JCU - Cairns Tropical Enterprise

Project Overview

The Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC) at James Cook University is a landmark project designed to foster innovation and research in tropical environments.With a unique architectural form and a mix of steel, timber, and high-performance façade elements, the facility serves as a collaborative hub for science, business, and industry. The building’s striking roof profile,Rotunda, and feature façades were central to its architectural expression and required a high level of precision and interdisciplinary coordination during the design and construction phases.

Our Role in the Project

BSF Design Solutions was engaged to deliver detailed steelwork modelling and shop detailing for the roof structure, plant room and Rotunda. Our scope extended beyond typical detailing responsibilities, including the development of practical connection solutions to complement and enhance the design intent and bespoke nature of the structure. Our team worked closely with the structural engineer and architect to ensure that the steel components integrated seamlessly with adjacent materials—particularly the complex timber elements.

Challenges & Solutions

One of the primary challenges on the CTEC project was the bespoke nature of the connections and integration with timber elements. To maintain progress and meet key construction milestones, our team proactively developed workable and buildable connection solutions in collaboration with the design team &builder. Additionally, given the integration of timber and steel, careful coordination was required to resolve tolerance, alignment, and constructability between these materials.

‍‍Key Achievements

·     Delivered fully coordinated and constructible steel detailing across complex interfaces with timber.

·     Developed and coordinated bespoke connection designs that met structural and architectural requirements.

·     Maintained strong collaborative workflows with multiple disciplines to help drive the project to meet aggressive construction deadlines.

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