Unique Structures

Partridge had a crucial role in ensuring the safety and stability of Melbourne’s iconic Christmas trees. Across Victorian shopping centres and the airport, our Melbourne team was on-site to oversee installations, manage challenges, and resolve any issues that arose, even though we weren’t involved in the initial design. Given the complex rigging design and demanding Christmas installation schedule, our supervision was essential. With the original engineer based in NSW and unable to inspect in person, we provided critical oversight to guarantee the safety, stability, and success of each installation. ­

Partridge and Fytogreen have teamed up to champion sustainable urban design. We provide structural expertise for Fytogreen’s innovative vertical gardens, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into buildings. This includes designing dual-function planter boxes that act as both railings and greenery holders. We also contribute to framing systems and create brackets that make planters appear to “float” on building facades. Safety remains paramount – our designs consider heavy loads, earthquakes, and wind while using durable materials. A great example is Dingley Village, where we have collaborating on a new neighbourhood. Green walls, rooftop gardens, and planter-lined streets will improve air quality, aesthetics, and overall sustainability. Our structural analysis ensures safe installation and incorporates strategies to handle extreme weather.

Perched atop the Goldfields House in South Yarra, Beverly Rooftop boasts breathtaking 270-degree views of Melbourne. Partridge, commissioned by Tilt Industrial Design, crafted a conceptual design for a roof truss that would seamlessly integrate with the rooftop bar and dining space. The truss not only spans the space but also incorporates glass panels to create a retractable roof. The design meticulously considers structural engineering and design factors, ensuring it can withstand weight and wind loads. It harmonizes with the architecture and interior design, providing lighting, ventilation, and weather protection.

Partridge collaborated with Tilt Industrial Design in engineering this large curved glass feature that functions as a floor-to-ceiling framed glass wall when closed. Its ingenuity lies in its operability, as the windows can slide down to waist height, transforming into a stunning glass balustrade. Weighing two tonnes each and measuring 25 metres in length and 2.5 metres in height, these façade elements showcase both functionality and aesthetics.

The sculptural floating stair is an example of excellence in steel design, engineering, and construction while dealing with the constraints of an existing building and the demands of a live fit-out project. The main design feature of the project involved the design and documentation
of a self-supporting, helical structural steel stair spanning the height of two equivalent storeys
and then separated into two independent flights at the upper transition. The stair was wrapped in lathed timber battens, finished with marble treads. Partridge were honoured to receive the ACSE Award for Excellence in Structural Engineering – Unusual Projects.

View More Projects

Christmas Trees

Christmas Trees

Museum Reception Desk

Museum Reception Desk

Glenleith Loft Netting

Glenleith Loft Netting

Rathdowne Estate Lookout

Rathdowne Estate Lookout

Junior School Play Tower

Junior School Play Tower

Frigate Bird II

Frigate Bird II

Fytogreen

Fytogreen

Hearth Dome

Hearth Dome

Webnet Roof Mesh

Webnet Roof Mesh

Glebe Castle

Glebe Castle

Upper Hunter Innovation Centre

Upper Hunter Innovation Centre

Yirran Muru Playspace

Yirran Muru Playspace