2022 National Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture

Jury citation

The Foundry is a refined celebration of the expressive and structural possibilities of steel. Lead by FJMT Studio, the entire design team has pursued a path to reduce material quantity by honing and testing details, while exploiting the possibilities of steel.

Through linear roof lights supported by a delicate steel structure, an abundance of light permeates deep into the floor plans. Steel floor framing creates flexibility of both use and arrangement, future-proofing the building and allowing for expansion. Vertical movement via steel-framed lifts and stairs animates void spaces, creating a dynamic environment as well as sophisticated, respectful connections to existing adjacent factories.

Honestly expressed, The Foundry demonstrates the rigorous use of the structural properties of steel. The material is used in a variety of ways, contributing to large gestures as well as delicate and intimate experiences. Repetition and prefabrication creates lateral and economical solutions with maximum experiential appeal.

Project credits

Architect Lead FJMT Studio, FJMT Studio and Sissons (architects in association to DA); Project team Richard Francis-Jones, Sean McPeake, Soenke Dethlefsen, Steven Wu, Johnathan Lynn, Peter Dawson, Dev Tippur, Reiko Iwamoto, Grace Goh, Mahsa Alavi, Demas Rusli, Deni Mandrovski, Nick Sissons, Christian Cooksley; Builder Mirvac Construction; Access and building maintenance Mantech; Accessibility Morris Goding Access Consulting; BCA, PCA and CC Advance Building Approvals; Civil consultant AT and L; Dangerous goods ACOR Consultants; Developer Mirvac Projects; Electrical, ESD and hydraulic consultant, fire and mechanical engineer, lifts Arup; Facade Surface Design Consulting; Fire sprinklers DP Consulting Group; Heritage consultant Curio Projects; Interior designers Davenport Campbell, FJMT Interiors; Landscape architect Aspect Studios; Project manager CBRE; Structural engineer Enstruct; Signage FJMT Studio; Traffic GTA Consultants; Waste consultant Waste Audit; Wind, reflectivity CPP Wind Engineering Consultants

The Foundry is located in South Eveleigh, New South Wales on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.