Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Kalgoorlie

This landmark project for Kalgoorlie was designed by internationally recognised architect Nonda Katsalidis in collaboration with Hodge Collard Preston Architects. 

The project incorporated a number of architecturally expressive elements including the feature ‘claws’ which are a striking element incorporated around the façade of the building, and exposed Vierendeel trusses creating large clear span areas internally.

In addition to the architectural features, one of the key challenges for the project were the geotechnical conditions and environmental constraints. The site is located on a historical council landfill tip. As such, significant effort was applied to both civil and structural design to minimise cost impacts, while designing a stable and sustainable solution. 

The final structural solution was resolved to be a 200mm thick piled slab on ground with only minimal thickenings supported by screw piles. Although this came at a premium to construction on a typical sand site, it was an extremely cost-effective solution when benchmarked against sites with similar constraints and allowed a quality hotel to be designed on an otherwise underutilised site. 

Working integrally with the structural solution was the civil design to the site. The earthwork levels throughout the site were modelled in 3d and numerous options were analysed to work with the constraints of a sloping site, combined with a desire to minimise excavations into the waste areas to an absolute minimum, for cost and environmental reasons. An efficient solution was found, incorporating these constraints while carefully considering transition slabs to allow landscaped areas and carparks to be designed without the need for piling.