Historic photo from DA submitted to the City of Newcastle Council
The Ireland’s Bond Building, built in 1884 in Newcastle, NSW, is undergoing a significant transformation. As part of the redevelopment, Ideal Foundations played a key role in strengthening its foundation using screw piers installation. This upgrade was crucial for preserving the building while preparing it for modern apartment living.
Reinforcing the foundation of a four-story heritage building is never simple. However, this project came with additional challenges. Unlike new constructions, which allow for standard piling methods, this site had tight spatial constraints.
One of the biggest obstacles was limited head height, which dropped to just 3.0 meters in some areas. This restriction made it impossible to use large excavation equipment. Moreover, overhead beams and columns further reduced available space. The project also required precise pile placement to align with the original pile caps, preventing costly structural modifications.
Initially, the foundation design required 40-tonne (400kN) piles. These typically need large machinery, which was impossible to fit within the confined space. To solve this problem, Chris Elliott of Ideal Foundations worked with a structural engineer to modify the plan.
The team redesigned the pile loads, reducing them to 20 tonnes (200kN) per pile. This change allowed the use of smaller equipment while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, pile extensions were limited to 1.5 meters, ensuring installation remained within the restricted overhead clearance.
Executing the screw piers installation in such tight conditions required expertise and careful planning. The Ideal Foundations team used compact excavation equipment and followed a step-by-step approach. This ensured accurate pile placement while working safely around existing structures.
The process demanded precision and adaptability. Despite the constraints, the team successfully reinforced the Ireland’s Bond Building, preserving its heritage while preparing it for future residents.
This project highlights the importance of innovation in heritage restoration. By using advanced screw piers installation methods, Ideal Foundations reinforced the structure without altering its historical charm. As a result, the Ireland’s Bond Building will stand strong for generations, combining history with modern apartment living.
For more insights into complex foundation reinforcement and heritage building restoration, explore the photos and videos below, showcasing the Ideal Foundations team in action.
If you need foundation reinforcement for a light construction, or residential project, Ideal Foundations can help. We specialize in precision piling solutions, even in challenging conditions.
Rebate on All Jobs Completed Between Dec 16th, 2024, and Jan 13th, 2025!
