“Innovative and creative adaptive re-use of existing buildings is a sustainable way of positively contributing to our environment”
Our team is thrilled to have received the CIA Excellence in Concrete Award – Commercial Buildings category for Pallas House.
Located in the heart of Double Bay, Pallas House has an important influence on the urban environment’s appearance. The architectural vision was to integrate old and new to preserve and accentuate the unique features of the existing 70-year-old building. The re-use of the existing concrete skeleton was key to the success of this project.
Integrating the new and the old was challenging and required the smart use of concrete and cement advanced technology in various forms. This included low-viscosity cement grout for permeation grouting of the sand foundations, light-weight concrete for topping screeds and structural concrete for cast in-situ off-form, preformed and precast construction. Concrete was used as reinforced concrete, post-tensioned concrete and as concrete topping slabs in steel-concrete composite floors.
The judges were particularly impressed with the complex requirements needed and sustainability considerations implemented to ensure that the existing building’s integrity was maintained whilst constructing a modern and vibrant building.
Through our innovative approach, we achieved sustainable outcomes without significant cost interventions. Maximising the re-use of the old concrete structure contributed to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and reduced wastage, which would otherwise have been taken to landfill.
As part of the winning team, XK worked closely with builder Lords Group, developer Fortis and architect Lawton Hurley to bring this luxury commercial development to realisation.
Congratulations to all involved again! Click here to learn more.
