A commercial office building and a residential apartment complex constructed by Amalgamated Property Group (APG) and Chase Building Group (Canberra) dominated their fields in tonight’s 2014 Master Builders and CBUS Excellence in Building Awards, taking out three of the top honours.
The Louisa Lawson Building in Greenway, the new headquarters for the Department of Human Services (DHS), was recognised in two categories: Commercial Buildings more than $50 million and Commercial Fitout, Refurbishment or Alteration more than $5 million.
“We are very proud of the Louisa Lawson Building,” APG General Manager, Phil O’Brien said. “APG and Chase committed to building one of the most innovatively designed and highest quality workspaces in our region. To be acknowledged by the building sector for this project means a lot to us.”
The Louisa Lawson was purpose-built to meet the needs of the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Human Services. Development spanned over three years and construction took 24 months.
“DHS had a very specific vision for the complex and we worked closely with them throughout the process,” Mr O’Brien explained. “The focus was on clean construction and finishes within a building that was visually attractive. It also needed to be very adaptable to cater for future changes in the workforce, for example large offices that can be reconfigured overnight.”
The 35,000m2, four storey building is based upon two parallel wings of modular, flexible spaces facing and overlooking a light-filled central atrium that has open interconnecting stairs and access to shared common facilities.
“Natural daylight, timber elements and plantings were all incorporated to make the building a welcoming environment for those who work there,” Mr O’Brien said.
The Dedicated Building Service Network (BSN) in the Louisa Lawson development is the first system of this type to be installed in Australia. It integrates all building engineering services on a single network. Technological advances abound in the complex, which also include a custom designed television studio.
A showcase for sound environmental and energy efficient design, the building is accredited 4 star Green Star rating and ABGR accredited 4.5-star. Much of DHS’ own power needs are supplied through the building’s photovoltaic system.
Louisa Lawson was not the only APG/Chase development honoured this evening. The Manhattan on the Park residential precinct was named winner of the Apartments and Units Four Storeys or above category.
Manhattan on the Park consists of 330 apartments and two residential units. Residences offer stylish modern interiors, European appliances, generous balcony and terrace areas with gym, swimming pool, outdoor BBQs and onsite parking.
“The location of Manhattan on the Park is very special,” Mr O,Brien said. “This is the first real opportunity people have to live in this beautiful part of the Canberra city centre.”
Manhattan on the Park is located directly opposite historic Glebe Park. It has a northeast orientation and city, Mount Ainslie and Lake Burley Griffin views.
“We are humbled to have our peers pay tribute to these developments,” Mr O’Brien said. “We thank the MBA and CBUS for these awards and look forward to continuing to positively contribute to development of the ACT.”