The team move in to the Katanning Administration and Civic Building
The new Shire of Katanning Administration and Civic Centre was completed earlier this year.
The Shire of Katanning’s Administration and Civic Building is a 1300m2, two storey civic based development on Lot 103-104 Austral Terrace. The architectural brief was for the new Civic Centre to be sympathetic to the existing adjacent heritage buildings, whilst accommodating the functional requirements for the shire administration staff, councillors and the community.
Approach
The design philosophy focused on the linear geometry of the existing federation era architecture, providing a community building that will stand the tests of time. The deep reveals from the outer skin to the glazing provides depth, similar to the federation vernacular and external balconies. A point of difference between the new and existing buildings is a suspended glass corridor connection to the existing Unit Hotel for future expansion and flexibility.
The selection and execution of materials responded to local context and focused on the surrounding landscape of Katanning. The use of brick on the centre responds to the historical evolution of Katanning and the brick industry. The granite panels provide another layer of locally sourced materials with a contrasting tone that unite the building fabrics together.
Sustainability elements
The sustainable initiatives proposed and executed on the development were selected to reduce water and energy consumption in order to achieve a 4.5 Star NABERS self-assessed target. The implemented initiatives included the following:
– 30kW Solar Photo-Voltaic array providing 28,000kW.hr of energy per annum which equated to approximately half of the building and sites demand;
– A building management system (BMS) to control the economy cycle of the roof top package units, scheduling of all mechanical equipment and after hours controls to mitigate the running of units when the building is unoccupied;
– Carbon dioxide monitoring;
– Water efficient fittings: Taps, W.C’s and dishwashers to achieve 6 Star WELS and showers to 3 Star WELS (<6.5L/min)
Outcomes
The Civic Centre nests gently between the two historically significant federation era buildings, Katanning Hotel and the Katanning Hostel. The synergy between the cluster of buildings is apparent and has achieved its intended architectural purpose.
The user groups consisting of administration staff, councillors and local community members have expressed a pleasing experience whilst using the new facility. The spatial arrangements incorporate zones for each user group with the ability of providing flexibility and operate holistically as a civic centre.
The building can accommodate up to 40+ administration staff with council chambers, amenities and community gardens within the external courtyard area. The physical connection through the connecting glass walk way to the Unit Hotel will serve as a linkage for future expansion to the Shire of Katanning’s administration and council department.
Project feedback
The Shire of Katanning is very satisfied with the high standard of service that i2C provided from project inception through to completion. i2C displayed high dedication to the project and formed a good working relationship with the Shire’s project team. i2C worked closely with the Shire to conduct workshops with stakeholders including Council to ensure that the design solution met all the brief requirements to a high level.
Sam Davis, Executive Manager Projects and Community Buildings
i2C are proud to have worked on this great project for the community of Katanning to enjoy.
The Katanning Administration and Civic Building was a finalist for the Workspace Awards 2019.
Client: Shire of Katanning
Builder: Firm Construction
Value: $6m
Photographer: Jonathan Trask