Site: Final Stages for AEB Auditorium
The AEB is scheduled for completion mid 2013.
AEB Featured In Timber+Design
The University of Queensland’s Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) has featured in the most recent issue of Timber+Design. The article explores the some of the strategies employed in the AEB which have contributed to its status as a benchmark for sustainable architecture.
The article features an interview with RKA Director, Richard Kirk, who discusses the aesthetic, environmental and structural strengths of using timber in a building with one of Australia’s largest timber-framed auditoriums.
Site: Terracotta Façade & Atrium Taking Form at AEB
The original vision for an engineering facility which sets a benchmark in sustainability is now being realised through a response that optimises the passive potential...
First Call for the QSO
The ‘First Call’ rehearsal for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) took place on 5 February 2013 in the purpose built Media Production Studio in RKA’s new ABC Headquarters at South Bank.
RKA and Arup were present for several days of rehearsals, testing and fine tuning the rehearsal space acoustics. The fine tuning occurs by adjusting the operable acoustic elements in the MPS such as the side wall acoustic banners, cyclorama drape and the overhead acoustic canopy panels. Numerous design modes were set utilising these operable elements to cater for a diverse range of orchestral music, and radio and television production. These automated modes (with corresponding air conditioning delivery systems) facilitate soloist rehearsal, chamber orchestra, full symphony orchestra (with or without choir), television and radio recording (with or without audience) and rock group rehearsal.
Site: Installation of AEB Terracotta Façade Tiles
The much anticipated terracotta façade tiles are currently being installed at AEB. Vertical members are craned into place individually to form a fenestrated façade which will moderate heat load on the Northern elevation, whilst retaining day-light and external views from the workspaces inside. The terracotta product is manufactured in Lower Bavaria using natural clay materials sourced adjacent or in close proximity to the site. The AEB is scheduled for completion mid 2013.
Site: AEB Terracotta Façade Tiles
RKA recently visited Moeding the German manufacturer of the Terracotta façade elements to be installed at the Advanced Engineering Building (AEB). The trip, which was used to review and refine final prototypes, also afforded the opportunity to study the sophisticated systems used in their manufacture. Whilst the Terracotta elements are typically used as façade tiles, the AEB will use a proprietary system.
Site: ABC’s Media Production Studio Nears Completion
The 600m2, 250-seat Media Production Studio (MPS) at the ABC Headquarters is nearing completion, with final fitout work underway. This unique space will be the primary residence of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) as they move from their Ferry Road Studios in West End. The new MPS has been purpose built with specific acoustic requirements for the QSO and ABC TV and Radio production. Virtual acoustic modelling allowed various acoustic panelling (absorbers, and reflective and diffusing elements) to be designed and finetuned by RKA and the acoustic engineer (Arup) in an iterative process. Auralisation and sound visualisation sessions were held with RKA, the ABC and QSO in Arup’s virtual studio in Melbourne. The MPS will hold its first public event in December.
RKA featured on the Design Dividend
The Sir Llew Edwards Building by Richard Kirk Architect has featured as a case study in compelling architecture for tertiary education on new archi-blog the Design Dividend. The blog, an advocate for Queensland architecture, cites the building as transformative in the experience it generates for university staff, students and visitors and credits the building with creating a new landmark for UQ.
“Experience + Image: Authenticity in Architecture”
The Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University was recently visited by Richard Kirk, Director of Richard Kirk Architect from Brisbane, Australia.
In a lecture organised by the studio of Professor Hu, Richard’s talk entitled “Experience + Image: Authenticity in Architecture” discussed themes that have informed his practice over the past 15 years and commented on current trends in the approach to architectural thinking, design and procurement.
Building projects boom at The University of Queensland
More than $740 million worth of building projects are in progress across the campuses and properties of The University of Queensland (UQ), with some completion dates set from early 2013. Among these is the prestigious $135 million Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) at UQ, St Lucia Campus, due to be completed in April 2013 and fully operational by semester 2, 2013.
National Steel Award for Fitzgibbon Community Centre
The Fitzgibbon Community Centre in the national winner of the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) Steel Clad Structures Steel Design award.
Queensland State Steel Award for Fitzgibbon Community Centre
The Fitzgibbon Community Centre has won the Steel Clad Structures Steel Design award at the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) Queensland State Awards, held on 3 August 2012.
Video - AEB roof truss lift
A time lapse video of the recently completed auditorium roof lift for the University of Queensland Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) has been made available by The University of Queensland and Watpac.
State Commendation for Rosalie Residence
The Rosalie Residence received a commendation at the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland State Awards, held on 22 June 2012.
Tinbeerwah House featured on By Design
Richard Kirk was recently interviewed by Janne Ryan on ABC Radio National’s By Design about the Tinbeerwah Residence.
FuturArc article on sustainability in university architecture
The current issue of FuturArc features a commentary piece by Richard Kirk titled “Sustainability: The necessity for innovation in the university sector”.
AEB roof truss lift
On 5 June 2012 the timber trussed auditorium roof for the University of Queensland Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) was successfully lifted into place.
RKA tweets the National Conference
The RKA team were active on Twitter during the National Conference in Brisbane over the weekend. A selection of tweets recording the team’s experience of the conference are embedded below.
Commendation for Rosalie Residence
The Rosalie Residence has received a commendation at the Australian Institute of Architects Brisbane Regional Awards, held on 11 May 2012.
Further...
Twitter at the National Conference
RKA will be on Twitter during Richard Kirk’s session at the National Architecture Conference from 2:00pm on Friday, 11 May...
Construction site photo shoot
In preparation for Richard Kirk’s appearance at the upcoming National Architecture Conference, a number of soon to be completed projects have...
Richard Kirk registered with APEC
RKA are pleased to announce that Richard Kirk has been admitted to the APEC Architect Register as an APEC Architect.
The
Houses Awards Finalist – Tinbeerwah Residence
The Tinbeerwah Residence has been selected as a finalist in the 2012 Houses Awards in the ‘New House over 200m 2 ’...
Commendation for Tinbeerwah Residence
The Tinbeerwah Residence has received a commendation at the Australian Institute of Architects Sunshine Coast Regional Awards, held on 27 April 2012....
Site: Fitzgibbon update
Construction of the Fitzgibbon Community Centre continues of site with the project expected to reach completion in the first half of 2012.
The feature
RKA Bilingual Website 双语网站
The Richard Kirk Architect website is now bilingual. RKA的官方网站现已更新为中英文双语。
Information for all projects is available in both English and Chinese. Please use the control at the...
Green Star Approval for AEB
Richard Kirk Architect is pleased to announce that the new Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) for the University of Queensland (UQ) has received Green...
Richard Kirk interviewed in Monument Magazine
The April/May 2012 edition of Monument magazine features an interview with Richard Kirk. In the interview Richard discusses the experience of architecture in...
Trade Mission to China, April 2012
In April 2012, Richard Kirk will join a Queensland Government Trade Mission to western China and Hong Kong. This 10 day trip will focus on...
Lecture on Sustainable Universities
On 26 March 2012, Richard Kirk will deliver a guest lecture on ‘Creating Sustainable Universities’ for the Queensland University of Technology.
The lecture will focus on...
Richard reappointed to Board for Urban Places
RKA is pleased to announce that Richard Kirk has been reappointed to the Board for Urban Places for...
Team RKA Ride: Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge
On Sunday March 18 2012, Team RKA participated in the BDO Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge in aid of the Endeavour Foundation.
The 85km route started...
Richard reappointed to ULDA Design Review Panel
RKA is delighted to announce that Richard Kirk has been reappointed to the Urban Land Development Authority Design Review Panel.
Richard has...
National Architecture Conference
RKA is excited to announce that Richard has been selected as a key speaker for the 2012 National Architecture Conference to be held in...
Site: Fitzgibbon blade erection
Construction of the Fitzgibbon Community Centre reached a milestone last week when erection of the weathering steel blades was completed on site.
These sculptural blades...
Travel: Japan, February 2012
In February 2012, Luke Hayward briefly travelled to Japan, where he spent most time in and around Osaka.
A highlight of the trip was visiting the...
Travel: Vietnam, February 2012
RKA’s most recent graduate, Jonathan Ward, recently undertook a two week intrepid journey through Vietnam to celebrate the successful completion of his Master of Architecture....
Site: AEB timber truss prototype
A major part of the Advanced Engineering Building is the 500 seat auditoria and with vast open plan requirements a timber trussed roof system...
Site: LIB precast blades
Precast concrete sun-shading panels have been installed on the North and South facades of the Learning Innovation Building at the University of Queensland.
Press: Arbour House in H&G mag
Arbour House is featured in the February 2012 edition of House & Garden magazine. Written by Kate Nixon, the article...
Site: Fitzgibbon weathering steel
Construction of Fitzgibbon Community Centre continues on site, with the majority of the weathering steel external cladding now completed.
Weathering steel is a material with...
Site: Fitzgibbon blade prototype
The prototype blade for the Fitzgibbon Community Centre was erected on site this week. This prototype was installed to confirm the appearance and integrity...
Travel: Japan, December 2011
In December 2011, Mitch Reed enjoyed a brief tour of Japan, where he visited Kyoto and Tokyo.
Highlights included The Golden Pavillion, Ryoan-ji Temple, traditional...
Happy Holidays from RKA
Happy holidays and best wishes for 2012 from Richard Kirk Architect.
The office will be closed between Monday 19 December 2011 and Friday 6 January 2012.
Graduation: Jonathan Ward
December saw some success within the office with Jonathan Ward receiving the Karl and Gertrude Langer Memorial Design Prize and the John Simpson Book Prize...
Site: AEB Superlab Slab Pour
Construction of the University of Queensland’s Advanced Engineering Building reached a major milestone in December 2011 with the pouring of a feature floor plate for...
Team RKA ride: Brisbane to Gold Coast
On Sunday October 9 2011, Team RKA participated in the Wilson HTM Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge.
Perfect, warm weather set the scene...
Site: ABC Blade Installation
The 10mm thick 350 grade mild steel folded metal blades were installed on the NW and SW facades of the ABC building over...
Green Building Week 2011 Singapore
During the Singapore Green Building Week in 2011 Richard Kirk presented papers on sustainability imperatives in the University sector at the International Green Building Conference...
Tour: Tinbeerwah Residence
RKA were privileged to be approached by the Australian Architecture Association (AAA) to participate in a tour of selected...
RKA & ANS joint forum event in Shanghai
On 17 June 2011, Richard Kirk Architect and ANS jointly held a forum event in Shanghai on Design for Learning & Leisure.
The event focused...
Travel: China, April 2011
In April 2011, Mitch Reed enjoyed a brief tour of China.
Highlights included shuffling through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, exerperiencing the natural and...
Site: ABC Blade Prototype
RKA visited the Aclad factory in Wakerley, Brisbane to inspect a full-scale prototype of the folded metal blades that feature on the NW and...