The architecture for the new headquarters for NATSEM had to do its international reputation justice. Ecologically sustainable design principles were integral to the solution.

IN BRIEF

Construct a new research/educational complex with international standard conference centre, new office accommodation, and four self contained apartments for visiting academics. Ecologically sustainable architecture and construction practices; alternative energy, water recycling, the preservation of the area’s natural landscape, and the prodigious capture of natural light should all be included as part of the final building design.

ARCHITECT’S WORDS

The conference centre has a 250 seat flat floor auditorium with adjacent seminar rooms, all equipped with state of the art audio visual technology.

The light-filled main entry foyer hosts exhibitions and functions, and is signified by a soaring cantilevered awning. Office accommodation has been provided for approximately 40 staff, with a mix of enclosed and open plan offices to suit the users’ different requirements. All enjoy abundant external views and natural light.

Together with the smaller apartment block and an existing building, a large landscaped courtyard is embraced. These outdoor spaces provide a welcome outdoor break-out area for both conference goers and staff.

The architecture of the complex uses simple forms clad in crisply detailed zinc sheeting and anchored at ground level by a rendered masonry plinth. The colours are restrained and sophisticated using a palette of silvers, greys and white. The large roof planes serve to unite the distinct building functions within the one facility.

ACCOLADES

  • ACT Architecture Awards, Public Architecture Award 2011
  • ACT Architecture Awards, Sustainable Architecture Award 2011

PRODUCTS

WALL CLADDING
RHEINZINK TITANIUM ZINC PREWEATHERED PRO AND GRAPHITE GREY

WINDOWS AND GLAZED DOOR FRAMES
CAPRAL ALUMINIUM LTD, 419 FLUSHLINE ALUMINIUM, POWDERCOAT FINISH

CEMENT RENDER
GRANOSITE, GRANO HERITAGE

INSULATION – THERMAL
AUTEX, GREENSTUF POLYESTER WALL & CEILING BATTS 
CSR BRADFORD, ANTICON 95 GLASSWOOL BLANKET

ROOF
BLUESCOPE STEEL, LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700

COLOURBOND, WOODLAND GREY

CARPETS
ONTERA – MILLIKEN (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD, RIVERLAND

OFFICE WORK STATIONS
925 INTERIORS I.AM TURN TABLE

SINKS
CLARK

TAPWARE
ABEY AUSTRALIA

WALL BASIN
CAROMA

BASIN MIXER
CAROMA

TOILET PANS
CAROMA

SHOWER HEADS RAIL SHOWER
POSH

WASHROOM BASINS
PARISI BATHWARE

WASHROOM TAPWARE
ROGERSELLER

SHOWER HEADS
ABEY AUSTRALIA

SHOWER MIXERS
CAROMA