Sages Road Depot in Glenroy, Australia

The Sages Road Depot presented several engineering and architectural challenges. The project includes 20 highly complex glulam timber (GLT) trusses of varying heights and configurations. Each truss is unique and requires a custom engineering solution. Offices were integrated between the lower and upper chords of the trusses, which demanded precise structural planning to maintain stability while accommodating functional workspaces.

Additionally, the CLT horizontal slabs were designed with openings to provide visual connectivity between floors and enhance the sense of openness. These slabs needed to act as rigid diaphragms to ensure effective load distribution and support the architectural design.

Coordinating with local architects SxWA and the general contractor, Building Engineering, while complying with Eurocode 5, Eurocode 3, and the Australian Building Code, added further complexity, bridging international standards with local requirements.

Structural Analysis and Design

Ergodomus Timber Engineering implemented an advanced BIM workflow to produce detailed drawings up to LOD 400 and ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders. Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis in RFEM was performed to verify the structural integrity of each unique GLT truss, accounting for their varying geometries and load conditions.

The CLT slabs were engineered to function as rigid diaphragms, enhancing lateral stability and efficiently distributing vertical and horizontal loads across the building. Bespoke steel and timber connections were carefully designed to handle forces across multiple floors while maintaining architectural elegance.

Close collaboration with SxWA and Building Engineering ensured alignment between design intent, construction methodology, and on-site assembly. Through off-site prefabrication, hybrid timber-concrete construction, and rigorous structural analysis, the project successfully delivers a functional, visually striking, and community-focused operations depot.