‘Nero’ Off-Form Concrete Residence
Where Commercial Strength Meets Residential Elegance
Client: Lancaster Homes
Location: Estella, NSW
Services: Structural Engineering
Building Designer: Lancaster Homes
Builder: Lancaster Homes
Completed: In Progress
Cresco Australia was engaged to provide the structural engineering for a unique and pioneering residential project named ‘Nero’, located in Estella a suburb of Wagga Wagga.
This innovative residence, designed and built by Lancaster Homes stands as a testament to architectural and engineering collaboration.
Nero is believed to be the first off-form concrete house in Wagga Wagga, a construction approach more commonly associated with commercial buildings.
Project Objectives
The vision for ‘Nero’ was to push the boundaries of residential design by utilising an off-form concrete construction method to achieve both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
The project aimed to demonstrate how commercial building techniques could be adapted to suit residential applications, focusing on achieving a sleek, modern, and durable home design.
Challenges & Solutions
As the structural engineering partner, Cresco Australia was tasked with creating a robust design that catered to the complexities of this unique building form.
The in situ off-form concrete approach required meticulous planning to account for:
Load-bearing requirements to accommodate the concrete structure.
Precision in formwork design to achieve the desired visual finish and durability.
Integration of innovative reinforcement techniques to maintain strength while allowing design flexibility.
By addressing these challenges, Cresco Australia ensured that the final structure met all regulatory standards while achieving the client’s vision of an elegant, contemporary home.
Engineering Approach & Solutions
Cresco Australia conducted a comprehensive and integrated analysis of the entire building to ensure that the structural and architectural elements were seamlessly combined.
One of the primary challenges involved integrating the retaining wall footings into the slab and merging the retaining wall design with the off-form concrete walls.
This approach not only provided a robust structural solution but also enabled the team to maintain the clean lines and visual appeal of the off-form concrete design.
By addressing these complexities, Cresco Australia was able to meet the design objectives set by Lancaster Homes, achieving both the aesthetic vision and structural requirements of the project.
Architectural Innovation
The off-form concrete construction was a key element chosen primarily for aesthetic appeal.
The smooth, uninterrupted concrete surfaces provide a distinctive modern look that captures the eye and evokes a commercial architectural style.
This design decision represents a departure from traditional residential builds in the region and introduces a new architectural narrative in Wagga Wagga.
Outcomes & Highlights
The successful completion of ‘Nero’ will demonstrate Cresco Australia’s ability to deliver complex structural designs for innovative residential projects.
The residence serves as a benchmark for future off-form concrete applications in the local residential construction industry.
Key highlights of the project include:
- First off-form concrete residence in Wagga Wagga
- Successful integration of retaining walls into the building’s form concrete structure
- Achievement of aesthetic and structural objectives through collaborative design and engineering efforts
Conclusion
The Nero residence stands as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through vision, technical expertise, and seamless collaboration.
Cresco Australia is proud to have partnered with Baden and the Lancaster Homes team once again, working together to bring this innovative design to life.
This project reflects our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of residential construction and setting new standards for architectural aesthetics in Wagga Wagga.
We extend our gratitude to Lancaster Homes for entrusting us with the structural engineering for Nero, and we look forward to many more projects that challenge the norm and inspire future builds.
Stay tuned for progress updates as the build continues.
For another look at ‘NERO’, take a look at the Lancaster Homes video filmed onsite by Threefold Studio.
