Architect and Builder June/July 2018 | Page 59

Challenges The design of the building had several challenges that needed to be resolved. These included a complex system of beams and strengthening of columns around the observation lift shaft that supports all of the pause areas and their different floor plates. This was accomplished through the detailed analysis and design of the concrete work in this area to ensure the bare minimum was utilised to maintain the open flow of space between the No. 1 Mutual Place floors. Furthermore, the atrium roof on the 5th floor needed to tie into this system and span 22m between the Main and Podium buildings. A feat accomplished through the design of post tensioned concrete beams that are shaped to reduce the visual impact on the 4th floor office space. Another structural challenge was the feature ‘V’ and ‘Y’ columns on the ground floor that channel the forces generated by all the office floors off the main façade line and into the basement structure. 59