Collaborators : Vital Building Company
Project Value : $2.7M
Completed : 2019
Awards : 2019 Master Builders Association/Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards
Best Construction on a Challenging Site Award (sponsored by Principal Partner Bankwest)
Best Civil Engineering works ($1.5 – $5 million)
The Boathouse Ramp project utilised Airey Taylor Consulting’s full suite of solutions for durability design, creating a lasting facility for rowing, nautical and marine studies and community access on a very remote, sensitive and complex site.
The Project was the result of careful Project Management and planning from Christ Church Grammar School over a period of more than 5 years, with extensive stakeholder management ranging from the local council, traditional landowners, environmental authorities and surrounding properties. Construction took place on an extremely restricted site footprint between the Swan River and a limestone cliff, making it a great technical challenge to complete. Due to the cultural importance of the site for the Wadjuk Noongar people, no concrete foundations were allowed on the foreshore, although recycling of the existing concrete ramp into gabion baskets was possible.
Design parameters included that :
- The existing concrete ramp and paving be removed;
• A new suspended ramp and retaining be installed behind the high water mark;
• A beach be re-established in front of the boat ramp;
• Removal of existing concrete and masonry steps and installation of a suspended walkway on the cliff;
• Stabilisation of the Swan River foreshore, removal of weeds and replanting of local/native plants;
• Participate in Department of Aboriginal Affairs Section 18 consultation with Aboriginal Consultants and application, and adherence to Department of Aboriginal Affairs approval conditions;
• Provision of a Construction Environmental Management Plan and a Monitoring and Maintenance Plan for approval of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions;
• Construction in accordance with the Town of Claremont development conditions.
Daily tidal movements restricted the delivery of materials to site by barge, and careful note was taken of high and low tidal patterns to ensure design adherence. With design for durability a foremost concern – materials were selected for endurance and aesthetics – including limestone to match the surrounding area, non-woven geotextile (Texcel) to prevent sand leakage, and recycled wood/plastic composites (as decking, posts, footings and retaining walls) with stainless steel to minimise the impact of corrosion.
Maccaferri Gabions and Reno Mattresses were installed along the new beach foreshore. Their advantages include ease of installation, flexibility as regards settlement, water permeability, and energy absorption from waves. Organic erosion control materials such as Jute Mat and Coir Logs were used with landscape planting is used which will stabilise the slopes. Artificial erosion control materials such Pyramat were selected for the steep slopes above the boat ramp. Sand conforming to DBCA requirements was imported and used to construct the new beach.
Vital Building Company translated Airey Taylor Construction’s design into practice in a stunning build that was recognised as the leading project for the State in meeting the difficulties of a challenging site, and sets a benchmark for the possibilities of developments on restrictive foreshore settings.
Airey Taylor Consulting would like to thank the perseverance and vision of Christ Church Grammar School for the commission through to finalisation of this Project, and its delivery partner Vital Building Company for their superb attention to detail.
