Architecture

Intro, in conjunction with renowned design firm Rothelowman, collaborated to deliver this unique 34 level student accommodation building. With a clear brief from our client, GSA – Global Student Accommodation, the design outcome adorns the key intersection of North Terrace, the cultural boulevard of Adelaide, and Frome Street a key north-south connection to Rundle Street and beyond.

The presentation of an elegant exo-skeletal superstructure frames this important corner site, whilst also embodying a suitable contemporary juxtaposition with the robust heritage buildings evident to the direct south of the site and beyond to the north.

Whilst the expressed primary structure depicts elegance, it is just as pragmatic from a structural perspective, enabling the highly permeable façade which was the subject matter discussed over hours of workshop meetings with the client, the builder and the project team. The 700 load-bearing precast columns also hold the esteem of the tallest load-bearing precast tower in the southern hemisphere.

The interior spaces throughout the building have been designed with an equal emphasis on both functionality and fun for the communal spaces, and warmth and comfort for the student accommodation.

Generously sized communal spaces throughout the building have been equipped and furnished utilizing the colourful and modern Yugo brand colours. Where appropriate, fixed joinery in the kitchens and laundry have been designed with brand coloured laminate. Steel framed stairs have been sprayed in bright feature paint finishes. Raw finishes such as polished concrete and warm timber have been carefully applied to contrast and provide grounding to the more playful elements.

Within the student rooms, a more pared back approach is taken, with warm neutral timbers and greys providing a calm and welcoming feel for the residents. Playful touches such as the custom coat hooks provide a pop of colour to the rooms.

The choice and selection of colours, materials and furniture throughout the building has undergone a very coordinated and controlled process which results in a refined, cohesive final product for students to thrive in.

Intro are proud to announce the recent completion of the Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre Project with client Zoos South Australia and contractor Mossop Construction. This world class facility is the gateway to the Monarto Safari Park, offering a revitalised entry experience to the world’s largest open range zoo and soon to be completed Wild Africa Tourism Accommodation.

The visitor centre, designed in conjunction with Studio-Gram – includes a café, retail shop, seminar facilities, exhibition areas, nature play spaces and associated car and bus parking to accommodate the 160,000 local, national, and international visitors annually.

The project started as a design competition in 2018 – the successful Intro / Studio-Gram team delivered a concept which was derived from two key influences: the first being a celebration of Ngarrindjeri land, with the second being a message of conservation and education about the protection of our endangered species.

The built form is subsequently divided into two distinct ‘curved ribbon’ elements. These converging elements represent the intertwining of Aboriginal and African Cultures and their inherent connection with their land, plants and animals. The construction of these elements is varied, one is heavy with the use of rammed earth walls, the other is light, using corten steel construction and cladding each providing a distinct identity. The iconic, yet implicit expression of the forms invite engagement, interpretation and discussion by visitors. The two forms wrap a central outdoor ‘heart’ space which provides a sheltered zone to watch zoos exhibitions, meet with friends and family, and to gather before venturing into the zoo.

An amphitheatre space and lookout to the south side of the building provides unobstructed views and the setting for performances, events, education, contemplation, and play.

Corten steel is featured prominently throughout the design, which will organically evolve its appearance over time forming a unique patina as it weathers. This intertwines with the soft textural qualities of the rammed earth walls, which both provide sustainability benefits, and a low maintenance, evolving aesthetic through time.

The projects simple material palette was designed to fit organically within its environment, resulting in an unobtrusive built form nestled within the landscape.

The Intro team would like to thank Zoos SA for providing us the opportunity to deliver this unique offering for visitors, volunteers and staff of the Monarto Zoo Safari Park.

We are thrilled that the Seppeltsfield Tourist Accommodation, Oscar, a new $50 million six-star luxury hotel at Seppeltsfield which is set to become an iconic landmark for the Barossa and tourism in Australia has been given planning approval.

The Light Regional Council approved the project at a council meeting with works expected to commence later in 2022 and construction set to take 18 months.

Intro Director Damien Ellis said, “We are thrilled to finally have approval and to move into the next phases after investing almost $2 million into the project to date.”

The luxury 12-story hotel will have 71 rooms, including suites and penthouses, with a private balcony for every room.

There will be a viewing deck on the top level with 360-degree sweeping views of the Barossa. The ground floor will have a wellness day spa including world-class treatment experiences, relaxation spaces and an infinity pool. The hotel will also offer a world-class restaurant, private dining room and boardroom. 

A tender process has been undertaken to choose a luxury hotel operator which will be announced soon.

Congratulations to Samuel Toole on his recent completion of the APE Examination process, which has resulted in his registration with the Architectural Board of South Australia as a fully qualified Architect. 

His recent delivery of both the Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre and Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club showcased his tenacity and attention to detail, which continues as he leads both the Wild Africa Tourist Accommodation and 278 South Terrace developments toward completion.

Samuel has been with Intro for over five years now, starting part-time throughout his final year of University.

We look forward to fostering his growth throughout the next stage of his professional development and career.

As lead consultant, Intro is currently managing the staged delivery of the tourist accommodation building located in the heart of the Monarto Wild Africa Safari Park. The development comprises of the construction of a 3-storey, mixed-use building containing 78 rooms and various ancillary spaces including a restaurant, day spa, and pool deck.

The arrangement and orientation of hotel rooms ensure separation and obscured visual sightlines to other guests, delivering unique views and a sense of serenity and solitude within the African plains.
Within this configuration, guests can uniquely experience casual observation of animals away from the distraction of crowds providing tranquille spaces to reflect on the natural world which is paramount to achieving a successful zoo-based hotel.

The form is inspired by African architectural vernacular, that being handcrafted, elegant and driven by materials within the land. The play of dappled light is also a strong design concept which is evident in both internal and external spaces.

Materials chosen are derived from the surroundings and are quintessentially African. External pavements and the lower levels of the facade are hand-laid stones. Other materials include timber, varying natural stone, woven fabrics as well as other hand-crafted interior materials and furniture.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience traditional Africana cuisine, individual safari experiences, natural water play spaces as well as access to the soon to be complete Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre and Zoo experiences.

Intro has created a refreshing new look for the Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club located on the coast of Horseshoe Bay. The recent $5.9 million upgrade is a state-of-the-art lifesaving, training, and function hub, one of the biggest investments of its kind in the state’s history.

The multimillion- dollar development led by Intro and South Australian contractor Partek Construction created over 40 jobs through construction and will continue to create employment opportunities within its functions spaces with estimated activities including birthdays, community events, and weddings.

Officially opening its doors in late November, the brand-new surf lifesaving club now offers both staff, members, and the local community a sophisticated, modern space, with facilities that will sustain vital lifesaving services well into the future.

Throughout the design process, Intro was determined to maintain the building’s natural surroundings, the pristine shores of Horseshoe Bay, and incorporate these elements into their plan.

The natural landscape of Horseshoe Bay, with the nearby lookout and rock formations each, played a role in the architectural intent of the new surf lifesaving club, which reflects the curve, height, and abstract patterning of the natural landscape.

Intro Director Terry Boxall believes that translating the natural surroundings of the area was crucial in the design of the project.

“Port Elliot has a strong local community and the surf club has such history, being around for over 80 years, so to us, it was important to take inspiration from the elements of the surrounding environment in our design and really capture the local context of the bay while also making sure all vital requirements were met,” Terry said.

“The design employs a material pallet to capture textural and earthy tones, reflecting the weathered appearance of the lichen-covered rocks, while remaining resilient to erosive sea spray,” he continued.

As well as the current 150 active patrolling members, the surf club also prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and culture of mateship, holding weekly training sessions that see over 200 children involved in learning how to swim, surf safety skills, and progressing towards being senior lifesavers.

“The club’s rich focus on family and community was also taken into account, as we wanted to create a classic design that will last for generations to come,” Terry added.

The upgrade of the Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club continues Intro’s longstanding relationship with Surf Lifesaving SA, including the recent $1.6 million upgrade of the Aldinga Surf Lifesaving Club and the Goolwa and Chiton Rocks Surf Life Saving Clubs. Other current projects in Intro’s portfolio include Monarto Zoo’s Visitor Centre, the luxury Oscar Barossa Hotel, Haigh’s new head office, and the upgraded Metcash Distribution Centre.