Stella-Maris

Stella Maris, Rippleside: Honouring Heritage, Building for the Future

Nestled along the Geelong waterfront, Stella Maris is redefining luxury living in the bayside suburb of Rippleside, Victoria. This exceptional new precinct features 55 high-end residences across four architecturally striking buildings, artfully arranged around the historic St Helens mansion. This heritage-listed landmark was formerly home to the Sisters of Mercy.

Builder is Ireland Brown Constructions (IBC), and Consulting Engineer, Designer, Webber Design

Just minutes from the Geelong CBD, Stella Maris offers a rare blend of timeless elegance and contemporary living, where landscaped gardens, a resident wellness centre, and sustainable design converge in a serene sanctuary by the sea.

A Landmark Reimagined

At the heart of the development, the meticulously preserved St Helens mansion anchors the precinct in history, offering a rich architectural counterpoint to the modern lines of the new buildings that surround it. The layout is thoughtfully curated — open, spacious, and oriented to capture the waterfront views, all while maintaining a deep respect for the site’s heritage fabric.

Sustainability at its Core

More than just beautiful design, Stella Maris sets a new benchmark in sustainable living. The entire development is powered independently of fossil fuels, embracing a future-forward vision through:

  • Photovoltaic (solar) panels

  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

  • Organic waste systems

  • An edible garden designed for resident wellbeing

This integrated approach to sustainability is not simply about ticking boxes — it’s about reshaping how we live, connect, and reduce our footprint on the planet.

The Power of Post-Tensioning

Interspan was engaged by IBC to deliver the post-tensioning solution for this unique project. Post-tensioned concrete enables thinner slabs, longer spans, and greater structural efficiency — ultimately reducing the amount of concrete and reinforcement required. This contributes directly to a lower embodied carbon footprint, while offering significant benefits in terms of buildability and durability.

To further enhance performance during construction, Temporary Moving Joints (TMJs) were used to manage tensile forces caused by drying shrinkage. These innovative joints, incorporating horizontal sleeves, vertical sleeves, and square dowels, allow for controlled movement in specific directions during the early stages of curing. Once movement stabilises, they are locked into position to ensure permanent stability and structural integrity.

As part of the team, Interspan worked alongside Ireland Brown Constructions and consulting engineers, Webber Design, to ensure that structural integrity and environmental performance were fully aligned.

The result: a sophisticated engineering solution that supports both the architectural vision and sustainability goals of the development.

Images: Ireland Brown Constructions

SPECIALIST SLAB POST-TENSIONING

At Interspan, we firmly believe in fostering collaborative relationships with our clients to identify and implement optimal solutions for their specific needs and projects. Our approach revolves around customer-centricity, emphasising partnership, innovation, and excellence. As a result, we have established ourselves as a trusted and dependable partner for businesses worldwide.

REASONS TO USE POST-TENSIONED CONCRETE:

  • Increased clear spans
  • Thinner slabs
  • Lighter structures; reduced floor dead loads
  • Reduced cracking and deflection
  • Reduced storey height
  • Rapid construction
  • Large reduction in conventional reinforcement
  • Higher degree of crack

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance holds immense significance for Interspan because it impacts the safety of our operatives and future occupants, the long-term durability of our structures, and our client satisfaction and relationships.

Interspan is accredited under CARES APTO1 for the Production and Supply of Post-tensioning Anchorage Systems and is the only post-tension contractor in Australia accredited under CARES APTO4 for the supply and installation of Post-tensioning systems in concrete structures.

Sustainability

Post-tensioning is a powerful technique that can enable reductions in materials and carbon emissions through effective design within the construction industry.

By adopting post-tensioning, we can build more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly structures, paving the way for a greener future.