsh salt-laden environment.
The new facilities are part of a site-wide masterplan that has been developed to encourage greater interaction between Minda staff and residents with the local community.
The Minda Brighton Dunes project has recently won a Property Council Design Excellence Award at the National Retirement Living Awards. The Brighton Dunes project, led by Andrew Woods is a beachfront luxury retirement apartment in Brighton, SA comprising of two separate low rise apartment buildings.
The judges noted ‘Thoughtful planning and attention to detail is second to none.’ WGA was the civil and structural lead on the project which also included supported accommodation apartments and individual dwellings, four disability services buildings, and major site civil works and infrastructure.
The Minda Redevelopment Stages 2 & 3 is included in the following sectors & services.
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