Location:
Willoughby, BSW
Donnelley Constructions was contracted by the Uniting Church to carry out the demolition of three redundant buildings, renovate two heritage buildings and construct a new Church complex. The new two story construction and renovated buildings included a Hall, kitchens, learning facilities, meeting room and offices. A 26 space carpark was also part of the scope of works. As part of the DA requirement, a 240000 liter tank was constructed under the building, as a storage of recycled water and reuse tank to service all wet areas, making the construction self sufficient. Another environmental feature was the mixed mode operations supported by glass louvers and cross ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. The design also supported a good use of natural light.
The main significance of this highly detailed project was that the new constructions needed to encase the old, so that the new church would be constructed surrounding the heritage buildings. This was achieved by a huge glass atrium which cut into the roof of the existing Church, making the old Church an entrance feature of the new.
Good Communications with the client, Uniting Church, Willoughby
"Project Manager Jason Pfeiffer was absolutely brilliant with all communications, making himself available always. The Donnelley skill set was perfect for the size and detail of this project. Good people and good control of sub contractors on site providing a fantastic finished product. There were only 6 weeks in the duration of the project that the Church could not be used. Adrian Hall, site foreman, worked at being flexible and creative in solving any problems in facilitating this. The final product was finished to a high standard and the Parishioners are ecstatic" Minister Michael Thomas.
Architectural Challenges NBRS+Partners
“The first challenge was to design a public building whilst minimizing any impact on the low scale residential environment. To preserve neighbours’ amenity was of primary concern solved by careful arrangement of the building bulk, purposeful composition of fenestration and appropriate distribution of vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
The second challenge was to weave the new building in with the original fabric. With careful detailing and selection of recessive materials the junction of old to new has been achieved in a seamless manner whilst allowing the existing chapel and manse to play an important part in the overall composition of the complex. The team at Donnelley’s were on board early on with the design, as eager as we were to achieve a good result” Andrew Duffin NBRS+Partners.
Landscaping
Landscaping for this project was designed to support its heritage style, keeping with the era of the renovated buildings.
