Wilde and Woollard enjoys a long continuing relationship with RMIT University that has spanned decades. So it is fitting as we approach our 50th anniversary in Melbourne, that one of our largest and most exciting projects which happens to be for RMIT, is nearing completion. The iconic Swanston Academic Building (SAB) is located in the Melbourne CBD and is due for completion in early July 2012, some five months ahead of schedule and within the original project budget which was in excess of $200M.
The Melbourne office, together with the consultant and client team, has dealt with many cost challenges that have arisen along the project’s journey since its inception in early 2008. Appropriate construction and material methodologies were devised to overcome budget challenges that included contaminated site materials, maintaining continuing operations within adjacent RMIT facilities and the Oxford Hotel, the influence of adjacent underground rail infrastructure and typical CBD site constraints.
The SAB building was designed by Lyons to be the new home for the University's College of Business. The 12-storey 5-Star Greenstar rated (design) building contains state of the art facilities including a commercial standard cinema, six 180-350 seat tiered lecture theatres, flat floor and tiered teaching spaces, student areas, staff office spaces and retail tenancies. Features include the facetted curtain wall façade and high standard finishes throughout with particular emphasis on the indoor/outdoor two storey student portal spaces. Extensive IT and A/V installations will enhance the building occupants' experience and expectations. The project also includes the refurbishment and fitout of the upper levels of the Oxford Hotel for staff facilities.
Wilde & Woollard have provided full cost planning, cost management and contract administration services that have contributed to a very successful outcome for RMIT.
Image: Lyons Architects
Architect: Lyons Architects
Contractor: Brookfield Multiplex