PROJECT HISTORY
The challenge
Cairns Convention Centre's expansion faces a design challenge due to its roof’s unique shape and its other dynamic engineering structures.
Cairns Convention Centre
Arcadis revolutionises the Cairns Convention Centre by expanding its capacity and integrating state-of-the-art facilities
The solution
Arcadis incorporated engineering and advanced analysis to provide sustainable eco-friendly features to the project.
The Impact
The Cairns Convention Centre expansion modernised its facilities, attracting major events.
50%
increased capacity The upgrades to the existing infrastructure ensure that the state-of-the-art facility can cater to the needs of any event.
1000
glass-reinforced concrete sunshades Arcadis demonstrated sustainability throughout the project, minimising the construction’s environmental impact.
The challenge
The Queensland Government is expanding the Cairns Convention Centre’s world-class conference spaces. The venue’s The Cairns Convention Centre expansion, however, faces several architectural design hurdles. The major challenge lies in designing the roof structure for the mezzanine hall and sky terrace. This centre's roof is unlike typical structures due to its unique geometry and complex design. Besides the aesthetics, the roof must also fulfill crucial structural functions while withstanding the cyclonic loads. The roof structure restrains and supports the 130-meter-long façade and was designed to transfer lateral loads through its complex geometric shape.
The solution
Expanding the Cairns Convention Centre would draw more visitors to the region by accommodating larger conferences and events, attracting tourism, and generating revenue for the local economy. The expansion features an additional 10,500 square metres of space, encompassing a large lecture hall, meeting rooms, exhibition areas, a rooftop banquet hall, and a sky terrace. This translates to a more functional and versatile convention centre for the community.
Arcadis provided advanced structural and façade engineering. Arcadis’ commitment to eco-friendly solutions is evident in the external screen façade. The Arcadis team delivered a comprehensive fire-engineered solution for the steel columns on the sky-terrace level to enable the unprotected steelwork to remain exposed. The steelwork supporting the glass-reinforced concrete sunshade elements is a remarkable display of complexity and elegance. Projecting up to 10 meters off the building, it showcases a meticulous design that has resistance against extreme cyclonic winds but also maintains a striking architectural aesthetic.
Arcadis also incorporated rainforest vines that will grow along the trellis wires inside the shading elements to provide additional shading and cooling. With over 1,000 glass-reinforced concrete sunshades and drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours of the rainforest and the surrounding region, this façade comes alive with an enchanting display.
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The steelwork solution allows safe work without compromising fire safety and the occupants and preventing damage to adjacent property. Arcadis demonstrated sustainability throughout the design while minimising the construction’s environmental impact and increasing public benefits for future years.
Every aspect of the Cairns Convention Centre expansion has been carefully considered and thoroughly monitored to withstand dynamics and fatigue, showcasing a commitment to durability and artistic appeal. The result is a harmonious blend of strength and beauty, where functionality seamlessly merges with design.
Finally, Arcadis leveraged digital and collaborative values by utilising BIM360, a collaborative platform, to strengthen communication and information sharing amongst all project stakeholders. This approach provides efficiency, reduces errors, and delivers a higher-quality project that the public can enjoy. One example of the benefits of utilising BIM 360 was the complete lack of fabricator and installer queries for the highly complex steelwork supporting the extensive sunshade elements.
The impact
The Cairns Convention Centre expansion is transforming the region's economic landscape. The expansion has earned high commendation at the Australian Steel Excellence Awards 2024—a true testament to the world-class standards of this upgraded facility, now boasting nearly 50% more capacity, which then brings new business to the tropical north. This economic boost is amplified by Arcadis sourcing local suppliers from the Far North to generate employment opportunities. Hundreds of new jobs have been created in construction such as industries in hospitality, logistics, security, maintenance, and the arts, supporting local and Indigenous employment.
Cairns Convention Centre stands out from traditional convention centres, creating an exceptional venue with revolutionary indoor and outdoor works. One-of-a-kind features like the Trinity Terrace, with its sweeping views, and the nature-integrated Plenary room further solidify the centre's position as a world-class destination that defies the traditional indoor convention space.
The improvements made to the convention center guarantee that the Cairns Convention Centre remains a state-of-the-art facility that can cater to any local or international event. Elements of light, nature, and innovation were brought to the venue to establish a truly exceptional destination for events of all sizes and intricacies. This transformation sets a new standard, creating a world-class facility that surpasses expectations.
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