Special Commendation - Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $15M-$20M 
Special Commendation - Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $30M-$80M 
The Meriton Suites project implemented several innovations, notably the Hickory Building System and SYNC Bathroom Pods, supported by full mock-up prototypes. A comprehensive challenge involved validating its effectiveness through prototyping, this process enabled rigorous testing and refinement, ensuring optimal performance and structural integrity. Similarly, the integration of SYNC Bathroom Pods represented a significant innovation. These prefabricated bathroom units underwent rigorous testing and evaluation through full mock-up prototypes. This process allowed for fine-tuning and optimisation, ensuring seamless integration and functionality within the hotel’s design and construction. Overall, these innovations not only showcased the project’s commitment to cutting-edge solutions but also delivered tangible value to the client.
Legacy embodied as a meeting place for the Wadawurrung people was central to the design and construction of the Boronggook Drysdale Library. The circular, two-story building features a stunning, landscaped rooftop amphitheatre incorporating local and Indigenous botanical elements, as well as a façade that draws on the material history of Drysdale and the greater Bellarine Peninsula. The project showcases a high performance, environmentally sustainable design and is also a part of the City of Geelong’s UNESCO design city accreditation program.
Starting as an apprentice carpenter, Aaron has proven his skills and passion for the construction industry by working his way up through the ranks as foreman, site manager, and contracts administrator to his current position as Senior Project Manager and Construction Manager of South-West Victoria for Fairbrother. Aaron believes that client satisfaction is best achieved by being straight up, realistic and solution focused. Aaron is a well accomplished and confident young building professional who prides himself in achieving high-quality standards through setting an example through his work and mentoring those around him.
This commercial project took an existing building and transformed it into a bar reminiscent of yesteryear that emits a sense of ambience and mood. With the tight space being long and narrow, mirrors were utilised to provide an openness and sense of a much larger space. A pressed metal ceiling was added throughout the build to provide an antiquated aesthetic. Custom bars unify the space, with the inclusion of repurposed furniture that corresponds with overall aesthetic.
The Cornwalls Law Office project encompasses a comprehensive transformation of three interconnected buildings spanning 2100sq m. This transformation represents a fusion of heritage architecture and contemporary design concepts, with meticulous attention to detail and functionality. The project maximised the functionality and efficiency of the office space to accommodate current and future needs, created an inspiring and comfortable work environment.
Koorie Heritage Trust were expanding their tenancy at the Birrarung Building in Fed Square to occupy all three levels and create a stand-alone and independent First Peoples art and cultural centre. The project involved the refurbishment of existing areas on Levels 1 and 3, and fitout of the additional space on Level 2. The project included a public foyer, two gallery spaces, retail store, multi-purpose meeting rooms, an education space and breakout zones with sitting areas.
Set within a fully operational hospital, this project required a truly collaborative approach. To ensure the compressed design and delivery phase would achieve completion on time and allowed the Peter MacCallum Imaging East Melbourne to commence operations from the facility, Arete worked alongside specialist medical equipment suppliers to ensure the high standard required for such a facility was well achieved within the required timeframe.
Buildcorp was appointed by the City of Melbourne to deliver new a Library and Family Services facility which features dedicated adult and children’s library spaces, immunisation centre, secure outdoor play spaces, and maternal health consulting rooms. The project also offers a range of community spaces where the public are provided free access and training to utilise 3D printers, laser cutters and sewing machines along with bookable meeting rooms and a large, tiered presentation space available for use.
MPavilion is a leading architecture commission. The project included the removal of the existing pavilion without damage to the structure and fabric to allow installation at a different location. Followed by installation of the new pavilion compromising of 83 meters of form concrete walls, circular off form concrete storeroom; bluestone reflective pond with infinity edge, chemical free water reticulation and filtration system and a 14-meter cantilever steel roof.
Tasked with the significant challenge of expanding one of the nation’s largest orthodontic clinic buildings, Constructive Group undertook a comprehensive scope of works that not only preserved the integrity of a Classic Victorian facade but also seamlessly integrated modern functionality and expanded capacity. The works consisted of bored piers, site excavation, concreting works, construction of a double storey building and a basement making the space functional and practical for staff and patients alike.
Completed as part of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Program, the new Queen’s Food Hall replaces the market’s 1980s food court – providing operators with modern services and amenities to innovate and grow. Integral to the project was the preservation and harmonious integration of the surrounding heritage structures, coupled with upgrades to core building infrastructure to align with compliance standards.
APM Group were engaged by St Bernard’s College to construct their new Senior Learning Centre. The building stands at three-stories from the ground level and features a central internal amphitheatre space with tiered seating connecting levels 1 to 2. The building contains 20 large classrooms, an outdoor learning terrace, outdoor learning garden and office spaces. Designed with flexibility in mind, the space can accommodate a range of functions and service the school for years to come.
The Coolock Learning Centre is a 3600sq m, two-storey build, which has three distinct wings that extend outwards from the central, two-level amphitheatre. The new building now houses 550 Year 7-8 students with the space featuring off-form concrete stairs and solid timber seating, and lies beneath a large, coffered ceiling set around a central skylight. A substantial AV package was also incorporated in this area to allow presentations and assemblies to take place.
The project involved the demolition of the existing single level terminal building, and construction of a new terminal building across two floors. The roof structure involved a very detailed structural steel design, which included 20m long cantilevers at either end of the building. The project was completed adjacent to the Australia’s busiest vehicle ferry service, and Kane had to ensure that the ferries remained fully operational at all times.
The Gordon TAFE Culinary Project combined functionality and design to appeal to school leavers wanting to further their education in the Culinary Arts. Construction consisted of both new build and refurbishment to several internal and external areas across The Gordon TAFE Geelong City Campus. The project provided hospitality teaching and support spaces including kitchens and store areas, student and staff experience spaces, a cafe and significant restoration works to several heritage-listed buildings.
The existing oval was demolished and excavated to create a subterranean car park with 250 parking spaces and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, as well as facilities including change rooms, bathrooms, first aid rooms, a uniform shop, and maintenance facilities. The oval was reconstructed on top with a suspended slab and natural turf playing surface. The lower ground floor of the building features the Years 7 & 8 Chapel, drama space, bathrooms, along with services, communications, general storage areas to support the maintenance of the building.
The Whitehorse Performing Arts Centre project delivered a highly accessible, and contemporary performing arts centre that would provide an expanded array of arts and cultural opportunities for the entire Whitehorse community to enjoy for generations to come. It is the hub for premier performances, events, conferences, weddings, and community gatherings and a state-of-the-art and energy efficient facility that is a home for local artists, performers, community groups, and businesses.
Construction involved creating two basement levels below the water table, all designated for back-of-house facilities to serve the operational needs of the Hotel Meriton. Given the functional nature of the space for hotel operations rather than parking, Hickory faced a complex challenge in devising a watertight strategy for the basements. Meriton Suites Melbourne is a towering structure spanning 59 levels, occupying a site area of 792sq m.
The Overture construction project encompassed the development of 21 townhouses and 4 apartments, complete with common area landscaping. This ambitious venture was poised to not only enrich the urban landscape but also provide modern and comfortable living spaces for its future residents. The project entailed demolishing an existing townhouse building and display suite to pave the way for the construction of a new development. The project involved excavating the basement level, followed by the construction of townhouses and apartments above. The core objective of the Overture construction project was to create a harmonious blend of residential units and communal spaces that exemplify modern living standards.
Inspired by timeless design, Saint Moritz has redefined luxury living in Australia. The project has taken cues from the rich urban fabric and natural surrounds, including the rippling of waves and undulating sand patterns synonymous with the waterfront. Offering a first-class hotel experience, 131 premium private residences and over 3000sq m of amenities, Saint Moritz is a lush resort-style oasis of three residential towers presiding over St Kilda’s stunning esplanade and beach.
The project occupies a 1300sq m footprint and maintains several street frontages at Spring Street and Throssell Lane. Hacer Group constructed the 73 high-end residences across 33 levels with a four-level basement car park inclusive of 109 car spaces and a fully automated car stacker. Many of the residences feature large private balcony terraces as a natural extension to the dining and living areas. The property boasts luxury living with a 24-hour concierge, 25-metre lap pool, gymnasium, and series of private indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces exclusive to residents.
To navigate the challenges posed by the site’s characteristics, Hickory implemented a robust retention piling system around the perimeter, ensuring structural integrity during excavation. Despite being 5m below the water table level, Hickory successfully constructed a basement spanning three and a half levels. Anchoring the structure securely to bedrock, Hickory employed Continuous Flight Auger foundation piles with a diameter of 1200mm, providing essential stability and load-bearing capacity.
Vaughan Constructions completed a 17,000sq m facility in Dandenong South for this globally recognised brand. The facility consists of a warehouse, workshop, spare parts area and 9000sq m of external hardstand. The client required additional dedicated areas throughout the building specific to their industry and field. This included a fabrication and assembly area, tech bays purposed to service various warehouse machinery, a custom pressurised paint and preparation booth, epoxy flooring and a demonstration area suited to showcase Toyota Material Handling excavators and skid steer loaders.
In the Fishermans Bend Plant 18 Early Works project, the Building Engineering team embarked on a transformative journey to enhance the infrastructure of the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct. The primary objective revolved around the construction of an advanced substation and main switch room, strategically positioned to enable a new point of electrical supply to Plant 18 from Todd Road. This project consisted of the construction of a new concrete building, seamlessly integrating institute and precast elements, to house the Citipower substation and main switch room.
Project Toyota Blue-Sky involved the construction of the first in-house new vehicle pre-delivery processing and storage facility for global car manufacturer Toyota. The works included the construction and installation of a 105,000sq m asphalt vehicle storage area and hail net structure above all vehicle storage areas. A vehicle refuelling station was also constructed which included six bowsers dispensing four fuel types, a cantilevered canopy design, installation of all fuel lines and sumps and electrical and communications infrastructure for the smart fill system.
Health and safety on the M2 stage 5 expansion works project was integral, not only because of the high-risk nature of activities on the project but also because the works were undertaken within a live data centre. Multiple safety initiatives were implemented, going above minimum industry standards such as 6-points of PPE with the addition of ‘longs and longs’. Kapitol adapted online systems and employee and subcontractor induction methodology to enable new processes and procedures that exceeded safety standards.
The Traditional Owner Artwork Integration project showcases Icon’s dedication to creating significant social impact and honouring the enduring cultural legacy of Traditional Owners. The project aimed to foster inclusive communities and enhance social outcomes through sustainable development practices across its lifecycle. Collaborating closely with the Wurundjeri Land Council and Bunurong Land Council, Icon respectfully incorporated cultural narratives into the architectural and artistic fabric of the developments through a self-determining process.
The project involved a significant transformation of an existing factory/office building into a contemporary co-working space, characterised by an expansive, open-plan design. Emphasising sustainability, the project prioritized the reuse of materials salvaged from demolition, repurposing elements such as existing floor joists into sleek benchtops and floor sheeting into elegant wall linings, while repurposed concrete cutouts are ingeniously integrated as garden steppers, imbuing the space with both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility.
Figurehead were engaged to construct Australian Fashion brand Decjuba’s head office in Cremorne. The building carefully considers the urban context to engage a socially and environmentally sustainable design proposal. Originally designed as a brutalist concrete structure, the project team worked closely with consultants to deliver a 5-star Greenstar hybrid structure featuring innovative green concrete and locally sourced CLT and GLT.
Kane Constructions’ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre project involved the design and construction of one of Australia’s first 6-star Greenstar aquatic facility. A 6-star rating was achieved by removing the traditional reliance on gas and replacing with electrical heat pumps that harness the sun, providing renewable energy during the day, with Renewable Power Purchasing Agreement providing renewably sourced power during the evening.
Facadex was engaged to design, engineer, construct and install the external architectural saw tooth cladding, secondary support framing, parapets, balcony feature fins and shading. Their key strategy was to install the majority of the components to the CLT structural wall off-site, and install the large panels as part of the CLT structure sequence - a world first for a six level commercial construction project. The client vision for the ANMF Hotel; set out to provide a unique hotel solution on the edge of CBD while honouring the heritage overlay and original building.
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