Kurnell Substation

Architect: Brewster Murray Architects

Manufacturer: Boral Bricks

Construction contractor: Thomas Coffey Pty Ltd

Masonry Contract: Remo Constructions

Brick manufacturer: Boral Bricks

Vision

This unique site is on the environmentally sensitive Kurnell Peninsula and Energy Australia's Kurnell Zone Substation blends the past and the future by utilising forms, details, materials and colours to complement the surrounding context. Sustainability has also been addressed through roof insulation, natural ventilation systems, improved thermal mass and high quality durable low maintenance materials - the latter by primarily using external brickwork.

Built Form and Landscaping

The inherently larger scale and formality of a substation development is softened through a composition in which horizontal lines and masonry wall construction at lower levels are contrasted with "hovering" curved roof forms. The main elevations presented a design challenge requiring a solution that breaks-up long building facades through articulated vertical elements and banded brick cladding, which is balanced against the predominant horizontal lines of the building.

Materials and Colour

Selection of "natural" colours and high quality materials, including clay brick masonry at lower levels and pre-finished light weight metal and wall cladding at high levels serve to articulate the overall building form. The composition of the colours on the facades reduces any impacts associated with extended walls, while the tonal palette is recessive ensuring the building integrates with the surrounding environment.