Engineering Boronia Apartments for Affordable housing in Sydney

Direct Client City West Housing
Architect Turner Studio
Builder Growthbuilt
Location
- Sydney
Sector
- Residential, Student Accommodation & BTR
Services
- Civil
- Structural
Year 2025

Last Project
Next Project

Boronia Apartments Sydney Structural Engineering

Located on Bourke St, the Boronia Apartments aim to contribute to the social fabric of Waterloo by promoting diversity and supporting sustainable urban growth. With a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, the building is designed to cater to a variety of household types, from individuals to growing families.

Partnership

The Boronia Apartments in Waterloo represent a vital addition to Sydney’s affordable housing landscape. Developed by City West Housing, this project includes 74 units specifically designed for low to moderate-income residents, providing affordable rental housing in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing urban centres. The development is part of a broader strategy to ensure that individuals and families from all walks of life have access to secure, quality housing within proximity to essential services and employment hubs.

Boronia Apartments Waterloo Topping out ceremony Northrop

Project

Northrop was engaged as the lead civil and structural consultant on this project. Our team brought a deep understanding of technical delivery and building nuances within dense urban environments.

Managing unexpected ground conditions was one of the most significant challenges during construction. Early investigations revealed soil contamination, and the site’s proximity to adjacent buildings added complexity, particularly when deep excavation and piling works were required along the boundary.

To address the contamination, Northrop worked closely with the vapour mitigation system (VMS) consultant and project architect to develop an efficient basement capping slab solution. This system enabled straightforward installation over the vapour barrier while ensuring long-term performance and regulatory compliance.

Another major challenge involved piling against a sensitive neighbouring structure, which included a hidden, undocumented basement and an ageing masonry façade. Northrop collaborated closely with the piling contractor to sequence works carefully, protecting the structural integrity of the adjoining property and avoiding any adverse impacts. Our detailed design and responsive on-site support ensured a safe outcome for both structures.

Throughout the project, our engineering team remained actively involved, from early-stage planning through to top-out and final inspection, ensuring the structural system aligned with the architectural vision while remaining buildable, cost-effective and low-risk.

Impact

For City West Housing, Boronia Apartments not only meet the demand for affordable housing in inner-city Sydney but also set a benchmark for future developments in terms of design and sustainability. The development balances affordability with quality, ensuring residents benefit from secure and well-maintained homes without compromising on location or accessibility.

In addition to meeting the growing need for affordable rental housing, the project enhances community living by being part of the larger Lachlan Precinct, which includes commercial spaces, recreational areas and improved public transport connections. The proximity to Sydney’s CBD makes Boronia Apartments an attractive option for workers who might otherwise be priced out of the rental market.

The Boronia Apartments are part of a growing network of inclusive, sustainable communities designed for longevity and dignity. We’re proud to have played a key role in helping City West Housing bring this project to life, providing civil and structural solutions that enabled delivery on a complex urban site with precision and care.