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Coffs Harbour Government Service Centre

2010

Lead architect with PTW Architects, Lindsay developed an architectural brief (as well as implementing urban design strategies inclusive of a new courthouse and police station due for completion September 2014). An innovative brief was developed to unify these dispersed State Government agencies into an environment where the agencies' capacities could expand and contract without their being tied to onerous lease agreements. This forward-thinking project also required advanced environmental performance.

Evocative of a region noted for its beaches and holiday atmosphere, the project's materials and colour strategy draws on the natural beauty of the harbour and beaches, and the majestic forests of Dorrigo National Park.

The extremely benign climate is used to full advantage, with a fully reactive façade system that maintains natural ventilation wherever possible. Floor plates interspersed with voids allow cross ventilation systems to effectively provide comfortable conditions for most of the year. The building perimeter employs a structurally decoupled, thin metal 'dress' that shades the building and allows easy servicing of the façade.

Private working zones (shared across agencies) are grouped around a semi-public recreation and meeting zone where visitors can be received and staff can work informally. Intended to encourage public relations and foster cross–agency interactions, the project, although successfully adopted across all client and stakeholder groups, has not yet been taken to completion for political reasons.