Wattle Range Council Administration Building

Tonkin was engaged to provide civil and structural engineering for a new administration building for Wattle Range Council in regional SA. The opening of the new administration building marks a significant milestone in the history of Wattle Range Council, with staff now being able to serve the community and work together in one building.  

The 75 long x 27m wide council building was constructed to focus on local timber resources with the intention to have all structural members fabricated by the recently constructed Timberlink CLT timber processing plant (also designed by Tonkin).  

The building features a carefully crafted structure, predominantly framed with bespoke timber trusses that are supported by large timber columns. Exposed timber bracing is incorporates throughout to provide lateral stability, while specific sections of the timber trusses have been left exposed to add a striking architectural detail.

Externally, timber purlins have been scribed to align seamlessly with the roof profile, efficiently supporting the roofing system while also serving as a 
practical element for pest control.  

Masonry has been used as a key material throughout the building, with feature walls adding character and texture. The highlight is a 4.5 metre, full height, curved masonry wall in the Council chamber, which adds a distinctive design element and is visible from the exterior of the building.

As part of the comprehensive project scope, geotechnical investigations were conducted to analyse the underlying soils present on site, informing the 
design and construction process.  

Tonkin provided civil and structural design services for the council building and it’s surrounding areas, which included bulk earthworks and site levelling, 
site stormwater drainage, and water-sensitive urban design to enhance environmental sustainability. The scope also included the design of perimeter 
and vehicular pavements, carparking facilities, and the bespoke timber framing that forms the building’s structural centrepiece.  

Structural steelwork was incorporated where required, alongside detailed 
lateral stability assessments and design. Additionally, robust foundation 
solutions were developed to ensure the building’s long-term performance and 
stability.  

Being locally based, Tonkin was able to stay closely connected to both the  project and client. This proximity made communication more direct,  
responsive and effective.  

Tonkin provided timely, in-person advice as questions arose and was able to  respond quickly to on-the-ground needs. This hands on approach strengthened 
collaboration, built trust, and helped keep the project progressing smoothly and efficiently from the outset.

Geotechnical investigations revealed the presence of localised stormwater  services running directly beneath the proposed building site, which previously  
serviced the adjacent roadway, As part of the new build, these services were decommissioned. However, Tonkin provided a carefully developed foundation  solution which allowed the infrastructure to remain in place without being impacted by the building above. This innovative approach avoided the need to  
full removal, streamlining construction while minimising disruption to the site.

The original design proposed full-sized timber beams, which would have likely resulted in significant costs associated with freight and complex on-site  
installation. Tonkin recommended a more efficient solution utilising locally sourced Australian timber framing.  

This alternative not only reduced transportation costs, but also simplified the installation process, ensuring a more practical and cost-effective outcome  
while maintaining structural aesthetic integrity of the design.