Location: North Adelaide, South Australia
Client: Tandem Building Group
Architect: Woods Bagot
Service: Air Tightness Testing (ATT)
Completion: 2025
A New Chapter for a South Australian Landmark
The former Le Cornu site in North Adelaide has been reimagined as Eighty Eight O’Connell, a striking mixed-use development featuring luxury residential towers alongside hospitality and commercial spaces.
As this long-awaited landmark approached completion, SUHO was engaged to conduct comprehensive Air Tightness Testing (ATT), helping to ensure high-quality building performance for one of South Australia’s most iconic addresses.
The Challenge
After nearly 36 months of construction, the site was alive with activity. Our team arrived to execute a complex, multi-stage ATT schedule by testing a selection of apartments and luxury penthouses.
On test day, the team met early in the block-long basement to review the plan with Tandem Building Group, working to beat the clock and the predictable 2pm wind that swept across North Adelaide daily. With limited access windows and an active site environment, efficient coordination was key.
Our Approach
From early site inspections, it was clear the apartments’ construction quality would support a strong air permeability outcome. With concrete floor and ceiling structures, vapour-permeable wraps, and careful detailing, we were confident the results would meet the project’s target of 5 m³/hr·m² @ 50 Pa.
SUHO’s South Australian-based Air Tightness team worked closely with Tandem to manage the testing schedule with precision, adapting to site logistics, lift operations, and variable weather conditions to complete the full suite of tests efficiently and safely.
Results
Every designated apartment achieved certifiable ATTMA results, first time round, with no re-tests required. The average air permeability achieved was below 5 m³/hr·m² @ 50 Pa, validating the builder’s workmanship and easing pressure (both figuratively and literally) as the project entered its final stages.
Collaboration and Recognition
We thank the Tandem Building Group, particularly Martin Fabian and Marco Iommazzo, for their ongoing support and collaboration throughout testing, and Glenn Whyte for bringing SUHO on board for this significant South Australian development.
A special nod goes to the Southern Tower lift driver, whose impeccable timing kept the lifts free during our Penthouse testing in challenging winds!
And of course, recognition to Woods Bagot for their architectural vision in transforming this historic site into a modern landmark.
Key Takeaways
- Local Expertise: As a South Australian provider, SUHO understands the logistics and challenges of large, active construction sites.
- Efficient Scheduling: SUHO effectively managed testing across multiple high-rise zones in a dynamic environment.
- Proactive Insights: Early pre-inspections gave confidence that the building envelope would perform well, easing client concerns.
- Collaborative Approach: SUHO worked flexibly with the builder’s schedule to ensure results were achieved the first time.
- Certified Performance: Every apartment achieved ATTMA certification on the first attempt, meeting or exceeding ESD targets.
The completion of air tightness testing at Eighty Eight O’Connell marks another successful milestone in SUHO’s commitment to improving building performance standards across South Australia.
Key Collaborator Achknowlegement
- Tandem Building Group, particularly Martin Fabian and Marco Iommazzo, and Glenn Whyte.
- Southern Tower lift management
- Woods Bagot
