Fire Safety Engineering | Accessibility & Inclusive Design | Building Code / Code Consultant
KPIs
Principal Contractor
Ceerose
Architect
SJB
DC was then novated to Ceerose upon the completion of 50% design development and we assisted both Milligan Group and Ceerose from this point forward to Practical Completion.
Milligan Group is led by James Milligan who is a rising star within the commercial space with a focus on projects on the city fringes and the Sydney CBD.
DC was then novated to Ceerose upon the completion of 50% design development and we assisted both Milligan Group and Ceerose from this point forward to Practical Completion.
Milligan Group is led by James Milligan who is a rising star within the commercial space with a focus on projects on the city fringes and the Sydney CBD.
The redesign sought to unify these structures, while responding sensitively to the Victorian and Art Deco façades along York Street. The redevelopment added six storeys to 36 York Street, aligning it with its neighbour’s new eleven-storey height. The adjoining wall between the two buildings was opened to create a shared floor plate, seamlessly integrating the structures and enhancing spatial efficiency.
A major constraint of the project was the existing timber structure, which comprised columns, beams, and floors that originally formed the base of the building before later extensions introduced additional storeys above. The introduction of significant structural mass atop this timber-framed structure presented challenges in load distribution and reinforcement. A carefully considered structural strategy ensured the new additions were integrated without compromising the integrity or character of the original timber framework.
The redesign sought to unify these structures, while responding sensitively to the Victorian and Art Deco façades along York Street. The redevelopment added six storeys to 36 York Street, aligning it with its neighbour’s new eleven-storey height. The adjoining wall between the two buildings was opened to create a shared floor plate, seamlessly integrating the structures and enhancing spatial efficiency.
A major constraint of the project was the existing timber structure, which comprised columns, beams, and floors that originally formed the base of the building before later extensions introduced additional storeys above. The introduction of significant structural mass atop this timber-framed structure presented challenges in load distribution and reinforcement. A carefully considered structural strategy ensured the new additions were integrated without compromising the integrity or character of the original timber framework.
A fundamental aspect of the project was ensuring that the building was upgraded to provide equitable access for all users, in line with contemporary accessibility standards. Given the existing nature of the building, a conventional compliance-based approach was not always feasible, as many original structural and spatial elements could not be modified.
Instead, a performance-based strategy was adopted to ensure that the objectives of the code were met while working within the constraints of the existing fabric. This approach allowed for innovative solutions that provided seamless access throughout the building while maintaining the integrity of its heritage elements. The result was an inclusive design outcome that ensured all user groups, including those with disabilities, could access and navigate the building safely and efficiently.
A fundamental aspect of the project was ensuring that the building was upgraded to provide equitable access for all users, in line with contemporary accessibility standards. Given the existing nature of the building, a conventional compliance-based approach was not always feasible, as many original structural and spatial elements could not be modified.
Instead, a performance-based strategy was adopted to ensure that the objectives of the code were met while working within the constraints of the existing fabric. This approach allowed for innovative solutions that provided seamless access throughout the building while maintaining the integrity of its heritage elements. The result was an inclusive design outcome that ensured all user groups, including those with disabilities, could access and navigate the building safely and efficiently.
Our long-standing relationship with the client meant we understood their vision and the challenges this project presented from the outset. The project was a unique undertaking, requiring a careful balance between fire safety, accessibility, and heritage conservation. Given our extensive experience in these areas, we were entrusted with the role of fire safety engineer, code consultant, and accessibility consultant—three critical aspects of the project’s success.
One of the key reasons we were selected was our ability to effectively manage the design program, particularly in stakeholder engagement with Council and Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and a strategic approach to approvals. Our team worked closely with all relevant authorities, ensuring robust compliance strategies that aligned with the architectural intent and building’s operational needs. Our proactive engagement helped streamline the approvals process, minimising delays and providing certainty for the project team.
Beyond regulatory navigation, our unparalleled depth of skill in heritage and adaptive reuse projects allowed us to creatively approach the existing timber structure, developing a fire safety strategy that allowed key elements to remain exposed without compromising compliance.
Our accessibility strategy focused on performance-based solutions, ensuring equitable access while respecting the constraints of the existing fabric.
Further complexities arose in relation to smoke control and stair pressurisation, particularly given the constraints of the existing building layout. A prescriptive zone smoke control system was ultimately omitted from the design, with a performance-based approach adopted to ensure compliance while reducing unnecessary complexity and cost. Additionally, a bespoke stair pressurisation strategy was required, as the existing layout posed challenges in achieving the required velocity rate at the final exit door.
Through careful analysis and performance-based design, we were able to develop a solution that ensured occupant safety while avoiding disruptive and impractical modifications to the building’s layout. This added further efficiencies to the construction program and the overall cost of works.
Ellie is the powerhouse behind DC Partnership’s financial, operational and people performance. With over a decade of experience in consultancies, startups and corporate environments, she’s a master at combining big-picture strategy with hands-on problem-solving. Since joining DC Partnership in 2021, Ellie has streamlined operations, expanded the company’s footprint and kept everything running smoother than ever. A champion of diversity, inclusion and female leadership, Ellie is all about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued—and where no challenge is too big to tackle.
