Case Studies
Professional Engineering Consultants
Earning the prestigious Landezine International Landscape Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space at the 2018 Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards, Rockhampton's Riverside precinct stands as a testament to visionary urban design. Crafted to celebrate the natural allure of the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), this modern marvel seamlessly integrates with the city's historic heritage-listed buildings, epitomising a harmonious blend of past and present. Following the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Maria in 2015, the revitalisation of the riverside pier became imperative. Spanning 3.3 hectares of upper and lower parkland, stretching 600 meters along the river, the precinct was a collaborative effort. Our involvement, under the guidance of McMurtrie Consulting Engineers, alongside esteemed partners including Rockhampton Regional Council, Woods Bagot Architects, and Urbis, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Navigating the intricacies of engineering within a flood-prone environment required careful consideration. Our team engineered a resilient bunker room to house essential pump equipment, ensuring functionality even amidst rising waters. Utilising bored piers in the bunker, we fortified structures against the formidable forces of flooding, exemplifying our commitment to safety. From the cantilevered roof adorned with elegant bends to the strategic repurposing of existing piers to minimise environmental impact, every aspect of the project was carefully curated. Retaining walls along Quay Street and tiered seating further showcase our prowess in structural engineering, seamlessly blending form with function. Beyond the borders of the Darling Downs, this project serves as a beacon of excellence, transforming Rockhampton's CBD into a vibrant hub. Activating the waterfront as a bustling nexus for commerce, community gatherings, and cultural events, the Riverside precinct stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to shaping landscapes that enrich lives and inspire awe.
Kershaw Gardens holds a special place as the "big backyard" for Rockhampton citizens, a cherished retreat since its establishment in 1988. However, Cyclone Marcia's wrath in 2015 dealt a devastating blow, causing extensive damage including uprooted trees and revealing old landfill areas. In response, the Rockhampton Regional Council made a commitment to rejuvenate the gardens post-cyclone. The revitalized Kershaw Gardens opened in August 2018, boasting an array of impressive amenities. This includes architecturally designed shelters, barbecue areas, amenities blocks, and a captivating waterplay section featuring innovative equipment. A notable addition is the iconic 5-level Super Sphere, a custom creation from Germany, originally intended for New York's Central Park. Rising approximately 9 meters high, this sphere comprises five levels of netting and tunnels, offering children an unparalleled adventure through obstacles, ladders, and swings. Our involvement in the structural and hydraulic engineering aspects, in collaboration with Rockhampton Regional Council, McMurtrie Engineers, Woods Bagot, and Urbis, contributed to the successful realisation of this project. The parklands now stand as a testament to our team's commitment to excellence, with the expansive waterplay area inspired by the scenic Fitzroy River. Indeed, this project underscores our capacity to extend our reputation for quality far beyond the confines of the Darling Downs area.
