The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is an organisation with a long and rich history.
But its new North Melbourne headquarters is very much inspired by the future.
Designed by national architecture practice Gray Puksand, the building’s design is at the forefront of modern sustainable technology.
The new VACC Headquarters rises three storeys above ground level and includes three levels of underground parking and an end-of-trip facility.
It’s a fitting companion for the fast-moving and ever-changing industry located within its walls.
Subtle nods to the automotive industry are peppered throughout the building’s architecture, including a façade inspired by the grille of the classic Ford Mustang.
The resulting distinctive architectural language supports a passive environmental strategy to reduce direct solar heat gain.
A distinctive sweep shape inspired by airflow images taken in wind tunnels used by the automotive industry signals the building’s entry points.
It connects it to the ground through form and materiality.
Inside a striking atrium rises through the building’s core to create a sense of grandeur upon arrival and invite abundant natural light into the building.
The challenges presented by a significant slope across the site have been cleverly countered in Gray Puksand’s architectural response.
Parking and services are positioned within the subterranean component to maximise the building’s frontage and natural light within office spaces.
As a commercial space, transparency and outlook were important elements to address within the design.
A solid base for the building allows it to sit comfortably within its surrounding context while the glass on the floors above delivers magnificent views across Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD.
Gray Puksand’s use of masonry directly references the surrounding residential and industrial vernacular, most notably the single-story masonry terraces to the west of the site.
Project Details
Completion Date – 2022
Project Team
Architecture
Gray Puksand is a leading Australian architecture and integrated design practice with studios in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
They create places of integrity designed to improve the way people work, learn, and live.
Photography
Peter Clarke
Peter is an established photographer with over 20 years’ experience in his field. He has extensive knowledge and experience documenting the built environment, as well as natural and man-made landscapes.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2022 Gray Puksand. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2022 Peter Bennetts. All Rights Reserved.
The Builtworks Quest
At Builtworks, we’re on a multi-year quest to document, showcase, and spotlight the best of Australia’s built environment.
That’s why we’re creating this comprehensive online archive and educational resource that showcases a diverse and eclectic range of project types and scales.
Together with showcasing older exemplars of enduring merit, we spotlight and celebrate new and recent additions to Australia’s built environment.