- Client Western Sydney University
- Location Kingswood
- Sector Education
Since its establishment in 2012, WSU’s School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics (SCEM) has seen steady growth in the numbers of undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University engaged BKA Architecture to refurbish and expand the existing Building Z to not only accommodate increasing student numbers but also to support the University’s broadening research agenda and enhance the School’s credibility in establishing research and development partnerships.
The project included the demolition and refurbishment of parts of the existing structure, in addition to the construction of a new two-storey structure and portal frame. The refurbished portion of the building now houses separate laboratories for Materials Testing, Nanotechnology, Soils, and Asphalt Testing. BKA Architecture also delivered new, purpose-built facilities including a dedicated metal/wood workshop lab for teaching and research within the Industrial Design course and manufacturing units within the Engineering programs. The workshops also support community workshops for residents of the Greater Western Sydney Area.
Ancillary spaces within the new 2-storey building are designed to support teaching and learning functions and integrate space for meetings, collaboration, and display. Additionally, the project incorporates a number of unconventional spaces including a Solar Car and Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) project area and associated project office, virtual reality and BIM lab, prototype display room, Sustainable Construction Research Hub, PhD project room, and meeting rooms.
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