Evelyn Reynolds

The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) has appointed Kane Constructions as the early works contractor in the development of its Melbourne research facility, the largest infectious disease centre in the Southern Hemisphere.
The $650 million facility will accommodate services aimed at preventing, containing, preparing for and responding to infectious diseases and pandemics. The centre is to be established at 766-780 Elizabeth Street and 213-223 Berkely Street in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, nestled among institutions such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Illumina and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
The centre is designed by Wardle with Wilson Architects, international workplace specialist Studio O+A and laboratory specialist Perkins and Will. The centre will comprise high-containment laboratories, a human infection challenge unit, areas for robotic bio-banking, vaccine development facilities, dry laboratories, interview rooms and spaces for industry engagement and partnerships.
The building will be physically linked – across multiple levels – to its neighbour the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, designed by Grimshaw and Billard Leece Partnership.
Kane Constructions will prepare the site for development, as well as demolish four existing buildings. The early and enabling works will prioritise sustainability, including diverting at least 90 percent of materials from landfill.
University of Melbourne chief operating officer Paul Axup said it has taken a substantial amount of work spanning several years to get the project to the its current stage.
“Now in 2024, we are thrilled to engage Kane Constructions to lead the enabling and early works that will kick-off on-site activity and really bring this project to life,” Axup said.
University of Melbourne assistant vice chancellor and AIID co-chair James McCluskey said the news facility will “vastly improve the speed, equity and innovation with which we prevent, prepare and respond to future pandemics.”
The project is jointly funded by the Victorian government and the foundation partners – University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute – contributing $400 million and $250 million respectively.
Early works, including the demolition of the existing buildings, are expected to be complete by late 2024. All subsequent construction works are anticipated to be finalised by 2027. More

City of Sydney councillors have approved a project to restore the interior of a brick kiln at Sydney Park to create a space for art exhibitions and small-scale community events.
Sydney parks was once home to a large brick-making facility thanks to the abundance of clay soil. The remnant structures, including the brick kilns and chimneys, are locally heritage listed for cultural and historic significance.
The restoration of Down Draught Kiln 2 will be part of the Sydney Park Brick Kilns Precinct Renewal project, originally endorsed by the council in August 2022. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and JMD Design were appointed to create a concept design for the renewal project.
“The history of the Brick Kilns Precinct has been made visible and celebrated as a sculpture garden. Lost elements such as the railway tracks, the processing plant, and some kiln structures will be reinterpreted in the design, unearthing and linking the narrative of its hidden history,” said Tonkin Zulaikha Greer in a statement on its website.
Since then, the council has undertaken investigation to determine the feasibility of activating one more kiln for community use.

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The history of the Brick Kilns Precinct has been made visible and celebrated as a sculpture garden. Image:

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer

Down Draught Kiln 2 was identified as the only one of the structures capable of accommodating internal gatherings. The newly endorsed scope of works also includes creating a raised lawn area and plaza spaces for small outdoor gatherings, improving access to Sydney Park from Princes Highway and stabilising the brick kilns and reinstating roofs on the structures. Two larger kilns – the Hardy and Hoffman kilns – will also be restored as part of the project scope.
“This is the largest intact precinct of brick kilns in the state and opening up a small part of it for art exhibitions and other community events is a fantastic result for our communities,” said lord mayor Clover Moore.
Sydney Park has space to move, sporting and fitness facilities, a cycling centre, playground, a skate park, our city farm and a host of native wildlife. This project to restore the brick kilns and chimneys site will further improve this award-winning park.”
Construction on the project will begin within the next year. More

Preliminary designs by Woods Bagot have been released for a mixed-use tower above Sydney’s Pyrmont Metro Station on Union Street – the latest over-station development proposed by Sydney Metro. The Concept State Significant Development Application proposes a tower be developed at the site of 37-69 Union Street, bordered by Edward Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road. […] More

A contemporary take on traditional coastal design, Modern Coastal homes blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Crisp white weatherboards, wide stacking doors, and clerestory windows define this style, offering laid-back luxury inspired by Australia’s beach shack history.Cladding manufacturer and supplier James Hardie has released the findings of its first annual research initiative, the Modern Homes Forecast 2024, a study of the trajectory of contemporary home design in Australia.
Facilitated by research experts Fiftyfive5, the study focused on architectural features, as well as exterior and interior design trends. The findings were ascertained from the collation of desktop research, AI insights, and expert interviews with architects, designers, and industry journalists.
Research was gathered from thousands of individual sources, including more than 28,340 posts from more than 200 global designers and influencers. These outcomes were then analysed against more than three million search terms.
In examining the housing design landscape, it was crucial to first understand the external factors driving change — forces that shape the way we want to live, and subsequently steer the direction of residential design.
On a local scale, Australia is experiencing a shift in family dynamics and living arrangements. Couples without children are projected to become the most common family type over the next five years. In addition, the cost of living and cultural influences have prompted people to consider multigenerational living arrangements, with 20 percent of the population now residing in multigenerational households.
Regional migration in Australia has increased by 16 percent from pre-pandemic figures. Simultaneously, there is a rising discontent with urban living – a dissatisfaction that resulted in regional migration upsurging from 10 percent in 2020 to 14 percent in 2023. This migration trend suggests a re-evaluation of lifestyle preferences.
More than 53 percent of Australians are currently working from home, prioritising and upgrading home offices to meet evolving work-from-home needs.
The advent of the digital consumer has resulted in an explosion of design trends and accompanying technologies used to create the ‘dream home’. This technological landscape sees users demanding higher quality products and more customisation in housing design. Climate change is another external factor driving design, partly driven by the 2022 National Construction Code, which mandates that all new homes in Australia must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating.

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James Hardie Fine Texture Axent Trim used in render of Japandi residence. Image: Supplied

In addition to assessing these external factors, the Modern Homes Forecast 2024 revealed seven lasting, popular and emerging residential styles: Modern Farmhouse, Box Modern, Modern Heritage, Mid-Century Modern, Japandi, Barn and Modern Coastal.
Modern Farmhouse: Bringing together traditional and contemporary features, this style prioritises modern functionality combined with comforting, classic features. Neutral colour schemes, open-plan layouts and the frequent integration of black window frames characterise this style.
Box Modern: This style is defined by large blocks or cube-shaped volumes that are stacked, intersecting, or arranged to form compelling, contemporary residences.
Modern Heritage: Characteristed by historical homes sensitively restored, boldly renovated or extended, Modern Heritage balances old and new through contrasting features.
Mid-Century Modern: A juxtaposition of clean, geometric lines with organic shapes and bright accents.
Japandi: Combining Scandinavian functionality with Japanese minimalism, Japandi is reflected by the use of natural materials, neutral and warm colours and indoor/outdoor living.
Barn: Inspired by Nordic minimalism and a desire to connect with nature, this architectural genre emphasises clean lines and craftsmanship. A pitched roof, open-plan living and the use of natural materials define this style.
Modern Coastal: Modern Coastal homes blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Crisp white weatherboards, wide stacking doors and clerestory windows are all features of this style.
Upon completing the study, James Hardie has produced a series of Design Handbooks to offer insights into each of the seven architectural styles. The handbooks demonstrate design features, material textures and colour palettes of each style, along with a selection of James Hardie exterior cladding options to assist with bringing the vision to life.
To find out more about the study, its findings or cladding solutions, visit the James Hardie website. More

The restoration of Sydney’s Parramatta Town Hall is complete, with a new link established to connect the Parramatta Civic Hub and the town hall.
The primary objective of the project was to refurbish the 1883 town hall to better suit contemporary needs as an entertainment venue while preserving the original heritage fabric of the building. The project’s design team included Designinc, Lacoste and Stevenson, MGA, and TKD Architects, in consultation with the City of Parramatta Council.

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Parramatta Town Hall renewal by Designinc, Lacoste and Stevenson, MGA, and TKD Architects, in consultation with the City of Parramatta Council. Image:

Brett Boardman

The town hall is physically joined to the Parramatta Civic Hub – also known as Phive – through a new addition called the Southern Terrace. The facades of Phive and the town hall are juxtaposed against each other, providing a defined distinction between old and new, historical and contemporary.
The multi-purpose terrace was developed in close consultation with the project’s design excellence jury and can be used as a foyer, gathering area or a performance stage. The terrace not only provides linkages between the town hall and Phive but provides access from the town hall to Parramatta Square.

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The Southern Terrace was developed in close consultation with the project’s design excellence jury and can be used as a foyer, gathering area or a performance stage. Image:

Brett Boardman

According to Designinc, sustainability was central to the redesign of town hall. The building is powered completely by renewable energy through a solar PV array on the roof of the Southern Terrace. About 90 percent of the construction waste produced was repurposed, as seen in the application of recycled heritage bricks and timber floors throughout the building.
“Material choices, particularly in the new public spaces facing the public square, prioritise durability to ensure longevity in usage, encapsulating Parramatta Town Hall as a symbol of historical preservation and sustainable evolution,” Designinc stated.
As part of the restorative project, Jubilee Hall was converted to house food and beverage offerings, in a move that sought to activate the Northern Laneway. Additionally, the renewal involved upgrading utilities, services and amenities such as acoustics, audio-visual technology, air conditioning, lift access and fire safety technology.
In the next stage of Parramatta Square’s development, design elements reflecting the site’s historical, cultural and First Nations significance will be integrated by council. More

A state-significant development application has been submitted for a 14-storey affordable housing complex in Sydney’s Macquarie Park.
Designed by SJB with Land and Form Studios, the development at 6 Halifax Street will be part of a masterplanned community at the Lachlan’s Line precinct on Wallumedgal Country. It will comprise 135 affordable housing units across two towers, separated by a large breezeway.
The breezeway is designed to minimise visual bulk by dividing the building’s massing in two, as well as create cross ventilation through the site. As a result, eight of the 12 units on each floor of the development will have dual aspects.
“On the ground plane, the breezeway allows the building to open up and be stitched back into the landscape of the urban context, creating generous community open spaces,” the architects said in a design statement.
“The ground floor breezeway is sheltered, designed with native landscape and multiple gathering opportunities throughout. Places for resting, gathering, listening and sharing, a deliberate and thoughtful extension of the private apartment living spaces.”

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The ground floor breezeway will be sheltered, with native landscape and multiple gathering opportunities throughout. Image:

SJB and Land and Form Studios

The project will also include bike parking, a communal rooftop garden on each of the two towers, and shared car spaces. The building will also be gas free, fully electrical and with provision for solar panels on the roof.
“The project aspires to connect to Country not only through elements of its physical form but through the spaces created and the experience within these spaces,” the proponents said.
“The building will comprise of a variety of materials, textures and colours which draws inspiration from the walk on country where the Angophora tree was identified as a sacred tree to the local Indigenous community. This inspiration is evident within the brick and stone paving selections and the patterns created. Further, the colour selection for the balcony ceilings compliments the pink gum of the Angophora tree and will be visible to pedestrians at street level. The upper levels will be clad with light metal and incorporate sunhoods for increased thermal protection.”
The development will comprise 78 one-bedroom units and 57 two-bedroom units. It will be owned and managed by Link Wentworth.
The state-significant development application is on exhibition until 25 March 2024. More

The 2024 Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) Awards program has launched, with architects and students invited to submit examples of work that address or respond to contemporary challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss or rapid urbanisation.
As the world continues to grapple with the combined challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation and the resulting rise in vulnerability, inequality and biodiversity loss, the 2024 CAA awards program aims to recognise architects and students who have made demonstrable contributions to addressing such issues. The program also honours those aligning with the targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The awards categories include the Robert Matthew Lifetime Achievement Award, the Environmental Impact Award, the Social Impact Award, the Student Award and the President’s Award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an architect or architectural firm, based in the Commonwealth, that has made great contributions to the advancement of architecture in the Commonwealth over many years. The Environmental Impact Award recognises work in any sector that can demonstrate having achieved a significant positive environmental impact in areas such as circular economy, energy and carbon, water, ecology and biodiversity and connectivity and transport. The Social Impact Award will be presented to a professional in any sector who can provide evidence of their work having resulted in significant positive social impacts in areas such as affordability, community development, health and wellbeing and social value.
The jury for these awards includes the CAA chair of professional practice Mina Hasman (United Kingdom); Bryan Bullen (Grenada); Nana Biamah-Ofosu (United Kingdom); Christian Benimana (Rwanda); Rafiq Azam (Bangladesh) and Caroline Pidcock (Australia).
As to the educational awards, the Student Award will recognise the work of students in years one-three at university while the President’s Award will acknowledge the work of students in years four, five and six at university. Both of these awards will presented to students whose work creatively addresses issues associated with social, economic and environmental wellbeing amidst the current biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.
The jury for the educational awards will comprise CAA chair of education, Alex Ndibwami (Kigali Rwanda); Nooshin Esmaeili (Canada); Byron Ioannou (Cyprus); Hermie Delport, (South Africa); Sajida Haider Vandal (Pakistan), and Rachel Hurst (Australia).
Of the previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners, two have been Australian: Philip Cox, who was awarded in 1983 and Gregory Burgess Architects in 1997.
Entries for the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Environmental Impact Award and the Social Impact Award can be submitted until 19 April 2024. Applications for the educational awards must be submitted by 31 May 2024. The awards are free to enter.
To find out more, visit the CAA website. More