Building 250 at the University of Melbourne in Australia provides classrooms and computer facilities for the economics department.
Six Degrees Architects designed the scheme that was completed in two stages.
Stage One involved the refurbishment of the original, neglected heritage building.
Stage two expanded on the Stage One scope with a new extension that was designed as a kind of black metal box reminiscent of a computer CPU.
The Six Degrees Architects’ scheme provided a flexible, open/shut functionality that’s adaptable for different needs.
With the aim to produce healthy, fresh computer labs, timber baton screens were used let in natural air and light in a controlled way as to not cause screen glare.
The old and new buildings are linked with a glass walkway and a timber deck.
In the decked area, Six Degrees Architects continued with the ‘computer’ theme playing with LED lights and using road signs as sun screens (evocative of big ventilation grills).
A stained glass cube protrudes out of the black box, glowing like a big ‘on’ button.
Project Details
Project size – 1,350 m2
Completion date – 2007
Building levels – 2
Project Team
Architecture
Six Degrees Architects
Established in 1992, Six Degrees is one of Australia’s leading architectural practices.
Practice areas include residential, master-planning and place making, aged care and community, office and workplace, hotels and hospitality, and education, delivering design solutions for both new and heritage places.
Design Architect – Peter Malatt, Simon O’Brien
Architect – Hillary Lawson, Mick Frazetto, Jo Tinyou
Interior Design – Robyn Ho
Consultant Team
Services – SPA Consulting
Building Surveyor – Phillip Chun & Associates
Structural Engineering – George Apted & Associates
Construction Team
Builders
APM Group (Stage 1)
APM Group of companies was founded in 1989. Utilising their 30+ years experience in the Victorian construction industry, they specialise in the delivery of commercial buildings and infrastructure across a wide variety of project disciplines.
APM Group have successfully completed over 730 separate construction projects for corporate and institutional clients throughout Victoria.
McCorkell Constructions (Stage 2)
For 90+ years, McCorkell Constructions has been delivering a range of commercial projects for government, institutional, and private clients.
With offices in Victoria and Western Australia, completed work includes refurbishments, fit outs, new buildings and conservation works across the following categories:
- Commercial projects
- Educational projects
- Industrial projects
- Recreational projects
- Residential projects
- Science, health and community projects
- Heritage projects
Photography
Patrick Rodriguez
Patrick is a commercial photographer based in Melbourne with over 10 years of industry experience, collaborating closely with clients in design, architecture, fine arts, editorial industries and with local government; documenting heritage materials and artworks for the City of Melbourne, the State Library Victoria and other arts related organisations.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 Six Degrees Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Patrick Rodriguez. All Rights Reserved.
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