Part of a masterplan at Perth Airport, the new Australian Federal Police offices were designed to form the anchor of the development.
Following the completion of Stage One in 2008, DnA Architects were commissioned to design the anchor building in Stage Two of this campus-style masterplan.
Located at Gate One - a 10,000sqm commercial and retail 'town centre' on a two-hectare corner site at Perth Airport - this 3700m, three-storey office building is for the Australian Federal Police.
The brief outlined the need for an efficient and cost-effective 'warm shell' office building for AFP's single occupancy, suitable for their fitout.
Designed to an aspirational 4-star Green Star rating and 4.5-star NABERS rating, various elements were specifically incorporated to achieve this rating.
The ground floor is predominantly glazed to 'touch the ground lightly', and the broad east and west facade is a high-performance lightweight panel system with linear strip glazing. It also features expressive solar shading, adding to the character of the building. The north and south facades are predominantly glazed and transparent.
The external free-standing staircase, wrapped in perforated sheet and connected with bridged walkways, is a striking feature, especially when backlit at night. Other materials and techniques selected for their 'green' capacity include Europanel insulated facade cladding, and colourful aluminium plate fixed sun shading.
Originally designed in 2006 and tweaked in 2011 for the AFP, the project was approved and building began in 2012. The project was finished on time and within budget in 2014.
PROJECT PROFILE
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE
ARCHITECT | DnA Architects
BUILDER | Pindan
BUILD TIME | 12 months
BRIEF | 4.5-star NABERS, aspirational 4-star Green Star, 'warm shell' base build commercial office building of approx. 3700sqm gross building area, plus general parking and secure vehicle compound
FEATURES | Higher security than standard.
LOCATION | Colquhoun Road, Perth Airport
