The Australian Academy of Science has teamed up with GHD to reimagine Canberra’s heritage-listed Shine Dome as a sustainability superstar.
In a project with the University of Canberra, GHD will research and develop optimal approaches for the conservation and sustainable management of Shine Dome.
Shine Dome, previously known as Becker House, was designed by Sir Roy Grounds in 1959 as a home for the Australian Academy of Science.
An engineering marvel dubbed the “Martian Embassy”, many people doubted it could be built. GHD says “nobody knew how to calculate the stresses created by a 710 tonne concrete dome balanced on 16 slender supports without collapsing”.
On completion the building boasted the largest dome in Australia. In 2005, it became Canberra’s first building added to the National Heritage List.
Today, it houses archive collections from Australia’s most famous scientists including Frank Fenner who helped eradicate smallpox.
GHD’s prior involvement with Shine Dome dates back to 1999, when it completed the building’s conservation management Plan.
Tai Hollingsbee, GHD’s national building engineering leader, says combining “innovative sustainability components within an existing heritage envelope is a special challenge”.
“We need to preserve the heritage value and at the same time represent the scientific innovation and experimentation that goes hand-in-hand with the Australian Academy of Science.”
Hollingsbee is recognised for his work in building physics, sustainability and the application of technology to improve performance outcomes across a diverse range of complex engineering projects.
Hollingsbee and his team will assess the internal and external fabric, building systems, operational profiles and forecast future uses to determine how best to replace old equipment and apply new technology without altering the design.
“We are looking forward to working with the Academy together with the University of Canberra and combining all of our expertise to achieve something special,” Hollingsbee says.
The complex project will take a full year to complete and is supported by the Australian Government under their Australian Heritage Grant Scheme.