Innovation

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Generating and designing innovative engineering solutions requires creative thinking and an enthusiasm for problem solving. Within Porter Consulting Engineers, we have the broad ranging experience and creative mind-set which results in successful innovation. Here are some examples of innovative engineering solutions designed and implemented by our engineering consultants in WA:

Recycled Products – The Amble Estate, Girrawheen

Porter Consulting Engineers were engaged by the Department of Communities through Yolk Property Group (YPG) to prepare designs, documentation, tender and contract administration for Stages 1, 2 and 3 on an accelerated programme to transform the 4.2 hectare former Hainsworth Primary School site into The Amble Estate.  The final Stage 4 was completed in 2021.

The $21.8 million urban infill project is a collaboration between the Department, YPG and Ventura Home Group (VHG) delivered over 130 dwellings for more than 200 residents, comprising a mix of one and two-bed apartments, 15 townhouses and 90 single detached houses.

For this project, we incorporated Bioregional’s One Planet living requirements and design elements.  This involved consideration of alternative products that have less environmental impact and provision of alternative design and materials to meet the One Planet Living goals as well as participation in workshops and liaison with Authorities regarding various product use and background investigations on alternative products. 

Working in consultation with the City of Wanneroo to pilot an industry leading urban infill project based on the sustainability principles of One Planet Living required significant lobbying and engagement. It was essential to consult, educate and adapt with the City to obtain buy-in. Lessons learned regarding the application of principles relating to sustainable energy, water, materials, zero waste and zero carbon will be applied across future developments by the City and other local governments.

Urban Water

It was important stormwater management was contained on site using innovation. The City of Wanneroo traditionally requires a pit, pipe and drainage sump solution to drainage management. Through early engagement and negotiation, the drainage system design was able to achieve the project outcomes, as well as incorporating at source drainage soakage.

Use of Recycled Materials

We have built an extensive background on use of recycled products in the road construction products. Early discussion and investigations and liaison with the City of Wanneroo has seen these measures adopted as a trial project for the City.

The project used:

  • Recycled materials in limestone blocks
  • Recycled sand for lot filling
  • Recycled sand in footpath construction
  • Recycled roadbase material
  • Recycled asphalt (RAP) in final asphalt layer
  • Re-used topsoil across the site through blending with new fill material
  • Re-used trees for landscape elements that required clearing and any excess material was mulched and made available to new home owners for landscaping or within POS works.

Awards:

  • 2019 UDIA WA Award winner in the categories of Excellence in Residential Development (less than 250 lots) and Environmental Excellence.
  • 2020 National UDIA Award Finalist in the category of Environmental Excellence.

Cecil Avenue West, Cannington – City of Canning

Stage 1 of the Cecil Avenue redevelopment was completed in December 2010. Porters designed unique rain gardens to discharge water at source where possible and reduce size and impact on downstream infrastructure whilst also creating a visual water element.

City of Cannington

Retaining Walls for Surrey Road PSP – City of Belmont

The eastern approach of the underpass on Great Eastern Highway received an upgrade in 2019. Porter Consulting Engineers designed the principal shared path which included retaining walls and landscaping for the Bike Boulevard linking Leach Highway to Great Eastern Highway via Tomato Lake and Surrey Road.

The use of the Keystone wall system allowed for the walls to blend seamlessly into the remaining portion of the existing Keystone walls.  The use of the Keystone walls also allowed for rapid installation in tight work areas for a curved wall and aesthetically pleasing wall.

City of Belmont