Portfolio dynamic
At Fundament, we take pride in delivering innovative and practical solutions that stand the test of time...
Highton Sleeper Wall Retaining Wall Project
Location: Highton, Melbourne
Project Type: Structural Retaining Wall Design
Overview hol
Fundament was engaged to design a tiered concrete sleeper retaining wall for a residential property in Highton, Melbourne. The retaining wall was necessary to provide structural support to sloped terrain, prevent soil erosion, and enhance land stability for future landscaping and construction purposes.
Challenges
- Soil Stability Concerns: The site had varying soil conditions that required careful assessment
- Load-Bearing Requirements: The retaining wall needed to withstand lateral soil pressure and external loads
- Drainage Considerations: Proper water management was essential to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup behind the wall
- Local Regulations: Compliance with Australian retaining wall design standards (AS 4678) and local council requirements
Our solution
Our team of structural engineers implemented a reinforced tiered concrete sleeper retaining wall system, incorporating:
✅Engineering-Designed Retaining Wall: Calculated lateral earth pressures and designed the wall to withstand forces effectively.
✅High-Strength Sleeper Selection: Used durable, reinforced concrete sleepers for longevity and load-bearing performance.
✅Drainage System Integration: Installed weep holes and subsoil drainage to prevent water accumulation and soil expansion.
✅Structural Support Measures: Designed post embedment depths and reinforcement details to maximize stability.
✅Compliance with AS 4678: Ensured all structural elements met Australian standards for safety and durability.
Outcome & Benefits
✔Structural Stability Improved: The retaining wall effectively supports the property’s terrain, reducing erosion risks.
✔Aesthetic & Functional Design: The sleeper wall provides both visual appeal and long-term durability.
✔Enhanced Drainage & Load Performance: Engineered solutions minimize water pressure and extend the lifespan of the structure.
✔Regulatory Compliance: Successfully met all local council and AS 4678 requirements.
Inverloch Double-Storey Timber Framing Project
Location: Inverloch, Melbourne
Project Type: Proposed Construction of a Double-Storey Single Dwelling
Project Scope
Fundament was engaged to design the timber framing structure for a double-storey residential dwelling in Inverloch, Melbourne. The project required an efficient, cost-effective structural system that could support large spans and wide openings while maintaining stability and compliance with Australian standards.
Challenges
- High-Span Structural Requirements: The design included large open spaces that required careful load distribution
- Cost Optimization: The goal was to utilize timber framing instead of alternative high-cost structural materials
- Stability Considerations: Ensuring adequate lateral and vertical support for long spans and openings
- On-Site Construction Deviations: The as-built structure differed from the original engineering drawings, requiring a structural review
- Compliance with Australian Standards: Adhering to AS 1684 (Residential Timber Framing Code) for safety and durability
Our Solution
Our structural engineers developed a timber framing strategy that successfully addressed the challenges while optimizing costs. Key solutions included:
✅Optimized Beam and Column Placement: Ensured structural efficiency by strategically distributing loads while maintaining open spaces.
✅Reinforced Timber Framing: Used LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and engineered timber beams to support high-span areas.
✅Cost-Effective Structural Design: Eliminated the need for excessive steel framing, reducing material costs while maintaining strength.
✅Bracing and Load Distribution: Integrated shear walls and bracing elements to enhance stability and wind resistance.
✅Assessment of Modified Construction: Conducted a detailed structural evaluation of the modified parts of the build.
✅Rectification Work: Developed a practical structural solution that ensured the stability of the project while minimizing unnecessary work and costs.
✅Compliance with AS 1684: Ensured the framing system met all regulatory requirements for residential timber structures.
Outcome & Benefits
✔Cost Savings Achieved: Timber framing reduced construction costs without compromising stability.
✔Efficient Structural Performance: Successfully accommodated large spans and big openings with a lightweight yet durable design.
✔Structural Integrity Restored: The rectification work guaranteed compliance and long-term structural adequacy.
✔Optimized Stability: The structure maintains long-term integrity and load distribution efficiency.
✔Regulatory Compliance: Met all Australian timber framing standards (AS 1684).
Mt Eliza Single-Storey Structural Design
Location: Mt Eliza, Victoria, Melbourne
Project Type: Structural Design for a Single-Storey Dwelling
Project Scope
Fundament was engaged to provide the structural design for a single-storey residential dwelling on a sloped site in Mt Eliza, Melbourne. The dwelling was divided into three distinct sections, each maintaining structural integrity while incorporating different finished floor levels. The design needed to balance architectural complexity, cost efficiency, and structural adequacy while ensuring proper ventilation and compliance with Australian standards.
Challenges
- Sloped Site Constraints: Designing a structurally sound foundation and framing system to accommodate the slope.
- Varying Floor Levels: Each section had different finished floor levels, requiring careful planning to ensure stability and integration.
- Architectural Complexity: The design featured curved walls, varying wall alignments, and large spans, making efficient framing essential.
- Retaining Walls: Structural retaining walls were needed between sections to manage elevation differences.
- Cost Efficiency: Selecting construction methods that were cost-effective while maintaining structural integrity.
- Ventilation Requirements: Ensuring proper airflow and moisture management throughout the structure.
Our solution
Our structural engineers developed a customized framing and foundation system that addressed the project's unique challenges while optimizing costs. Key solutions included:
✅Site-Specific Foundation System: Designed a combination of slab-on-ground and retaining wall-supported foundations to adapt to the slope.
✅Optimized Framing for Large Spans: Used engineered timber and LVL beams to efficiently support the open spaces and architectural features.
✅Integrated Retaining Walls: Designed reinforced concrete retaining walls between sections to provide stability and elevation management.
✅Architectural Framing Solutions: Proposed framing techniques to accommodate curved walls and varying volumes without excessive costs.
✅Cost-Effective Structural Approach: Selected construction materials and methods that ensured structural adequacy while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
✅Enhanced Ventilation Strategy: Incorporated subfloor ventilation and strategic airflow pathways to promote moisture control and thermal efficiency.
✅Compliance with Australian Standards: Ensured adherence to AS 1684 (Residential Timber Framing Code) and AS 2870 (Residential Slabs and Footings) for safety and durability.
Outcome & Benefits
✔Structural Stability Across Different Levels: Successfully integrated multiple floor levels while maintaining stability and durability.
✔Preserved Architectural Aesthetic: Engineered solutions supported curved walls, varying alignments, and large spans.
✔Efficient Use of Retaining Walls: Provided structural support and terrain adaptation between sections.
✔Cost-Effective & Practical Construction: The proposed methods ensured financial efficiency without compromising structural performance.
✔Optimized Ventilation & Moisture Control: Implemented effective airflow solutions to enhance comfort and durability.
✔Regulatory Compliance: Fully met Australian structural engineering standards.
Rosebud Single-Storey Structural Design
Location: Rosebud, Victoria, Melbourne
Project Type: Full Structural Design for a Single-Storey Dwelling
Project Scope
Fundament was engaged to provide the full structural design for a single-storey residential dwelling in Rosebud, Melbourne. The project was relatively straightforward, requiring an efficient and cost-effective structural solution while ensuring compliance with Australian standards.
Challenges
- Large Roof Overhang: One section of the roof featured a significant overhang, requiring additional stability measures.
- Structural Optimization: The challenge was to reinforce the overhang without excessive material use or unnecessary structural elements.
Our Solution
Our structural engineers optimized the roof design while maintaining stability and efficiency. Key solutions included:
✅Tying Back the End Rafter & Trimmer Beams: Implemented strategic connections to enhance the structural performance of the overhang.
✅Load Path Optimization: Ensured the forces from the overhang were properly transferred to the main structure.
✅Reinforced Framing System: Used LVL beams and rafters where necessary to support the extended section.
✅Efficient & Cost-Effective Approach: Designed a stable and structurally sound solution without excessive reinforcement.
✅Compliance with Australian Standards: Ensured adherence to AS 1684 (Residential Timber Framing Code) and AS 2870 (Residential Slabs and Footings) for safety and longevity.
Outcome & Benefits
✔Structurally Stable Roof Overhang: The solution provided long-term stability while maintaining the architectural intent.
✔Optimized Structural Performance: The efficient design approach minimized material usage while ensuring integrity.
✔Cost-Effective Construction: Achieved practical and economical solutions without compromising safety.
✔Regulatory Compliance: Fully met Australian structural engineering standards.
Tecoma Alterations & Additions Structural Design
Location: Tecoma, Victoria, Melbourne
Project Type: Structural Design for Alterations & Additions to an Existing Building
Project Scope
Fundament was engaged to provide the structural design for alterations and additions to an existing residential building in Tecoma, Melbourne. The project involved modifying the roof structure while maintaining an aesthetic and open design that aligned with the client’s vision.
Challenges
- Long Roof Rafter Spans: The project included long-span rafters, which became even more challenging after removing an internal supporting wall.
- Maintaining Aesthetic Integrity: The client wanted to keep the raked ceiling and exposed rafters, meaning the rafter sizes needed to remain consistent throughout the space.
- Structural Adequacy: Ensuring the rafters remained structurally sound without increasing their depth or altering the overall appearance.
Our solution
Our structural engineers developed a reinforcement strategy that maintained the design aesthetic while ensuring structural performance. Key solutions included:
✅Strategic Blocking Between Rafters: Introduced blocking between rafters to distribute loads and reduce deflection, ensuring structural adequacy without increasing rafter size.
✅Load Path Optimization: Ensured the roof loads were effectively transferred to the supporting structure.
✅Preserved Architectural Intent: The solution maintained the open, exposed rafter design while ensuring compliance with structural safety requirements.
✅Compliance with Australian Standards: Adhered to AS 1684 (Residential Timber Framing Code) to ensure stability and durability.
Outcome & Benefits
✔Maintained the Raked Ceiling Aesthetic: The design preserved the original exposed rafter concept without increasing member sizes.
✔Structurally Sound Roof System: The reinforced rafter spans ensured long-term performance and reduced deflection.
✔Efficient & Practical Design: The blocking strategy provided structural adequacy without requiring expensive or visually intrusive modifications.
✔Regulatory Compliance: Fully met Australian structural engineering standards.
Ararat Double-Storey Alterations & Additions Structural Design
Location: Ararat, Victoria, Melbourne
Project Type: Structural Design for Alterations & Additions to a Double-Storey Building
Project Scope
Fundament was engaged to provide the structural design for alterations and additions to a double-storey building in Ararat, Melbourne. The project involved removing internal walls in the basement, modifying the first-floor layout, and designing additions supported by a Bondeck slab, along with balcony extensions over the ground floor.
Challenges
- Basement Wall Removal: Assessing the impact on structural stability and designing alternative load paths.
- First-Floor Additions: Ensuring the new layout and extensions were structurally sound.
- Bondeck Slab Design: The additional slab weight needed to be properly supported by the existing structure.
- Existing Footing Evaluation: Checking whether the footings could handle increased loads from the new additions.
- Non-Standard Column Sections: The client requested the use of non-standard steel sections, requiring detailed capacity verification.
- Temporary Propping: Considering safe propping methods during slab construction to prevent structural instability.
Our Solution
Our structural engineers developed a reinforcement strategy that ensured the integrity of the modified structure while optimizing material use. Key solutions included:
✅Basement Structural Reinforcement: Designed load transfer solutions to compensate for removed walls.
✅Optimized Bondeck Slab Design: Ensured the slab weight was adequately distributed through the existing structure.
✅Existing Footing Assessment & Strengthening: Verified footing capacity and proposed reinforcement where necessary.
✅Capacity Verification for Non-Standard Columns: Conducted structural analysis to confirm suitability for load-bearing applications.
✅Safe Temporary Propping Strategy: Developed a temporary propping plan to support the structure during construction.
✅Compliance with Australian Standards: Ensured adherence to AS 3600 (Concrete Structures) and AS 4100 (Steel Structures) for safety and durability.
Outcome & Benefits
✔Safe & Efficient Basement Modifications: Load redistribution maintained structural stability after wall removal.
✔Well-Supported First-Floor Additions: The Bondeck slab and balcony extensions were properly reinforced for long-term performance.
✔Optimized Use of Non-Standard Sections: Engineering analysis ensured structural adequacy of client-specified columns.
✔Secure Construction Process: Implemented temporary propping solutions to maintain safety during construction.
✔Regulatory Compliance: Fully met Australian structural engineering standards.
