Embassy of Australia

SGH is consulting on the design and construction of the facade glazing systems, including an exterior curtain wall with copper panels, a glass canopy and porte cochere, interior curtain walls overlooking a multistory atrium, and a custom skylight over the atrium. Highlights of our work include the following:

• Consulting on the glazing system with respect to airtightness, watertightness, thermal performance, condensation resistance, constructability, security requirements, and aesthetics
• Helping the design team incorporate critical air/water seals in the facade systems and developing details to integrate the various enclosure systems
• Witnessing airtightness, watertightness (under static and dynamic loads), and structural performance testing of the laboratory performance mockup

As the structural engineer of record, SGH designed the new cast-in-place concrete structure. Highlights of our work include the following:

• Evaluating existing foundations for reuse as the support-of-excavation
• Designing the 5 ft thick mat slab foundation to resist buoyancy forces from groundwater due to the high water table on the site
• Performing a dynamic analysis of the concrete structure and steel ring beam that support the curtain wall around the building’s perimeter
• Peer reviewing the dynamic analysis of the curtain wall performed by others
• Detailing anchorage from the exterior wall systems to the base structure to resist out-of-plane loads, including dynamic loads
• Evaluating structural design of security components
• Designing the structure for the entry canopy, porte cochere, and water feature