Precision Steel Detailing for Your Project's Success!

The Ethel Warren Bullsbrook Community Centre is a vital public facility located in the growing suburb of Bullsbrook, Western Australia. Designed to serve as a multi-purpose community hub, the building includes meeting rooms, a library, youth spaces, and recreational areas. As part of the construction team, our role focused on the structural steel package, which played a central role in ensuring the facility’s functionality, durability, and modern architectural appeal.

The structural steel scope included the supply, detailing, fabrication, and erection of the primary and secondary steel framing systems. These elements were crucial in supporting the expansive roof spans and open-plan areas that define the building’s interior. Key components included universal beams and columns, roof trusses, bracing systems, and connection assemblies designed to withstand local wind loads and seismic considerations.

One of the main challenges during the project was accommodating architectural changes late in the design process, particularly around the entrance canopy and the library wing. Our detailing team worked closely with engineers, architects, and fabricators to revise shop drawings promptly while maintaining compliance with AS/NZS structural codes and the project's tight schedule. Coordination with other trades—particularly mechanical and electrical—was critical, as steel penetrations and service routes had to be integrated seamlessly into the structural framework.

The New Perth Museum—officially named WA Museum Boola Bardip—is a landmark cultural project located in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre. Blending heritage buildings with contemporary architecture, the museum stands as a symbol of Western Australia’s rich history and diverse future. Our involvement in this prestigious project focused on the structural steel detailing and coordination, which played a critical role in achieving both the architectural vision and structural integrity of the building.

The museum’s design includes large, open gallery spaces, cantilevered structures, high atriums, and complex roof geometries—all supported by an intricate structural steel framework. As part of the detailing team, we were responsible for producing precise 3D models and shop drawings that guided fabrication and erection. Our scope included beams, columns, trusses, bracing, and custom connections, many of which interfaced with both existing heritage elements and new architectural features.

One of the greatest challenges was working on a project that combined old and new construction techniques. The integration of structural steel with preserved heritage façades required extremely accurate coordination and tolerances. We collaborated closely with engineers, architects, and other trades to ensure that every steel member aligned perfectly within the design constraints. Special attention was given to connection design, where architectural visibility demanded a clean, concealed finish—often requiring custom solutions that went beyond standard detailing.

The Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC), located at the University of Western Australia’s Crawley campus, is a world-class research facility dedicated to the study of ocean science, marine ecosystems, and climate change. The building brings together leading marine research organizations under one roof and was designed to reflect cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and functionality. Our team played a vital role in the project’s success through the detailing, coordination, and support of the structural steel components.

The architectural design of the IOMRC is modern and technically demanding, requiring precise integration of structural systems to accommodate open laboratories, aquaria, heavy mechanical equipment, and public engagement spaces. As part of the steel detailing team, our scope included the modeling and preparation of shop drawings for primary steel members such as columns, beams, transfer structures, roof framing, and secondary elements like platforms, pipe supports, and stairs.

One of the defining features of the project was the need for high load-bearing capacity combined with architectural visibility. Many of the steel components are exposed as part of the building’s aesthetic, particularly in the entrance atrium and public circulation zones. This required a high level of finish, concealed connections, and seamless integration with services, all of which had to be accurately represented in the steel shop drawings.

The Karratha GP Super Clinic, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is a vital healthcare facility designed to provide accessible medical services to a growing regional population. Developed as part of the Australian Government’s initiative to expand primary healthcare infrastructure, the project demanded a robust, efficient, and low-maintenance building solution suitable for the region’s harsh climate. Our team was responsible for the detailing and coordination of the structural steel and precast concrete panel systems, which together formed the building’s primary structural frame.

The building’s structural system was composed of a steel-framed skeleton combined with load-bearing precast concrete wall panels. Structural steel provided the flexibility and speed required for the roof framing, internal support structures, canopies, and steel mezzanine elements. Meanwhile, precast concrete panels were chosen for their durability, thermal mass, and ability to resist the extreme heat and cyclonic conditions typical of the Pilbara.

As detailers, we were involved in creating accurate 3D models and comprehensive shop drawings for both the steel and precast components. Close coordination was critical in this project, as the steel-to-precast interfaces required precise alignment of cast-in plates, dowels, and fixing points. Any mismatch between panels and structural steel could delay installation on site, so we worked closely with engineers, precast manufacturers, and the steel fabricator to verify every dimension and tolerance.

The project presented several logistical and environmental challenges. Given the remote location, material delivery and construction sequencing had to be optimized to minimize delays. We modeled all elements using BIM software (Tekla Structures), enabling early clash detection and streamlined coordination across trades. Each panel and steel member was tagged and scheduled for efficient transport and erection.