When Walker Corporation first came to us, they had an arbour design (and prototype) they were not happy with. Our challenge was to capture the intent of their original concept, but in a way that could be confidently delivered in the real world. 

With the project already behind schedule, time was firmly against us. We had to work hard – and quickly – to revitalise the existing design aesthetic, ensuring it was neat in detail and all elements would work perfectly together.

The bespoke hexagonal design, in particular, was highly intricate with a complex mosaic of perforated mesh panelling. A new full-scale prototype was also required to ensure the revised drawings were able to be built exactly as they appeared on paper.

Fabrication was the most complex element of the entire project.

Due to the precise levels of detail and sheer volume of work, it required double shifts and a highly-systematic approach. To achieve the unique shape, we set up a large bespoke jig in the factory (essentially a stencil) where small sections of laser-cut steel beams were laid out to form each of the hexagonal panels, before being transferred to the welding team for joining. This process was repeated over and over until there were enough hexagonal sections for each complete arbour.

Careful consideration was also given to load bearings, with detailed drawings showing exactly how the structures should be loaded onto trucks and transported in sections – firstly to Geelong for painting, before making their final journey to South Australia.

The challenges then continued on site, with massive weight-bearing slabs under each of the steel structures calling for ultra-accurate detailing and anchor points.

The Plaza itself was also tightly regulated and very busy with live construction taking place around the installation team, requiring a high level of care and coordination at all times.

A key part of our original response to Walker Corporation was for the arbour structures to be designed with the least number of parts, streamlining their delivery to Adelaide and minimising the amount of time needed on site.

A series of innovative processes were also implemented during the fabrication stage to optimise outputs on the factory floor – essential to balance the significant volume of work with the limited amount of time we had available to do it. 

Ultimately, the arbours were transported in pre-assembled sections. But first we needed to put the sections through a ‘dry run’ in our factory, making subtle refinements to ensure they would fit together perfectly. This allowed the trunks of each arbour to be quickly installed in Adelaide, before cherry-pickers were used to attach the final perforated panels.

• Custom hexagonal design supported by intricate detailing
• Interconnecting roof lines between each arbour form a larger visual canopy (even though they never physically touch)
• Perforated mesh paneling provides creative shade and shadow play across the Plaza
• Neatly integrated cabling supports plantings and maximises shade opportunities
• Seamless fixings where arbour trunks meet the cantilevered sections

Detailed installation methodology was provided as a key part of our original submission to Walker Corporation. This included comprehensive safety and design reporting to certify the arbours were fit-for-purpose in what is a high-traffic location in the heart of the Adelaide CBD.

Wind tunnel testing was also conducted to ensure the arbour structures wouldn’t generate unwanted noise in blustery weather.