Conventional Construction (CLT, GLT + Steel & Concrete)

Adelaide Oval Hotel

Client:

Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority

Architect:

COX Architecture

Structural Engineer:

XLam

Head Contractor:

Built Environs

Location:

North Adelaide, SA, Australia

Building Methodology:

Hybrid: CLT, Steel, Concrete
XLam CLT (1281m3)

Built onto the stadium’s façade, the Oval Hotel was constructed using XLam prefabricated Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) in conjunction with traditional material and went ahead without disruption to any sporting or public events. The accelerated construction capabilities of XLam CLT allowed project stakeholders to navigate the challenging circumstances of Covid-19 restrictions to meet the hard project deadline.

The Adelaide Oval Hotel is an iconic project for South Australia and is a prime example of a project designed, engineered, and constructed utilising the design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) process.

With a beautiful timber and glass façade, stunning features and a spectacular view of St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide Parklands and city skyline, this hotel has become a must-see when visiting Adelaide.

Built on two elevated pods which follow the curve of the stadium stands, the boutique 4.5-star Adelaide Oval Hotel is Australia’s first ever integrated stadium hotel. The hotel’s two wings branch out from a central reception pod above the East Gate and spans over 20,000m2, consists of 138 rooms over 5-stories.

Working within a fully functioning environment and ensuring minimal construction impact on gameday patrons remained pivotal to the project. The stadium’s existing access, including the plaza and atrium entry, also were not affected throughout the development, nor was the seating bowl.

XLam CLT was paramount to meeting the project’s objectives of a fast construction phase that had minimal impact to the stadium’s events. Due to the high level of prefabrication and simplicity of handling XLam CLT panels in construction, XLam were able to provide a solution through enabling a rapid erection time that reduced the overall construction program.

Structural System

Despite its size, several covid-19 lockdowns and the Adelaide Oval remaining operational and open to the public throughout construction, the Oval Hotel had a strict 12-month deadline which presented challenges to XLam, and the project stakeholders involved.

To overcome time constraints, a DfMA process was implemented to increase efficiency, while minimising the construction schedule and costs. XLam were engaged to provide construction sequencing, shop drawings, as well as manufacturing the XLam CLT panels.

While the on-site initial construction activity was constrained by the AFL season, XLam were able to immediately commence prefabrication to ensure the project remained to schedule. The XLam CLT panels were prefabricated with CNC machines to guarantee all components could be assembled with a high degree of accuracy once on-site.

To verify the XLam CLT panels for the walls and floors were placed correctly reference marks were set to guide the panel placement and installation process. Once in place the XLam CLT panels were installed similar to concrete precast panels.

The hotel structure leveraged the existing foundations of precast concrete columns, which support a raised steel transfer. The pre-existing stadium structure also allowed for the lateral stability to install 5-stories of XLam CLT walls and floors, in turn creating a complex yet efficient form of construction.

Outcome

After a massive 12-months for XLam and the project stakeholders involved, the Oval Hotel was completed on time and is now one of Adelaide’s most iconic buildings.

Environmentally conscious construction using XLam CLT and GLT. Reduction in carbon emissions, sustainable timber stores CO2, creating a lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel
Timber is beautiful, warm and inviting, creating a healthy environment that improves physical and emotional wellbeing of occupants
Due to cross lamination, XLam CLT and GLT structural elements are strong and safe while also being lighter.
Off-site manufacturing and DfMA of XLam CLT and GLT increased construction speed and ensured on time delivery