The expansion of the world-class Physical Sciences Precinct at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Kensington campus continues with Multiplex being appointed the lead contractor for the new $174.4 million Science and Engineering Building (SEB).
The Materials Science and Engineering Building, now known as the Hilmer Building, is situated within the UNSW campus, on the corner of International Road and Third Avenue. The new SEB represents Stage 2 of the university's expansion.
The SEB project will provide state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for the School of Chemical Engineering and the School of Chemistry with over 24,000 square meters across 10 levels. Importantly, It has the ability to accommodate a range of technical research requirements as the facilities can be easily shared between the connected Hilmer Building.
“We are delighted to continue our on-going collaboration with The University of New South Wales and play a pivotal role in creating these world-leading research and education facilities. Our previous work with the University has given us the credentials to deliver these highly technical facilities in an active campus environment,” said New South Wales Regional Managing Director at Multiplex, Mr David Ghannoum.
The SEB design will include a flexible laboratory core with a central service corridor that has modules arranged around it and the overall design of the extension will be consistent with the Hilmer Building. The same details and specifications for joinery, wet areas, general finishes and facade design will be provided around the perimeter of floor plates for the workstation and office accommodation. Shading elements and vertical services distribution via main risers at each end of the laboratory core will be provided.
UNSW’s 2025 Strategy is to provide a world-class research environment with cutting-edge facilities that supports core research infrastructure investing and provides an essential component in an outstanding set of connected places where people collaborate in order to innovate, transform, learn and contribute to society.
The SEB basement is an important addition with the design featuring a multi-purpose area providing functions such as storage, contemporary interactive and collaborative teaching spaces and student-led study spaces. In addition, the expansion will provide new performance spaces for the School of Arts & Media.
Grimshaw Principal Michael Janeke said, “We are delighted to be embarking on another partnership with Multiplex at the UNSW. The addition of the Science and Engineering Building, together with the Myers Dance Theatre and adjacent Alumni Park will consolidate our joint ambition for the revitalisation of this lower campus precinct, creating a multi-disciplinary learning community in service to a world-class university.”
The SEB will be located on significant pedestrian traffic routes, connecting the future Light Rail Stop on Anzac Parade with the upper campus. The enhancement of pedestrian movement paths is a key element of the project. In addition, the links from High Street through to the University Mall will be enhanced.
Multiplex recently completed the new $125 million Biological Sciences Building, with classes commencing in the building in July 2018.
Construction of the new Science and Engineering Building is scheduled for completion in January 2019.
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Source: Multiplex