Archive

Macquarie Park Wallumatta Function Centre

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]The architecture of The Wallumatta Function Centre has been developed to invite community participation, positive experiential memories and comfort.   The tapering curved plan form of the main structure reflects the existing serpentine themes typical of the parkland, as well as a response to the topography of the site. Off the foyer, five (flexible) function spaces are positioned under the asymmetric skillion roof which in turn “floats’ on simple columns to create the shelter with an outlook to the bushland surrounds as well as the sky in all directions.   The building section captures an abundance of daylight and focus’ the space onto a reflection pool. With access to fresh air, dappled light, the familiar sound of running water, the aroma of landscape: the idea of connectivity to the surrounding environment has been thoughtfully embraced to make it a place you want to interact with.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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IRT Diment Tower Facade Upgrade

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text] The façade upgrade for IRT Diment Tower reimagines the tired existing building with a refined design strategy that balances material warmth with both practical durability as well as passive performance.   Vertical aluminium panels, finished in a warm timber grain, introduce variation and tactility. Integrated lighting in selected panels creates variability and a low-level glow. The use of timber-look aluminium offers the aesthetic appeal of natural wood with the added benefits of durability and low maintenance. The resulting design is both practical and poetic—grounded in constructability yet enriched by material expression. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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Excelsior Public School

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]GW. was commissioned to design the expansion of Excelsior Public School at Baulkham Hills.   The site has a significant rise from the main street frontage with five existing buildings stepping up the site connected by multiple stairs and ramps.   Master Planning resulted in one new building and the adaptive re-use of three other buildings as well as planning for future connections to new buildings.The new main building comprises three levels, two of which connect laterally to adjacent buildings, facilitating ease of pedestrian movement and accessibility compliance.   The new building contains 12 home bases with separate practical activities and presentation spaces, a new library and tiered seating space, and an undercroft area containing the canteen and service/ storage rooms.   Enhanced street presence and improved pedestrian access were achieved through the adaptive reuse of an existing building to become a new administration building, including a new facade.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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Moriah College Master Plan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]Over a period of some 20 years, we have completed a Masterplan and over 35 individual projects for Moriah College.   We have prepared several iterations of the masterplan to meet the evolving needs and requirements of the College, with the latest revision of the Masterplan prepared for the College in August 2018.   The following design principles were applied to the Master Plan:   Turning clear educational goals into a physical development framework to support the aspirations and visions of the college Establishment of design controls to ensure consistent ‘look and feel’ Preservation of sites and corridors for future development Improvement on pedestrian flow and wayfinding as well as functionality and amenity Provide for future flexibility and promote Sustainability and healthy learning [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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Broken Hill Police Station

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text] The new Broken Hill Police Station located in the Barrier Police District is one of 150+ projects completed by GW. for NSW Police.   GW. were engaged as Head Consultant to deliver the design and documentation, whilst ensuring compliance with the NSW Police Building Guidelines (developed by GW.). The design incorporates all areas of crime management and Police administration within one new 24 hour facility.   Particular care was given to the selection of materials, systems and equipment in order to conserve energy and resources, as well as integrating passive design and ESD principles.   The concept respects the roof form, raw materiality and earthy colours of Australian vernacular architecture. The design incorporates local mining relics as sculptures, referencing the site’s mining history, and the front entry features a mural of local indigenous art. Empathy towards locality was a key part of the messaging.   The new Broken Hill Police Station greatly improves the operational performance of...

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Lennon Centre, Northholm Grammar School

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text] “The Lennon Centre was the first stage of the original Masterplan. It not only meets all the parameters of a state of the art education facility but has been designed with an insightful appreciation of our rural setting as well as a wider vision of sustainability into the future.” - Lynne Gutheridge (Principal)   The design narrative involved combining simple forms which are clear and fluid in their language together with the site-specific context of climate, and the traditional rural Australian vernacular.   The solution incorporated appropriate shading, daylighting and ventilation, synonymous with typical rural dwellings and their underlying rationale.   GWA have worked with Northholm Grammar School since 2002 on a range of projects, including two masterplans and a diverse range of projects. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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Canberra Plasma Centre

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text] The Australian Red Cross Blood Service approached us to develop the new concept for their plasma-only centres, to provide a more inviting environment for donors during the donation; and to encourage them to return more often.   The Red Cross Plasma Donor Centre in Canberra sets a new benchmark for plasma donor centres, with connection to nature and a sense of community at its heart.   Connection to nature helps to achieve a sensorially kind experience to assist in alleviating any anxiety associated with donation.   A ‘Story Wall’ has been incorporated into the design, creating a flexible community display space for donor and recipient stories and other ARCBS activities and history.   The feedback from donors and the Blood Service has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic for the new centre, and many have already noted the improvement in efficiency and consequent reduction in time spent donating. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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Sleeman Sports Complex – Olympic International Freestyle Skiing Training Facility

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text] “This ramp will be the best in the world and showcase the spectacular feats of winter athletes” – Lydia Lassila (Five-time Olympian and aerials gold medallist)   The new Olympic International Freestyle Skiing Training Facility at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane is the world’s first year-round outdoor aerial and mogul ski facility. The facility caters to elite athletes, overseas visitors and those seeking to develop in the sport.   Through a collaboration of specialist consultants, end users, and Olympians, the design of the ski water ramps evolved to embrace the stringent standards of the sport, culminating in a design that enables Australian winter athletes to competitively train on home soil. The facility boots Australia’s talent and training pathways to develop the next Winter Olympic champions.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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Wenona Woodstock Infants School

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Journey [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]“…the architects and designers at GWA have ensured that the final product has delivered the vision of a truly inspirational facility for teaching and learning of Wenona’s youngest of learners.”  – Julie Collier (Coordinator of Infants)   The design for Woodstock Infants is centred on the School’s learning philosophy that is “...

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