Argall

Fitzroy Residence

Collaborating with Baracco Wright architects, the team at Argall has engineered the distinctive and inspiring ‘outbuilding, with deep garden’. The project showcases a remarkable combination of glass brickwork, an asymmetrical steel frame, and abundant greenery, resulting in a perfect fusion of architecture, engineering. This collaboration has produced a space that is not only aesthetically captivating but also functional and unique, highlighting the powerful combination of these two disciplines.
The unique structure features an asymmetrical structural steel frame entirely clad with glass bricks. Precise modeling of the steel frame was crucial to control movement and mitigate the risk of cracking the glass bricks. The steel frame was mounted over a concrete raft slab suspended over strategically placed screw piles, situated in proximity to existing tree roots. This design approach ensured the stability and integrity of the structure while preserving the natural environment around it. Photography: Rory Gardiner

Architect:

Year:

Construction Budget:

Challenges:

Baracco Wright
2020
The in-situ design faced several site constraints, including the need to consider access for lifting steel and the size of components that could be lifted. Retaining existing trees on the site, which had roots within the building line, also presented challenges. Creating the desired design form with the shape and nature of the frame was another challenge, with complexities in the steel frame, regarding mounting restraints and connectivity to the glass brickwork. Successful collaboration between Agrall, Baracco Wright and Grenville Architectural Constructions helped produce a stunning final design.

Architect:

Baracco Wright

Year:

2020

Construction Budget:

Challenges:

The in-situ design faced several site constraints, including the need to consider access for lifting steel and the size of components that could be lifted. Retaining existing trees on the site, which had roots within the building line, also presented challenges. Creating the desired design form with the shape and nature of the frame was another challenge, with complexities in the steel frame, regarding mounting restraints and connectivity to the glass brickwork. Successful collaboration between Agrall, Baracco Wright and Grenville Architectural Constructions helped produce a stunning final design.

ANDREW GALL, Director

Argall was founded in 2017 by Andrew Gall, an engineer with a passion for complex design and breaking the mould. His work experience as a senior structural engineer across a variety of project disciplines made him realise there was a real need for a bespoke people and service-oriented structural engineering consultancy that would inspire sustainability practices and innovation often lacking in big companies.

This is over and above his experience in traditional procurement roles, his work with builders in the design and construct field, managing projects in sport, tertiary education, the arts and zoological fields, as well as community, commercial, residential and multi- residential enterprises. With such a wealth of knowledge and understanding of different design methodologies, he has the expertise to challenge the status quo in his new venture.