AMC is pleased to be partnering with PBS Building and Major Projects Canberra in the design and delivery of a new Access Canberra Service Centre in Belconnen. The design concept reflects the ACT Government’s “digital first, customer-centric model” and seeks to create a welcoming and legible customer service environment. Timber battens and acoustic screening elements throughout add warmth and interest and assist in providing visual and acoustic privacy for customer and service centre staff interactions. Integrated technology, feature lighting, stone counter tops and considered loose furniture selections introduce a contemporary feel enhanced by a colour palette that subtly references Access Canberra’s branding. Stay tuned for more updates!
Construction of the CSIRO Field Support Facility & Secure Vehicle Enclosure is well underway…
…with the concrete slabs poured, structural steelwork in place, roofing being installed and external blockwork walls constructed. With a simple, linear form and large structural spans, the new facility will accommodate a range of analysis, testing, processing and storage functions associated with a number of critical field-based research projects. We’re excited to see this project reach completion in late 2021!
2021 Master Builders & Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards
We are delighted that two recent projects designed by AMC are Finalists in the 2021 Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards. The refurbishment and extension to the Villaggio Residential Aged Care Facility in Page, constructed by Monarch Building, is a finalist in the “Special Purpose Commercial Building” category. While, the PSMA/Geoscape Australia fitout, built by AMA Projects, has been nominated in the “Commercial or Retail Fitout, Refurbishment or Alteration $1 Million to $5 Million” category. More details about these projects can be found on our website. Winners will be announced on 22 October!
AFP National Operations State Service Centre
Check out this time lapse video capturing the exciting transformation of the ageing AFP Operation Control Centre into the new National Operations State Service Centre (NOSSC) within the Edmund Barton Building in Canberra! Designed by AMC and constructed by Projex, the newly established NOSSC features two large format video walls, a raised Watch Floor, dedicated command and supervisory work areas and associated breakout and utility areas. A muted colour palette (inspired by AFP’s branding) is contrasted against the targeted use of timber battening, joinery and acoustic wall and ceiling panels which provide interest and warmth to open plan areas. The result is a reinvigorated, functional and agile working environment that facilitates improved collaboration, connectedness and centralises engagement between the AFP and its State & Territory and Commonwealth partners.
Stage 2 of the “The Bradfield” residential development in Downer is complete!
This Stage saw the construction of 123 apartments over 3 buildings within an attractive landscaped setting, complementing the 37 townhouses (Stage 1) completed in 2020. AMC has been involved in this project since 2011 from the preparation of initial masterplanning options for the site, to extensive community engagement to leading a Territory Plan Variation process. Thereafter AMC prepared detailed design and construction documentation and supported Lockbridge, Project Coordination and Chase with construction of the apartment and townhouse dwellings. Our architecture and interiors team worked closely with CHC Australia, leading a sophisticated and constructive community consultation process to deliver a high quality, contemporary residential development that offers a range of housing options (including accessible dwellings), reflects the character of the heritage listed CSIRO Experimental Station (now Downer shops) through material selections and architectural form. The project also respects key features of the site including the preservation of a number of significant Heritage Trees and the “old school courtyard” while reinforcing pedestrian linkages to the Downer Local Shops, playing fields and broader community. CHC Australia is a long-term client of AMC and we welcomed this opportunity to once again support the organisation, noting that the proceeds of “The Bradfield” will assist CHC in providing future affordable housing initiatives within Canberra.
Bon Voyage Eric!
Today we bid Eric Werner (Project Architect) bon voyage as he and his family start a new adventure in Tokyo, Japan for the next few years. Eric is a valued member of the AMC Team, playing key roles across a number of significant commercial refurbishments and new building projects since he joined us in 2019, including the Finlay Crisp Centre refurbishment and new accommodation for the Department of Health. He will continue to support the AMC team and our clients remotely from Tokyo. Eric’s relocation extends AMC’s national and international capabilities into the Asia-Pacific region, with the potential to open the door to exciting opportunities in this part of the world. We wish Eric and his family a safe journey and all the very best for their time abroad!
Supportive Housing Development in Ainslie granted Development Approval
YWCA’s proposed supportive housing development in Ainslie has recently been granted development approval. AMC is proud to partner with the organisation to realise this important initiative, providing supportive housing for women in crisis in the ACT. The development incorporates eight studio-size dwellings and two 2-bedroom units designed to meet the needs of older women and women rebuilding from domestic violence. The modest development is characterised by a warm palette of natural materials designed to patina with age, with a simple angular forms which frames an existing mid-century outhouse which is central to the landscaping concept for all residents to enjoy. To read more on the YWCA proposed social housing – head here: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7210847/dire-straits-approved-social-housing-project-makes-small-dent-in-act-shortfall/
A transformation is set to take place at 7 London Circuit!
With the approval of Stage 1 of proposed redevelopment works, AMC is pleased to be working with ISPT, Knight Frank, TSA and an experienced design team on the detailed design and delivery of this existing refurbishment project. Key features will include a strong narrative which focuses on the convergence of knowledge and culture, the incorporation of a warmer materials palette to the building façade coupled with new wayfinding strategies. A more permeable ground floor plane, a new sophisticated landscaping strategy to William Clements Street (designed by Oculus) and increased pedestrianisation will complement exciting new health and well-being offerings and fabulous new end of trip facilities. Construction is proposed for the 2nd half of 2021.
Read more about it and stay up to date with changes here: https://www.7london.com.au/about-7-london/
Happy International Women’s Day 2021!
Today AMC recognises and celebrates the contributions and achievements of these incredible, hard working women who form an essential part of our team and what we do every day. Here’s to you, ladies!
New Duplex in Campbell
A recent downsizer initiative has brought together two friends who, together with AMC, harnessed the opportunity of a vacant Mr Fluffy block to create this striking dual occupancy in the heart of Campbell. The design concept responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by the steep slope and non-rectilinear site to create autonomy and equity between the two residences using separate basement driveways as the buffer. Maximising each dwelling’s outlook and solar access and uniting the two dwellings through a common architectural language and materials palette while responding to the individual briefing requirements of each client were important considerations in the design process. AMC was pleased to contribute architectural and interior design input to achieve a holistic outcome.
….and we’re off!
AMC is hitting the ground running in 2021 with our architectural and interior design teams back in the studio this week and already hard at work across a range of exciting projects.
We are starting the year featuring AMC’s Defence Technology Acceleration Collab (DTAC) fitout in Fairbairn. This fitout is rapidly approaching completion and promises to be a game changer for the Department of Defence as a technology hub for innovation, collaboration and engagement with government, industry and academia. DTAC will provide a dynamic and flexible workplace with dedicated spaces to showcase, inspire and support the development of Defence’s technology platforms with a focus on augmented reality. Referencing biophilic design principles, AMC’s interior design team has created an agile, free-flowing layout complemented by natural materials, greenery and feature lighting elements throughout.
AMC is looking forward to sharing more examples of our work with you for what promises to be yet another busy year for the practice. Stay tuned!
Christmas Closure Dates
Thank you to our valued clients, peers and suppliers for all of your support throughout this particularly bizarre year. We wish and yours a very Happy Christmas, a well-earned and restful holiday and a prosperous new year. AMC will be closed from the 24th December, opening on the 11th January.
We didn’t get to mark AMC’s 20th Year this year but will be celebrating our 21st in style in 2021!