Eye-catching new structure used non-traditional formwork to deliver organic Façade

The new state-of-the-art Faculty of Science Building (Building 7) features an unusual eye-catching Façade shape, and two free-form shape concrete columns at the driveway supporting four levels of slab.

Constructing part of the building above the existing driveway without affecting traffic meant that traditional formwork was not possible. TTW utilised steel formwork and an innovative transfer slab design in two parts - with the lower section designed so that it is capable of carrying the self-weight of the upper section during construction.

The building's unique Façade was inspired by the organic forms of a tree grove and features 700 colourful, box-style windows in varying sizes and shape. Designing the structure between the windows involved close collaboration with the architect to enable the window shape to be standardised and simplified for the structural frame to be installed.

The eight-level building includes three levels below ground and features a 220-seat Super Lab. It connects seamlessly to Building 4 to create an exciting new science, health, and research precinct for the campus.

Client: University of Technology

Architect: BVN / Durbach Block Jaggers

Builder: Richard Crookes Construction

Value: $140M

Completion: 2014

Sector: Universities, Research

Services: Structural, Traffic, Facade

Awards

  • 2016 ACSE Large Projects Commendation Award
  • 2015 AIA National Award – Educational Architecture
  • 2015 AIA NSW – William E Kemp Award – Educational Architecture
  • 2015 AIA NSW – City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize