The Pool Tile Company Warehouse

The Export Park site at Brisbane Airport presented a series of construction challenges that required careful programme management and technical problem-solving throughout the project.

Ground conditions across the site were extremely soft, complicating construction during the wet season. Tomkins worked collaboratively with Brisbane Airport Corporation to manage lost days and maintain programme wherever possible. High wind channels across the airport precinct posed a further challenge for concrete pours and roof sheet installation. To mitigate this, concrete pours were brought forward to 3am, when wind speeds were at their lowest, reducing the risk of surface cracking and achieving the flatness tolerance required for the warehouse floor. This approach was applied to both the internal slab and the external hardstand areas.

Height restrictions within the airport precinct required crane and concrete pump operations to remain within the minimum height necessary for the work, ensuring compliance with airport obstacle limitation requirements.

An innovative structural solution was adopted in the use of fibrecrete pad footings in place of conventionally tied reinforced footings, saving both time and programme without compromising structural performance.

The completed facility includes a large open-plan showroom area sized to display the full Pool Tile Company tile range, a dedicated tile cutting station and high-capacity electrical base build boards to support future operational growth, including provision for automated welding equipment. The distinctive blue facade uses multiple tones to reflect the company’s product range and brand identity, creating a visually recognisable presence within the Export Park precinct.