Master Builders Victoria is excited to announce the 2021 Master Builders Victoria South West Regional Building Awards Commercial Winners and showcase the excellent achievements of our Commercial Regional Master Builders Members. 

The South West Regional Commercial Builder of the Year was awarded to Rendine Constructions Pty Ltd for the Marcus Oldham College Learning Centre at Waurn Ponds. 

Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson congratulated Rendine Constructions Pty Ltd, who also won the Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $6M-$10.5M category, on their well-deserved achievement. 

“The Marcus Oldham Learning Centre incorporated the demolition of the existing structure, construction of a new multi-storey learning centre, a 24-seat boardroom, meeting room, an amphitheatre with three transitional learning spaces, IT offices and digital hub, toilet facilities, kitchenette, external amphitheatre and landscaping,” Ms Casson said.

“The design needed to be a contemporary, bespoke building which tells the story to staff, students and alumni that Marcus Oldham College is bringing agriculture into the 21st century.

“The building was designed to suit the college’s long-term operations while incorporating the learning centre’s state-of-the-art technology.”

Meanwhile, the Best Sustainable Project and the Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $1M-$3M were both awarded to Nicholson Construction for the Gunditj Mirring Keeping Place at Heywood. 

The Keeping Place design is a large-scale contemporary representation of a traditional keeping place structure that the local Indigenous community have been building for thousands of years, however, on a larger scale.

Ms Casson said the 1500-plus timber battens of the dome were laid over an impervious membrane to protect the precious artefacts that will be housed within.

“The Keeping Place itself encompasses a mechanical ventilation system that controls temperature and humidity and provides a museum-like environment that is required to protect the significant cultural artefacts that are displayed,” she said.

“An illuminated prism is a key feature at the roof of the Keeping Place that was constructed on the ground and lifted into position.

“The prism is lit from below and best resembles a lighthouse.

“There is only one straight external wall in the more traditional office/business spaces, with all other facades being curved.”

The Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $3M-$6M was awarded to Bowden Corporation Pty Ltd for Cotton On Beckley in North Geelong. 

Ms Casson said the quality of construction was second to none, both internally and externally.

“The build includes triple skin brickwork, imported stone and ornate ceilings, five-star restaurant, quality common area and amenities and New York-style grand entrance,” she said.

“The Beckley Project creates space that not only the Cotton On Group employees can enjoy on a day-to-day basis but also an incredible sense of arrival to the Cotton On global head office for guests and visitors, many of whom are international guests.

“The creative team behind the design worked closely with the key stakeholders at Cotton On to ensure the product was delivered to the highest standard with an immense focus on welcome, execution and detail.”

Finally, the Excellence in Constuction of Commercial Buildings over $10.5M was awarded to Lyons Construction for The Court Precinct at Sacred Heart College, Retreat Road in Newtown. 

Ms Casson said The Court Precinct at Sacred Heart College had been architecturally designed with minimalist elements contrasted with high-quality finishes.

“The exposed pre-cast concrete columns are a feature of the space both internally and externally, which houses 13 general learning areas, five science labs, 2D and 3D art, electronics, fibres and fabrics spaces, collaborative and breakout spaces, gathering spaces, staff rooms, amenities and a striking brass café,” she said.

“Extensive external works were undertaken including the construction of a northern pergola exiting the atrium to the north and linking back within the heart of the campus.

“This paved thoroughfare is dubbed ‘The Way’ and a large-grassed quadrant is situated adjacent.

“Cast bronze discs have also been installed celebrating historical milestones of the college.”

Master Builders Victoria congratulates all category winners and our main winner on their well-deserved success.

The overall winning project will now represent its region and will be in the running for the 2021 Regional Commercial Builder of the Year award at this year’s Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards.