Melbourne’s newest skyscraper built to move with the wind
Melbourne’s newest skyscraper Australia 108 is set to transform the city skyline, reaching higher than its neighbour, Eureka Tower. But its design also gives it a super power.
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Melbourne’s new tallest building has been engineered to move by up to 600mm in cyclone-force winds.
Australia 108, which is still being built by Multiplex, has been created to withstand extreme gales.
Multiplex project manager Darcy Holden said the skyscraper would move by about 20mm in regular conditions.
“To ensure the structural integrity in extreme conditions the engineers have designed the building with an allowance to move up to 600mm in 140kmh-plus winds,’’ Mr Holden said.
“In normal conditions, movement is very slight.
“The building has monitoring sensors built into the structure to measure the wind force.’’
Also, water tanks containing 300,000 litres will be installed under the Level 100 top-storey penthouse to provide ballast to the structure and slow down any sway.
The $1 billion, 1100-apartment skyscraper being built by Multiplex on City Rd, Southbank, will be completed by the middle of next year. Its concrete core reached the 100th storey last week.
The distinctive golden “starburst” feature, which is cantilevered off the building on Levels 70 and 71 has just been finished, while hundreds of residents already occupy the first 66 floors.
David Ng, chief executive of Singapore developer World Class Global, said the skyscraper’s lift core had reached level 100, one of many milestones in the build.
“The arrival of Australia 108’s golden Starburst is a distinctive moment in the transformation of Melbourne’s skyline,’’ he said.
The starburst levels will house the Star Club featuring two infinity pools, gyms, a
garden, private dining rooms, wine-tasting areas and lounges.
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At 317m, Australia 108 is 20m higher than nearby Eureka Tower. Award-winning Melbourne architect firm Fender Katsalidis has designed both structures.
Construction of Australia 108 started four years ago, with bored piles reaching 47m underground.
The penthouse, which occupies the entire top floor sold in 2015 to a Chinese billionaire for $25 million — a Melbourne record at the time.