We are very pleased that the DA for this exciting new commercial building in Symonston, being developed by Nikias Property Developments, has been approved! The 3 storey, 3,000m² building makes sense of a steep sloping site to achieve a legible entry arrangement while accommodating discrete yet convenient carparking over 2 levels. The architectural expression is self-assured with a precast concrete façade arrangement punctuated with window fenestration responding to privacy, security and environmental considerations. Building circulation and the floorplate configuration have been carefully designed to accommodate a range of tenants and achieve a high level of efficiency. The development incorporates convenient self-contained end of trip facilities setting a new standard in Symonston. AMC acknowledges Nikias Diamond’s long-standing commitment to this exciting and ever-changing business park precinct.
A little sneak peak at the Finlay Crisp Centre
Here’s a sneak peak at the base building refurbishment, façade upgrade and central podium redevelopment works that were underway at the Finlay Crisp Centre before lockdown was announced in the ACT last week. Great progress has been made by PBS with refurbishment and fitout works within Allara House nearing completion and works commenced across all floors within Nara House. The Pavilion, a key part of the placemaking strategy for the podium as a collaboration between AMC and Tait Network, is also nearing completion with its distinctive copper cladding partly installed and landscaping works advanced. We can’t wait to bring you more updates on the status of this project when construction works can start up again. Stay safe everyone!
ACT Lockdown – A Message to Our Clients
To our valued clients,
The ACT Government has today announced a 7-day lockdown in response to COVID-19, commencing at 5pm today, Thursday 12 August 2021. To align with the advice and lockdown restrictions announced by the ACT Government, AMC staff will be working remotely from tomorrow until lockdown measures are lifted. AMC will continue to remain operational throughout this period with all staff contactable via email and/or mobile and available for video/teleconferencing meetings via Microsoft Teams or through your preferred platform.
The AMC Team will remain connected and productive throughout this period to ensure we maintain our high level of client service and meet our commitments to you.
The Directors (Alastair, David, Dean & Luke)
Empty Office Could be Repurposed as Aged Care Public Housing
Founding Director, Alastair MacCallum, talks to the long-term benefits of adaptive-reuse initiatives, repurposing vacant commercial office buildings as aged care or public housing in a recent interview with The Canberra Times.
“Alastair MacCallum, who also chairs the ACT Property Council’s social sustainability committee, has been a long-term advocate for the ACT Government to implement planning incentives to encourage adaptive reuse. He said repurposing existing buildings was far more environmentally friendly, and faster, than creating a new one, but it came at a price….Mr MacCallum argued high-rise offices were perfect to be adapted for Canberra’s vulnerable populations because they are typically in town centres, close to transport and employment opportunities.”
Head here: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7172697/empty-offices-could-be-repurposed-as-aged-care-public-housing/ to read further!
Congratulations Linden! The inaugural recipient of the AMC Architecture Accommodation Scholarship
This week we were delighted to meet UC Student of Architecture, Linden Woodward, the inaugural recipient of the AMC Architecture Accommodation Scholarship. This Scholarship provides financial assistance to a first year student for on-campus accommodation costs and is awarded to financially disadvantaged students from a rural, regional or remote area demonstrating commitment to their studies and community engagement. Linden recently relocated from Goulburn to pursue his studies in Canberra. In addition to supporting the local community as a Disability Support Worker, Linden is enthusiastic about his future in his chosen profession. Congratulations Linden!
Access Canberra Service Centre, Belconnen
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!