The Woodhead designed Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has been Highly Commended at the Property Council of Australia’s ACT Awards, held in Canberra on 5 August 2011.
The Property Council of Australia Rider Levett Bucknall ACT Property Development of the Year 2011 is the ACT’s highest honour for development and construction and a total of 13 exceptional projects were vying for this years awards, which attracted hundreds of industry leaders to its gala event.
Property Council ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter, says judging for this year’s program was extremely difficult because of the large number of high-calibre projects nominated for awards.
“Canberrans can feel justifiably proud their city is home to some of the nation’s most iconic developments,” Ms Carter says. “There is no doubt the ACT’s developments lead the nation in terms of design, amenity and sustainability, as evidenced by the very high standards of the award nominees.”
Mr Mark Chappe, Director of Rider Levett Bucknall ACT, congratulated DEEWR and Woodhead for its award.
“The DEEWR project, covering 40,000sqm, was achieved at 10 percent less than budget, which is an exceptional achievement.
“Woodhead included several important features, including a stairwell servicing all 11 floors, complemented by staff community areas on each level.”
“These community and meeting areas are larger on every second floor, to encourage staff to use more of the building and to mingle and interact.”
“Every floor also features a living plant wall, to reduce C02 and increase amenity. Other walls are demountable so the workplace is adaptable for the future, with glass partitioning providing plenty of natural light and a natural sense of space.”
“But what makes the fit-out special is the quality of the finishes, and the inclusion of well-designed break-out spaces which reflect the Department’s values and culture. The inclusion of artworks done by staff in the fit out design is a special touch and a great example of successful engagement with staff.”
