Post-tension solutions for Tarrawarra Museum

Museum construction is often a blend of art and engineering, and the Tarrawarra – Eva and Marc Besen Centre in Healesville, Victoria, stands as a testament to this union.

This new purpose-built centre, undertaken by McCorkell Constructions and designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, with landscaping by Oculus and StructureForm as the frame contractor, showcases a harmonious fusion of design and technology.

Located on the Museum’s upper car park site, the centre will open to the public in the first half of 2024. The new building spans 2,431 square meters and will showcase the Museum’s permanent collection by providing visible access to more than 300 stored artworks year-round. The facility also includes a multipurpose space that will act as a learning centre and a performance space.​​​​​​​​

StructureForm appointed Interspan to provide a design and construct solution for the post-tensioned concrete beams and slabs.

The Museum’s primary purpose of showcasing art demanded an ingenious approach to structural design. Deep post-tensioned concrete beams were strategically integrated into the building’s framework, allowing the artwork to hang with utmost precision.

The beams also needed to accommodate heavy loads from bus traffic.

The requirement to accommodate heavy loads due to bus traffic added complexity to the design. Implementing deep RC beams in conjunction with the post-tensioned slab was a noteworthy solution.

This combination met the challenges posed by heavy loads and contributed to the project’s overall efficiency.

Advanced analysis and design software were crucial to the project’s success.

RamConcept and RAPT were used to ensure an optimized structural design that met stringent criteria.

With its innovative design elements, utilization of post-tensioning technology, and dedication to achieving operational excellence, this project inspires future endeavours in the field.

The post-tensioning works commenced in March 2023 and will conclude in August 2023. The practical completion of the project is on the horizon, with the next milestones set for the upcoming months.