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The development of the Glenelg Tram Overpass for South Road will make a significant contribution to the urban character of Black Forest as well as providing an iconic gateway to the south of Adelaide.

The design is an important opportunity to improve the public domain of the area, connect communities and provide an elegant, culturally appropriate and cost effective response to the urban fabric.

The simplicity of the design scheme, using a combination of precast and off form concrete structures, glazed elements and perforated mesh, allows the concept to blend with the surrounding environment. Water Sensitive Urban Design principles have been seamlessly integrated within landscaped areas to further underpin the sustainability of the project.

The WSUD principles included swales, rain gardens, careful selection of planting species and positioning of plants and the strategic use of irrigation when required.

Enhancing SA’s initiative to attract world leading international universities, University College London (UCL) has arrived in Adelaide.  UCL is currently ranked fourth in the world and its School of Energy and Resources has been established in the State Heritage Torrens Building, Victoria Square.  The design team embraced the opportunity to create a refreshing and bold statement challenging UCL’s previous interior design ideals to create their first international campus with a presence of its own in South Australia.

Working within the constraints of the heritage fabric, the concept explores the notion of ‘the old’ (the Torrens Building itself) and ‘the new’ (UCL’s first International Campus). New walls and joinery are detailed to be independent and easily removed and are designed to appear more as art installations within the spaces.

The fitout is unexpected, bold and sophisticated consisting of seminar and teaching rooms, student study and recreational areas, executive and administrative suites, intermingled with facilities for visiting staff and researchers. The alliance between UCL and Adelaide is visually celebrated throughout the spaces, expressed within graphics and art installations.

This quality project was delivered on time and under budget resulting in a rewarding and successful outcome for both the design team and the client.

The design of the building emerged from the synthesis of several key concerns, all of which were subservient to ESD considerations. The striking features of the building are its simple skillion roof form and large areas of glazing. These features respond to the client’s wish for a light, airy and open office space while creating a contemporary design statement.

Passive ESD systems employed include double glazed windows using high efficiency glass, ventilated double skin roof, large roof overhangs, reverse veneer construction and fully insulated construction throughout. Passive active systems were also installed allowing a high degree of user adjustment and include retractable louvres, blind systems and openable windows throughout.