A new home for cutting-edge research and education showcases sustainable materials

Engineered by TTW and designed by Grimshaw, the new facility provides a new home for cutting-edge research and education in the development of sustainable and functional materials for modern engineering applications.

The 23,500sqm building consists of 9 levels, enveloped by a high performance glass Façade with glass reinforced concrete masonry blades, which provides solar shading.

The facility has several floors of scientific laboratories intended to house sensitive and high precision equipment. Therefore it was crucial to undertake high-end analysis for vibration loads which, if not mitigated, could disrupt or destroy the operation of sensitive equipment. This was achieved through extensive computer modeling and analysis, conducted by the TTW Advanced Technology Team.

A feature of the building was the exposed off form concrete frame. TTW, Grimshaw and Multiplex took great care of the design of the formwork and the concrete pouring. The uniformity of the concrete form gives the building flexibility for future changes.

Client: University of New South Wales

Architect: Grimshaw

Builder: Brookfield Multiplex

Value: $123M

Completion: 2015

Sector: Universities, Research

Services: Structural, Civil, Traffic, Facade

Awards

  • International Architecture Award
  • AIA National Architecture Award – Educational Architecture – National Commendation
  • MBA Excellence Award: Tertiary Buildings – $50M and over