The ACU Mercy Building project was commissioned following an extensive growth period that made the ACU Banyo Campus at the time the fastest growing university campus in Queensland. This growth has prompted the need for new buildings to accommodate the increasing academic and campus community needs. At 5 stories high and 5000 sqm, the building delivers outstanding indoor and outdoor learning areas whiles preserving a strong awareness of the culture of the McCauley at Banyo Campus.
The building reflects principles of versatility and collaboration, as well as efficient space use whilst still creating a building of deep meaning and value to the ACU community. A feature of the building is the unique rooftop terrace “oculus” space that can accommodate university activities as well as community functions while offering stunning views across the Brisbane landscape.
Bligh Tanner was responsible for structural design, seeking to deliver a facility that is innovative in its nature, while maintaining a simplicity and efficiency in structure that allows a maximisation of value for ACU. Use of long-span post-tensioned floors with refined column and wall layouts allows a building of true flexibility that will meet ACU’s education needs well into the future. Our engagement within the design team allowed us to bring an attention to detailing and a commitment to quality that results in a building that offers a legacy at ACU that we are exceptionally proud of.
Project Value | $32M |
Project Duration | 2016 – 2018 |
Client | Australian Catholic University |
"This was a really important project for Lat27 and Bligh Tanner’s collaborative approach to working with us to deliver an outstanding new educational spine for UQ Gatton’s campus was invaluable. The civil and structural team at Bligh Tanner helped us create a new piece of public realm where a sensitive, minimal and seamless outcome was fundamental to the success of the project. The unseen elements of their designs are testament to how smart engineers can provide expertise that complements the presentation and functionality of these projects."
"You have normal engineers, and then you have Bligh Tanner. They enjoy being challenged. They are the “architect’s engineer”."
"The benefit of working with Bligh Tanner is the attention you receive from their senior people and their continuity through the project. Their attitude, responsiveness and rigour of documentation, distinguishes them."
"Bligh Tanner's structural design processes ensured project cost and operational requirements were achieved while maintaining the Architect's aesthetic parameters for the buildings structural elements. The department have found Bligh Tanner's project engineers to be professional and proactive at all stages of the procurement of the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre and the Gold Coast Suns Administration and Training Facility."
"I have been thoroughly impressed by Bligh Tanner's commitment to collaborating with multiple stakeholders during the delivery of the Advancing Queensland Schools programme of works. Bligh Tanner’s expertise in education work has proven to add value toward successfully addressing DET Standards and quickly resolving technical issues in a coordinated manner. Bligh Tanner’s easy to read 2D and 3D documentation allowed for high levels of collaboration among stakeholder’s, quick identification of value-for-money solutions and achievement of the project objectives on time."
"Since 2013 we have been working with Bligh Tanner on a variety of projects. They are our now our first point of call for all Structural matters. The Bligh Tanner team have always demonstrated an understanding of the challenges associated with retail projects. They have been flexible, and have proved a willingness to work with the whole project team to find the best outcome for the project."
"Bligh Tanner’s research, testing guidance, analysis, and can-do attitude, has enabled Ozone Panel to develop appropriate technical information and guidance to confidently share with our clients, be it builders, building surveyors or structural engineers. The team at Bligh Tanner are passionate about what they do, great to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending Bligh Tanner for your next project. "
"Our site project staff and myself have worked with Paul and his team, and have found they are flexible and adaptable in their approach to engineering issues and solutions. We find them to be easy to work with, very approachable and proactive in assisting with any site issues encountered."