PDARF Continued Construction

Our Pilbara Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility is moving forward with plenty of momentum, thanks to its time-efficient construction method and the tireless efforts of the builders on site.

Since the Cyclone Rusty scare in late February, we're proud to say PDARF has emerged unscathed and is coming along in leaps and bounds.Click here to see more photos of construction taking place - pictures say more than words!

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Port Hedland Golf Club

Formworks just can't seem to shake off the red dirt - keep an eye out as we post more information on our new Port Hedland Golf Club Masterplan.

Tentative details of the improved facilities for the Pilbara 18 hole course include a new member's bar and lounge, public access function room, pro shop, upgraded catering facilities, meeting room and outdoor function areas to take advantage of the amazing scenery that is the Pilbara.

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Lime Street in the Literature

More adulation for Formworks' Lime Street project has been recieved in the Summer 2013 edition of Architectural Review. Tahmina Maskinyar gave the project commendation in a thorough appraisal over 6 pages featuring some great photos of the East Perth building.

The review cements the St Bartholomew's House accommodation project in its position as a "game-changer" for social-housing architecture and highlights its many innovative attributes.

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Gumala Indigenous Housing

Our modular housing for Gumala Aboriginal Corporation has been in development for several months and the design is expected to be completed shortly.Extensive community consultation has been an integral aspect of the development of this innovative, low-cost and sustainable project.

The 3, 4 & 5 bed housing types for the South Hedland area will commence construction in the coming months; Gumala hopes to have constructed approximately 150 homes in the Pilbara region for the Traditional Owners and their families.

Breaking Ground at Clayton View & Middle Swan

The new Children & Family Centres for Clayton View and Middle Swan primary schools are on their way; Breaking Ground ceremonies took place at both sites recently in March, 2013, for the Department of Finance projects.

Both designs take influence from the indigenous 'Mia Mia', which translates into the buildings' form and transparency, including blurring the threshold between indoor and outdoor areas, creating a light and welcoming atmosphere.

BRW Praise for Kelly Rattigan

The October 2012 edition of BRW magazine has published a full page article on managing director Kelly Rattigan discussing her family history within the field of architecture and the accolades received by the recent Lime Street project.

Have a read of page 36 of the magazine and discover the link between Kelly and her great-great-grandfather, and his design for Perth that has finally come to fruition.

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Formworks in AR - September 2012

Look out for Formworks in issue 126 of Architectural Review (Asia Pacific) as our managing director Kelly Rattigan appears in the "One to Watch" section.

The 4-page article outlines Formworks' current ongoing projects, totaling upwards of $80 million, and has an insightful interview with Kelly about her experiences and aspirations within the profession.

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Breaking Ground at Yaandina Site

A great milestone has just been achieved in the Ground Breaking Ceremony at the site for Yaandina Family Centre's Frail & Aged Care Facility in the Pilbara town of Roebourne.

Our managing director Kelly Rattigan joined Yaandina CEO Veronica Rodenburg and Western Australian Minister for Regional Development, the Honourable Brendon Grylls MLA, to shift the first golden shovel's worth of earth at the commencement ceremony at the weekend. The 20 bed project will double the capacity of the old building and upgrade the facilities to provide improved care services for Aboriginal families in need.

PDARF Survives Cyclone Rusty

After a white-knuckled wait, good news has arrived that the Pilbara Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility has emerged unscathed from the threat of Cyclone Rusty on February 27th in Western Australia's north-west.

The lightweight construction techniques used to reduce the cost and carbon impact of the project was at serious risk of being picked up by the strong winds - potentially causing irreparable damage and delay. Fortunately the bracing and strapping workers applied to the partly constructed SIPS structures held them in place and the project can continue as planned!

2013: The Formworks Forecast

Formworks has enjoyed a strong start to 2013.

Visit the Projects page for an early look at some of the team's new projects, including new campground facilities on Rottnest, educational family centres for Clayton View and Middle Swan primary schools, a new golf club masterplan and a low-cost housing project in the South Hedland region to accompany Formworks' Pilbara Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility. And don't forget to watch this space to keep up to date on each project as it happens.

Bayonet Head Welcomes Public

The official opening of the Bayonet Head Shopping Centre marked the project's completion in January of 2013.

The project, while maintaining simple functionality and utility, breaks away from conventional shopping centre aesthetic with a lively façade and interior that demand attention and provide a pleasing atmosphere for the 4000m² retail facility. Visit the project page for details and photos.

Lime Street in the Limelight

St Bartholomew's House project in East Perth is now up-and-running and looks amazing.

The project broke new ground in Australia in the way it supports a socially sustainable community, and was one of only three buildings in Perth to be part of a special tour for delegates during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Thanks to Boral for the brilliant brickwork that makes this project stand out. Take a look at photos of the finished product as well as client feedback on the project page.

National Emerging Architect

After her winning of the Australian Institute of Architects' Emerging Architect Award in WA for 2011 nominated her for the national competition, Managing Director Kelly Rattigan has brought home more accolades for Formworks by garnering the National Emerging Architect Award for 2012.

The award citation noted 'The jury was exceedingly impressed with Kelly's substantial array of built work in aged care, health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities and social housing. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advocating and providing design for disadvantaged members of the community, particularly Indigenous and rural communities.'

A Very Formworks Christmas

We love a good Christmas celebration here at Formworks, and are festively pleased to announce the winner of the Formworks Christmas Decoration Give-away for 2012 was Ian Harwood from NDY. Ian correctly named the project breaking ground in aged care, crisis, transitional and long-term acommodation, which

And the winner is...

The buzz surrounding Lime Street and other Formworks projects has helped our Managing Director Kelly Rattigan take home the Australian Institute of Architects' Emerging Architect Award in WA for 2011. Kelly is now entered into the national award competition and will find out early next year if she has been successful.

2012: The Formworks Forecast

2012 is already shaping up to be a busy year for the Formworks team.

We are currently looking at a new project for St Bart's, as well as a youth accommodation project for Yaandina Family Services in the Pilbara.

Formworks' BIM expertise, which has been a focus for the last few years, has presented us with a number of exciting opportunities in consulting, facility management, and virtual teaming, which we will pursue in the new year.

Green Horizon

Horizon Power's Esperance Offices & Depot also reached Practical Completion earlier in the year.

The facility's green credentials (wind turbines, PV cells, stormwater harvesting, rain water collection and reuse) put a big smile on all our faces here at Formworks.

Lime Street nearing completion

St Bartholomew's Lime Street Project is nearing completion, with floor finishes and cabinetry being installed into the ground and first-floor aged-care rooms. The project will be the first in Australia to provide a facility for the homeless that combines crisis care, transitional care, long term accommodation, aged care (dementia specific) and offices for mental health services

Merredin SHS Dance Studio

Merredin SHS Dance Studio reached Practical Completion earlier in the year and 8 of the 9 BER (Building the Education Revolution) School Projects in Kalgoorlie have had their final certificate signed off. While some BER projects in the Eastern States were criticised as overpriced, our school projects were all completed within budget, and have been enthusiastically received by their local communities, which has been very rewarding for Formworks.

Bayonet Head Breaks Ground

Bayonet Head Shopping Centre in Albany has broken ground and Formworks' Steve Irvine (second from right) travelled to Albany last week to join the owners, the Cuscuna family, and key members of the local community, for the commencement of works ceremony.