Brisbane-based construction company Watpac has been contracted to build a $62 million University Design Hub at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
The high-profile project will be located at the strategic north-west corner of Swanston and Victoria Streets, on the site of the former Carlton United Brewery.
Watpac Construction National General Manager, Martin Monro, says the landmark project represents a key milestone in the company’s strategy of growth in the Victorian market.
“Watpac has worked diligently to expand our Construction division in Victoria and the award of this significant project—our largest to date in this market—is an endorsement of our team and their dedication to building on our reputation for excellence and quality,” Monro says.
“RMIT University is renowned as one of the country’s leading research and design institutions and Watpac is delighted to be involved in the construction of this landmark design project,” he says.
According to Munro, the Design Hub reflects the high level of technical expertise and specialised skills Watpac prides itself on.
“We are excited to deliver such an innovative project, building on our environmental credentials, and allowing the talents of our Watpac staff to be showcased in such a prominent location on Melbourne’s civic access,” he says.
The Design Hub will house RMIT’s diverse range of design initiatives, design research groups and post-graduate programs.
State-of-the-art facilities will serve a range of disciplines, including: textile and fashion design, architecture, industrial design, landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, fine art and creative media.
The 12,000sqm building will include two basement levels and eight levels above street level, and will contain research, lecture, and exhibition spaces.
The landmark project is registered for a Green Star rating under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Education V1 rating tool, and includes a range of environmentally sustainable design features.
Designed by leading Melbourne architect Sean Godsell with Peddle Thorp, the building will feature a climatically responsive ‘smart skin’ comprised of 16,000 sand-blasted glass cells, which will track the sun via the building computer automation system to help shade and power the building.
Additional "green" features include an under floor air distribution system, rain and waste water harvesting, an internal waste management system, extensive energy metering and display of live energy data.
Work is expected to start on site immediately, with completion scheduled for mid-2011.