Simple separation solution

Architects Hassell have won the commercial building award for their involvement in the design and construction of a high technology pharmaceutical production plant for Chemeq Ltd in Rockingham.

The brief for the building was to provide a new veterinary drug manufacturing facility for the supply of piggery and poultry pharmaceutical products for a global market, and architect Wayne Greensill said there were numerous challenges associated with combining a pharmaceutical and administrative facility in a single building.

The main green feature wall of the building was utilised to separate these two parts of the business, Mr Greensill said.

The jury commented that: “Highly visible from the street, the building addresses its emerging international identity through the bold 14m high green pre-cast concrete wall bearing the company logo.”

Mr Greensill said the design provided for separate facilities for administration, including laboratories and staff recreation areas, warehousing and production processing plant, all master planned into a development capable of significant future expansion for the processing plant.

The project was a staged, fast-track design/documentation period split into two time periods for the administration/warehouse building and the processing building.

“The Chemeq pharmaceutical building successfully addressed a complex and difficult program of administration, production, warehouse and laboratory facilities through a rigorously consistent built form,” the jury said.

MIDLAND BRICK COMMERCIAL award

Building

Chemeq facility, East Rockingham.

Architects

HASSELL Pty Ltd

John Holland Group (builders).

Jury comments

“Detailing, the use of materials and finishes ... a remarkable building which established a new benchmark in Perth commercial and industrial architecture.