The Project
The project involved redeveloping a heritage-listed former General Post Office (GPO) in Adelaide into South Australia’s first Marriott Hotel. The new 15-storey hotel, which includes 285 guest rooms and one basement level, is constructed behind the original GPO building, preserving sections of the structure that date back to 1867-1872.
Technical Solutions
WGA provided civil, structural, geotechnical and traffic engineering services for this project. The successful integration of the new hotel with the heritage building can be credited to several factors. Including:
- Structural System: Lateral stability with a combination of In-situ reinforced concrete, and structural steel for floors and concrete cores.
- Steel Beam and Column Placement: The hotel features a thick floor slab supported by metal decking and welded frames within fire-rated walls. This arrangement maximises the number of floors under the building’s height restriction.
- Vertical Load Path: Concrete transfer walls and diagonal struts are used to support the floor plate extensions and direct loads to columns positioned above transfer walls.
- Heritage Building Upgrades: The heritage building has been seismically upgraded and its floors strengthened to meet new loading requirements.
- Construction Efficiency: The use of structural steel allowed for concurrent construction processes, reducing overall build time and costs. Steel detailing was coordinated to suit erection methodologies, ensuring safe and fast construction.
- Environmental Sustainability: The project uses Australian steel, which is lighter than concrete, reducing the demand on transfer elements. The design allows for future deconstruction and recycling of steel.
Client Focus
The project pays tribute to the city’s architectural heritage, beautifully blending the historic GPO site with the charms of modern luxury of the Marriott Hotel. Our approach emphasises the strength of adaptive re-use and design, enabling potential to preserve history with modern architecture, all the while ensuring long-term viability and environmental sustainability of the development.
Australian Steel Excellence Award Winner: SA 2024
Australian Steel Excellence Award High Commendation: National 2024
Image Credit: Adelaide Marriott
Key Personnel
- Mark Winter Adelaide | Associate - Senior Structural Engineer
- Mario Macri Adelaide | Buildings Lead - SA
- Nick Lelos Adelaide | Buildings Lead
The South Australia's first Marriott Hotel is included in the following sectors & services.
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