United Co. – Stage 2

425 Smith Street, Fitzroy

Architect

Builder

Sector

Adams provided independent structural certification for Stage 2 of the United Co.’s 6-level high-grade office building development.

This striking tower features a steel structure with steel columns, composite steel beams, and thin slabs on metal deck permanent formwork. Its aesthetic appeal is highlighted by a sleek glass façade that accentuates the graceful curved slab profiles.

The intricacies of the steel structure demanded precise coordination. Adams handled the necessary adjustments to accommodate numerous penetrations for the final services arrangement, tailored to fit the interior design. Additionally, we played a pivotal role in the core redesign, which significantly contributed to the building’s lateral stability. Responding to the contractor’s request, we replaced the original in situ concrete wall design with AFS walls, aiming to streamline construction and reduce time.

Challenges

The lower two levels had to remain operational throughout the tower’s construction, accommodating multiple active tenants.

Located in the inner suburbs, this project posed site access challenges, including narrow side streets and tram routes along Smith Street. Adams worked closely with the project team to adapt the original design and successfully address these site-specific constraints.