Defence EP2 Building Upgrade

This project revitalises a 1940s heritage-listed building of significant historical importance to the State’s defence history and its connection to weapons testing near Woomera.

Stage One has delivered a full upgrade and fit out to half of the two-storey building, including its small basement, with Stage Two to follow. The original layout reflected its era, with a series of small cellular offices that had been incrementally modified over time, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent interior.
The new design reinterprets the building for contemporary workplace needs, aligning with the Defence Office Accommodation Guidelines. Open plan work areas are supported by a range of breakout and collaboration spaces, providing flexibility and encouraging interaction.

Meeting rooms are grouped within the central wing for efficiency and secure access. Timber screening elements bring warmth and texture while defining zones within the open environment. Externally, redundant services were removed and a new, consolidated air conditioning system installed, simplifying the building’s presentation and improving performance.

Sustainability was a key consideration, with the design achieving significant energy efficiency gains and incorporating recycled materials in line with Defence’s environmental policies.