Structural steel is leading the way for fast-paced Australian apartment growth with Meriton Group turning 850 tonnes into high-rise North Sydney apartments by the end of 2015.
A soaring 30 storey serviced apartment constructed out of steel and finished with glass will be a first for Australian high-rise apartments and is expected to be delivered six months ahead of schedule.
The residential project developed by Meriton Group will be erected on 80 Arthur Street with the first of its structural steel columns set to go in place this month.
The steel building will offer 218 short-stay serviced apartments and a retail space to its residents.
To complete the project Meriton Group has teamed up with OneSteel, Australia’s premier manufacturer of steel products.
Meriton Managing Director Harry Triguboff believes the choice to use steel was a no brainer.
“Steel appealed to me because it’s quicker than building with concrete,” he said.
The building designed by Tony Caro Architects incorporates a streamlined design considered to enable not only a faster pace of construction but also reflect freedom of architectural expression in innovative construction techniques.
General Manager of OneSteel Metal Centre Mark Lewin says there were significant benefits from structural steel framing besides it’s crisp aesthetic appeal, such as the enhanced of speed of construction it offers.
“It’s also infinitely recyclable. Coupled with steel’s inherent strength and durability, steel can extend the life of a building,” Mr Lewin said.
Tony Caro Architects, a predominately urban design company, described the design as a “crystalline and sculptural addition to the commercial skyline.”
The project is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by early 2016.