Rix Developments
2023
$25.84M
Pimpama, QLD
Project Details
8605sqm
1
25775m
Attributes
Overview
Efficient design for a fast-tracked build: bringing big-name bulky goods retailers to Pimpama's shopping precinct.
The latest expansion project at Pimpama City Shopping Centre enhances the popular shopping hub with two new buildings and over 8,000sqm of retail space. Following a successful ECI arrangement, Higgins delivered the design and construction of Stage 3, including eleven tenancies, ranging from 360sqm to 1,770sqm, and the new 300-space concrete carpark. This addition will significantly enhance the commercial landscape of the growing suburb by meeting consumer demand and supporting the region’s local economy.
During the design phase, under the ECI contract method, we led our team of consultants through a three-month design documentation process. Our early design involvement allowed us to pivot efficiently from precast to tilt panels upon engaging a Tilt Panel subcontractor, eliminating the need for four 12-metre-tall steel bracing bays and thus reducing steelwork and fire-proofing requirements, which expanded usable space. Furthermore, facing an issue with oversized tenancies, we adeptly reclassified the building from Type B to Type C Construction, moderating the fire rating and introducing a storage height limit. This solution received the client and certifier’s endorsement.
We then executed the construction under a design and construct contract. Site work began with substantial civil works, involving removing and replacing 500mm of suitable subgrade material beneath the entire footprint of the two buildings.
Our structural undertakings were substantial, with the team installing 382 screw piles to a depth of 6 metres to combat the highly reactive subgrade conditions, alongside high-level strip and pad footings and pile caps designed to mitigate ground movement. The scope also saw us install 98 tilt panels of various sizes and erect 177 tonnes of structural steel to support the buildings.
Designed for functional efficiency, the buildings feature straightforward finishes yet maintains a high-quality standard across large scales. The building envelope features a 9,400sqm roofing area, including awnings across both buildings and 2,584 square metres of facade cladding composed of CFC express-joint cladding. Additionally, 952sqm of soffits across both buildings also utilised CFC express-joint cladding.
Interior works comprised plasterboard walls scaling to 12 metres high with a high-class, Level 4 finish. Select tenancies received polished concrete floors, while essential amenities like bathrooms received dedicated fit-outs.
Externally, we intricately tiled and patterned a 1,000sqm concrete apron, demanding meticulous execution and the careful selection of a skilled subcontractor. Concrete walkways, carparks, and nine sunshade structures complete the outdoor functions.
Quick Facts
New retail space
8,456 sqm
Custom tenancy spaces
11
Size of tenancies
360-1,770 sqm
Screw piles installed
382
Concrete poured
4174 m3
Structural steel erected
177 Tonnes
Tilt panels formed, poured and installed
(weighing up to 40 tonnes)
98
Hours worked
62,170
Process
Integrating ongoing design changes into a tight construction timeframe to deliver quality and precision across large scales.
Plan.
Approach & Value Adding
- Under an ECI arrangement, we led our consultant team through a three-month design documentation process including a cost-confirming exercise at 80% completion to ensure the project remained within budget.
- Our involvement in the design from the outset resulted in numerous efficiencies, an example, was our decision to pivot from precast to tilt panels. This eliminated the need for four 12-metre-tall steel bracing bays, reducing steelwork and fire-proofing requirements to create more usable space.
- Facing an issue with oversized tenancies, we adeptly reclassified the building from Type B to Type C Construction, moderating the fire rating and introducing a storage height limit. This strategy removed the need for additional requirements which would have incurred further costs for our client.
Drive.
Key Challenges
- The project's location within the operating shopping precinct required careful site management to avoid disruption and to maintain access to the existing loading dock.
- We faced significant groundwork challenges across the 25,775sqm site with uncontrolled fill. Our remedial strategy included removing and re-compacting the top 500mm under Level 1 Supervision, using geogrid for soft spots, so we could install screw piles without geotextiles. Collaborating with our concrete supplier, we proactively addressed environmental factors to prevent pavement shrinkage, opting for Class S concrete for durability and longevity.
- During construction, we adapted to numerous design changes to certain tenancies, for example plumbing and lighting requirements. We effectively accommodated all modifications by leading workshops with our client and their tenants while managing design revisions and approval processes.
Deliver
Project Outcomes
- Pimpama City Shopping Centre expanded their customer offering with 11 new large-format, bulky goods tenancies and 300 carparks.
- The buildings boast high-quality aesthetics with low-maintenance finishes, ensuring cost-effective and manageable upkeep.
- The 472sqm bio-retention basin is an integral element of the new stormwater discharge for the site.
- We delivered this major construction program without disrupting the centre's operations.