It doesn’t get more prestigious than this!
Our entry won not only our category for ‘Structural Heritage’ but also the highly coveted and exclusive Supreme Award, at the 2021 Structural Awards by The Institution of Structural Engineers.
Established in 1968, the Structural Awards are the world’s leading awards for structural engineering excellence. Winning both of these prestigious awards is an incredible achievement for everyone here at Holmes who worked on this exciting but challenging project that won–The Christchurch Town Hall. And our team of experts were not only the structural engineers but also the fire engineers for this important restoration project.
This conservation project demanded a full spectrum of technically complex structural and geotechnical solutions. Solving ground stabilisation issues and predicting the future performance of the structure and foundations were achieved through detailed analysis and intensive co-ordination between the geotechnical and structural engineers.
Complex analysis was employed to minimise the strengthening work required for the superstructure. The result preserves the original character and style of the building and protects the existing fabric – a positive both for sustainability and our client–Christchurch City Council.
The Judges commented, “This project is an excellent example of what structural engineers can bring to a devastated existing building. By understanding its behaviour and failure, the team was able to repair and preserve this important structure”.
Special thanks goes to our fantastic team of project partners as well:
Client: Christchurch City Council
Architect: WARREN AND MAHONEY
Principal Contractor: Hawkins
Commercial Manager: Rider Levett Bucknall
Geotechnical Engineer: Tonkin + Taylor
Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall
JUDGES’ COMMENT
Acclaimed for its architecture and acoustics, Christchurch Town Hall is a local landmark. Following devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the original building required significant structural repair and strengthening of the supporting foundations. This conservation project demanded a full spectrum of technically complex structural and geotechnical solutions. Ground stabilisation issues were solved and the future performance of the structure and foundations was predicted through detailed analysis and intensive co-ordination between the geotechnical and structural engineers. Complex analysis was employed to minimise the strengthening work required for the superstructure. The result preserves the original character and style of the building and protects the existing fabric – a positive both for sustainability and the client. This project is an excellent example of what structural engineers can bring to a devastated existing building. By understanding its behaviour and failure, the team was able to repair and preserve this important structure.
View the full list of 2021 IStructE Award Winners here.
