First Building – Bradfield City Centre | Hassell

Premier’s Prize Citation:

“A new city requires a big dream… it’s incredibly exciting to see that dream taking shape here in Bradfield. The way this building plays with natural light, the way it sits at home in the landscape, it’s incredible attention to detail, it’s craftsmanship — not to mention the innovation and progress that will happen here. In short, it’s a beautiful place; and inside these four walls, serious work will be done.” 

The Honourable Chris Minns, Premier of NSW

The First Building sets a benchmark for the new city of Bradfield – innovative, sustainable and embedded within Country. Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility is a collaborative space that brings together government, industry, research and community. The Country-centred design celebrates its relationship with the Wianamatta through its approach to water management, materials, landscape, sustainability and circular economy. Its prefabricated timber structure can be disassembled, expanded, or even relocated – extending the lifespan of the building for decades to come.

Note from GANSW: In selecting the winner this year, the Premier considered the contribution made by projects delivering on the government’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, Connecting with Country, and the future growth of Western Sydney, supported by Transport Oriented Development.

Sustainable Architecture Citation:

As the inaugural building in Australia’s newest city of Bradfield, the First Building carries the responsibility of setting a sustainable precedent, and it rises to the challenge. Early and ongoing engagement with Country is clear, guided by Djinjama.   

The Hassell team was acutely aware of the need to adapt to the rapidly developing context next to the construction of the new airport. The modular, demountable design provides for future changes in use, expansion, and even the possibility of disassembly and redeployment of components.   

Employing domestically sourced structural timber alongside European CLT, it challenges conventional supply chains and showcases the viability of Australian hardwoods. It is fully electrified with PVs and battery storage. Rainwater harvesting supports the expansive green roof, which is planted with native grasses to reduce heat and promote biodiversity.   

The First Building stands as a bold example of regenerative architecture, redefining the baseline for sustainable new-build developments and setting a precedent for others.  

Commercial Architecture Citation:

A showcase for the future of industry and catalyst for the creation of the new Bradfield City, First Building sets the vision for the future.  The two distinct uses of commercial and technical, are each given their own space under a unified architectural language of timber and glazing, while fully accessible green roof canopies offer a vantage point to survey the landscape and urban development.  A central spine gallery invites visitors to engage with production under a structure designed for disassembly, offering flexibility to modify or relocate to catalyse new parts of the growing city.