One of BVN Architecture 's most recent projects, the Belconnen Police Station in Canberra, has come to a close as the building has now officially opened.
The station was opened by the Minister for Police and Community Services, Mr Simon Corbell MLA. The building will fulfil a number of important roles that are typically associated with police stations, and will attract a number of users. These include those being held, victims of crime, visitors, volunteers and staff.
One of BVN Architecture’s key challenges was to create a secure building that could ensure protection and provide a workplace that caters to people who are often exposed to high levels of stress.
Mr. Matthew Blair, BVN Principal explained that “the decision was to make no difference in the quality of the design from the front to the back of the Belconnen Station.”
The Police Station is a highly modern building. It has amenities for the community and provides police with exceptionally easy access to holding cells and waiting cars when responding to emergency calls. A private central courtyard opening out from the staff meal room was also created and acts as a refuge for the on duty officers.
BVN Architecture opted for many natural materials that require minimal maintenance. These include brick walls that require little maintenance other than brushing off cobwebs, and pale coloured timber and plywood for stairs and corridors surrounding the central courtyard.
To ensure wellbeing in the workplace, the building was constructed in a manner that ensures maximum daylight to all working areas. Employees are protected from direct sunlight by virtue of geometrically bold white sunscreens.
The building is also quite energy-efficient, as the use of exposed brickwork increases thermal mass which minimises the need for heating and cooling. The building also has a solar hot water system, low-energy passive chilled beams, and rainwater is harvested for reuse.
According to Mr Blair, ‘The new Belconnen Police Station is designed for longevity, sustainability, functionality and is most importantly an investment in the ACT community.’
