Article first appeared in Architecture AU
BVN has completed five new buildings in a precinct called Kambri for the Australian National University in Canberra. Constructed by developer Lendlease, the precinct is one of the largest building projects in Canberra since the construction of New Parliament House.
“This precinct is innovation rich,” said BVN lead architect and co-CEO Ninotschka Titchkosky. “It incorporates two of Australia’s largest mass timber construction buildings, the 450-bed student accommodation and the 5-storey collaborative teaching building. Both buildings set a new standard for reduced carbon footprint, construction innovation, and wellness.”
The precinct also includes native trees, a bush food garden and an Indigenous heritage walk.
“We wanted to make sure Kambri would reflect the Indigenous history and culture of the area so we have been working closely with the local Indigenous families to incorporate a number of elements into the precinct,” said ANU vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt.
“They came together to design and create a magnificent ground map that tells the story of the local indigenous cultural landscape featuring stories, connections and cultural activity around Kambri.”
“Each building pushes the boundary in its own way,” said Titchkosky, “from sustainability, materiality and technology, to the multi-dimensional experience created within each space. An incredible team of visionaries, designers, contractors and placemakers worked with the University to realise the precinct.”