Sydney's GPO building was re-developed by the Grollo Group into a mixed use commercial, hotel and retail complex for a total construction cost of $350 million. The complex includes a 430 room hotel, 24 levels of office space and 2700 square metres of retail space. It was completed in mid 1999.

The project was completed on time, notwithstanding the delays from unusually heavy rain, and three months lost through unexpected latent conditions.

Hanson supplied the precast concrete internal and external walls for the hotel.

There were a total of 1,360 precast units delivered to site weighing 7,400 tonnes. The exterior facade had 6,500 sq metres of polished loadbearing architectural precast concrete. The internal loadbearing walls comprised of 7,450 sq m of off form grey concrete. The precast was erected by the builder. The internal loadbearing walls had concrete strengths of up to 70MPa while 45MPa was required for the facade.

The key architectural feature of the facade was the polished reconstructed granite precast panels. Victorian Riverena granite was used, the final product being virtually indistinguishable from polished dimension stone.

The use of reconstructed granite rather than dimension stone meant that monolithic loadbearing and fire rated facade components were erected straight off the delivery trucks. The experience of Bonacci Winward in this type of construction ensured significant savings in structure costs as well as in time.

The flexibility and practicality of precast concrete meant that the same architectural finish was available for returns, sills etc. In addition, round black granite inserts were able to be cast in and polished thus seamlessly marrying dissimilar architectural materials within the panels to achieve the architect's design.

This building demonstrates the ease with which architectural expression can be realised with precast concrete. This award winning building is a testament to good design and to good construction.

This is a beautiful building which shows the full architectural and structural potential of precast concrete.

Contact Details

To discuss whether we can assist you contact our estimating manager.

Phone: 02 9627 2666

Fax: 02 9627 5161

Email: precast@hanson.biz