Architecture

The Australian Institute of Architects has called on governments to act urgently following the public release of the bushfire royal commission report.
The Institute says that while many of the royal commission’s recommendations are long term reforms, the recommendations regarding upgrades to building standards and the use of shelters and water spray systems must be implemented as soon as possible.
“The Royal Commission has noted key evidence that will save lives and deliver a more resilient built environment that is better equipped to face future challenges,” said Institute CEO Julia Cambage.

“They identified the need to evaluate the National Construction Code to include making buildings more resilient to natural hazards as a specific objective, as well as revisiting the effectiveness of the Australian Standard AS3959-2018: Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas.

“The Royal Commission recognized this standard is out of date and based on 2009 Forest Fire Danger Index data rather than responding to the much higher danger levels being experienced a decade later.”

The Institute says the recommendations need to go further and faster.
“With some 5,900 buildings destroyed and communities anxious to rebuild, governments have a limited window of time to effect reforms that will ensure a higher standard of more resilient construction,” Cambage continued.

“We can’t have people rebuilding to a standard that demonstrably is not fit-for-purpose.
“Nor can we fail to address the huge legacy issue and clearly identified risk presented by the 380,000 properties currently exposed to ‘high natural hazard risk’ which the Royal Commission’s report says ‘may grow to 735,000 by 2100…in the absence of any new houses being built, due to an increasing frequency and severity of hazards.’

“Supporting homeowners to install water spray systems or accredited bushfire bunkers where appropriate are relatively simple measures that are proven to enhance bushfire safety.”
Architect Nigel Bell, who gave evidence to the royal commission on behalf of the Institute, said, “The experience of the 2019-20 bushfire season suggests that there is no such thing as a bushfire proof house, and the legacy of our existing built environment suggests we are unable to guarantee the safety of occupants in buildings during bushfire.”

The Institute’s submission to the royal commission highlighted research that suggests up to a million existing houses in bushfire prone areas across Australia have little or no bushfire protection, with 2.2 million people living in high or extreme bushfire risk areas.
“This means we need to consider other approaches like the use of private and public shelters, such as they have done for decades in the United States as protection from hazards like wildfires and tornadoes,” Bell said.

The Institute also reiterated a call on the government to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2030, with the royal commission report highlighting that “Extreme weather has already become more frequent and intense because of climate change; further global warming over the next 20 to 30 years is inevitable.”

Cambage said, “Resilience must include a commitment to net zero emissions in our buildings and responsiveness to our new climate reality because it is critically important to ensure that all rebuilding projects following natural disasters look to enhance the standard of our built environment.
“This has the added benefit of helping to mitigate the emerging issue of energy poverty and while also reducing vulnerability to future disasters.
“Built environment professionals have a critical role to play in improving the resilience and adaptation of Australian society to changing climatic conditions and we look forward to supporting a timely response from government to this landmark report.” More

A mushroom coral has inspired the design of a building that will house the world’s first coral conservation facility, to be located in Port Douglas in North Queensland.
Living Coral Biobank, designed by Contreras Earl Architecture, will be a “living ark,” conserving 800 species of hard coral in order to secure the biodiversity and long-term future of the organisms worldwide.
The sculptural building will be made from a series of undulating concrete fins, clustered together at the lower levels to provide protection from severe weather events such as floods. The fins fan out as the building rises, creating gaps for light and ventilation at the upper levels.

The building will accommodate a 6,830-square-metre multi-function centre to host exhibition areas, auditorium, classrooms, advanced research and laboratory facilities over four levels, and a 200-person function space.
A terraced forum space which forms the entry plaza will be a transitional space between the humid tropical heat of the external environment and the interior of the building. The stairs will continue to a viewing platform on level two, where visitors can observe the specimen tanks below. The public spaces of the building will be visually connected through a central atrium.

“A childhood spent growing up in Cairns and exploring the beauty of our oceans and marvels of the Great Barrier Reef has had a profound impact on me as an architect,” said Monica Earl of Contreras Earl Architecture. “It was a formative part of founding a practice with the ambition to create architecture that interacts with nature in symbiotic and complimentary ways without detriment to the environment.”

The building will aim to be self-sufficient and carbon neutral. “This project brings with it a profound responsibility to consider the impact of architecture and the construction industry on the natural world,” said Rafael Contreras. “As one of the world’s major contributors of CO2 emissions and associated climate change, it is essential that the construction industry be encouraged by architects towards carbon neutrality. The Living Coral Biobank is an opportunity to set a global benchmark for sustainable outcomes and zero-carbon goals as well as creating a world-leading conservation and education facility. The ambition for this project is to create a beacon for environmental awareness – a centre of hope.”

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Living Coral Biobank by Contreras Earl Architecture.
Image: SAN
Contreras Earl Architecture will collaborate with Arup and Werner Sobek to integrate a holistic sustainable strategy that reduces energy consumption while also providing the building with six compatible climate zones over four levels.
The Living Coral Biobank is a project of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, a not-for-profit marine conservation charity, which is looking for investors to fund the construction of the Biobank.
Michael Kerr, mayor of Douglas Shire, said, “This iconic design will be a recognisable structure which people will automatically relate back to Port Douglas. The unique architecture has the right feel for a globally significant and cutting-edge coral reef conservation facility to be based right here in Port Douglas.”
Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, added: “The Biobank building will be of immense importance for coral conservation and the community of Port Douglas. As an education, research and design experience, it will contribute to the town’s resilience, development and enhance its worldwide recognition as the gateway to the world’s ever-more precious resource that is the Great Barrier Reef. The Climate Council applauds this wonderful initiative.” More

New renders of the Subiaco Pavilion Markets redevelopment have been released as construction begins, with the developer promising the project will bring back the “old village atmosphere” of the abandoned markets.
Designed by Hames Sharley, the project will comprise three residential buildings: the “Roberts” and “Rokeby” buildings, both six storeys, and a 24-storey “Seddon” building, which will become the tallest building in Subiaco.
The proposal was given the green light by the City of Subiaco and the Metro West Joint Development Assessment Panel in February 2019, with conditions.

Developer Blackburne Property told WA Today that the designs for the ground-floor markets had been finalized and that the first tenants were being secured.

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One Subiaco development at the old Pavilion Markets, designed by Hames Sharley.

“The entire ground level will become a new destination in itself,” managing director Paul Blackburne told the website.
“[On] weekends we will also have pop-up markets and we expect 5,000 people a weekend to visit the new Subiaco Pavilion Markets.”

As well as the redeveloped market floor, the proposal includes a range of food, beverage and retail offerings focused around a market laneway.
“The redevelopment will become a sustainable, community oriented, mixed-use urban village and will form the gateway to Subiaco, linking the historic heart with its contemporary north,” reads a vision statement from Hames Sharley.
Project completion is scheduled for 2022.

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The collection includes the Modulor wall paneling system, which now includes equipped cabinets that are designed to organize, store and display items.
The new self-care corner, Vanity, is a self-supporting element that perfectly integrates with all Rimadesio wardrobes and walk-in closets. Vanity is designed to store precious objects, cosmetics, and scented fragrances.
The Francis table is a contemporary interpretation of the ancient refectory tables. The table is available in rectangular, round and square shapes. Its modular structure made of die-cast aluminium that allows it to conform to any version. It is available in a wide variety of dimensions and finishes, including wood, marble and glass, making it suitable for residential spaces, workplaces, and hospitality projects.

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Brisbane council has approved a $450 million mixed-use centre in the inner-west suburb Toowong, described as “a one in 50-year opportunity to revive community amenity.” More

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A major two-tower development proposed for Lots 5 and 6 of Elizabeth Quay in Perth, on the lands of the Noongar people, has been granted approval.
Designed by New York practice Rex (design architect) and Hassell (executive architect), the $367 million development will include one tower of 58 storeys and another of 21 storeys.
Together they will house 52,000 square metres of office space, 1,800 square metres of dining and retail space, 237 apartments and 84 hotel rooms.

The development was originally known as “Perth+” for its distinctive cross-shaped insertion in the centre of the vertical volume of the taller tower, but this element has since been removed from the design.
“The tall tower stands as an icon in the city and on the Quay, an elegant, lean volume interrupted by the dynamic amenities zone, itself a beacon visible from afar as a symbol of the lively activity down on the Quay day and night,” write the architects in a design statement.

“The lack of clear differentiation between the three uses inside the towers conveys a unified simplicity and humility that is heightened by the internal, visible animation of the amenities zone while the massing and the long fins of the façade emphasize verticality.”
The project’s developer Brookfield Properties is also behind two adjacent towers, the $360 million Chevron tower, designed by Hassell, and the $300 million EQ West tower, designed by Kerry Hill Architects, both of which are currently under construction.

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Elizabeth Quay Lots 5 and 6 by Rex Architecture and Hassell.
Image: Courtesy Rex
WA planning minister Rita Saffioti said the latest approved project promised to be a landmark development for the city.
“These new towers will become another iconic view along our Swan River and encourage more people into the Perth CBD, providing a boost to the economy and supporting and creating local jobs,” she said.
Lands minster Ben Wyatt said, “The 2,500 construction jobs created by this project will add to the employment opportunities already delivered through ongoing construction at Elizabeth Quay, and the 10,000 jobs expected from the recently announced $1.5 billion Perth City Deal.” More