Harrison and White with Archier: Parks Victoria Albert Park Office and Depot

Parks Victoria Albert Park Office and Depot Harrison and White with Archier

Photography by Peter Bennetts

Words by Emma Adams

With a complex pattern of use as both green open space and the site of an annual grand prix, Harrison and White with Archier sought to design a building that understands this layered use and to learn how Parks Victoria works on a daily level.

Integrating the building with its park surrounds was important in this context. Planting zones, along with construction materials were central to the design’s sustainable and social credentials. Spatial planning was also key with the central courtyard acting as a source of ventilation and light and an area for gathering. Siting also contributed to the volume of added green space – amenity not commonly associated with office buildings and back-of-house structures. Originally briefed as two separate buildings, the project comprises a works depot and utility at ground level with office areas above. Harrison and White (HAW) explain “our initial proposal for the site was to merge two separate elements of the brief – the office and depot into a single building – this was to allow greater integration of depot and office and to reduce the overall footprint in the park. This proposal was adopted as a positive evolution of the brief.” This focus and foresight contribute to its success, highlighting the value of open and collaborative communication. Discussing further how the brief informed their approach, HAW architects note, “the project improves and re-activates this corner of the park, replacing an under-used building and improving the surrounding landscape. The project seeks to remain public despite the secure depot functions.”

With development of the site having high public importance as community green space, the procurement process was rigorous, “the project was well procured – a three stage process, starting with an open Expression of Interest”. The project team worked within council requirements and strove to reach a balance beyond the day-to-day functionality of maintaining parks. Something that visitors and parks officers and employees benefit from. “People can walk into the heart of the building, the main courtyard, which we conceptualised as the park. The perimeter of the building features an in-situ concrete seat, in the tradition of park benches, and this was included as a public offering, to imagine the building as a piece of familiar park infrastructure.” However, “since COVID-19, the courtyard has not been open to the public, which is unfortunate.” The two architectural practices, Harrison and White with Archier, together with Accuraco project management and Openwork landscape architects were the core team. Wood and Grieve provided general structural and services engineering and Global Consultant Engineering provided specialist CLT advice and certification. HAW architects explain, “the consultant team we developed was a dynamic, design-focused collaboration with supporting engineers.” With the dual benefit of servicing and upkeep of much-loved parkland, and added amenity to those nearby, collaboration with the client, practice and construction teams helped maintain goodwill throughout the construction process. However, there were difficulties that arose. The initial contractor “went bankrupt during the construction phase, which led to Building Engineering to finish.” From this experience, HAW recommend engaging specialist engineeers from the start of the project. “CLT structural certification is still evolving in Australia – and there isn't (or was not at the time) an Australian Standard for CLT. Ultimately, we required a specialist CLT engineer.” HAW architects credit an excellent working relationship, aided by strong communication and design documentation, as the main factor in achieving a great result in terms of the built form. “We maintained a good working relationship throughout the project and this allowed both the hurdling of the challenges while delivering the project to budget and to a high quality of finish.”

Emma Adams is managing editor at the Australian Institute of Architects with over 20 years publishing experience. She is an editor, architectural writer and researcher with experience in literary archives and information provision.

Parks Victoria Albert Park Office and Depot

Practice team Harrison and White with Archier

Consultant/ Construction Team Openwork (Landscape) Accuraco (Project Manager) Wood and Grieve (Engineer) Metro (Building Surveyor) HIP V. HYPE (ESD Consultant)

Builder Building Engineering

Location Albert Park, Victoria Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung Country

Suppliers

Cladding and roofing CLT by KLH, Austria Rainwater tank – TankTec

Furnishings HOW Group

Lighting Thomas and Betts Limelite Inlite Cooper CocoFlip Mlight Advance