17 June 2013

Ted Adams & Mark Grigsby attended the recently convened CEFPI conference for educational research held in Auckland New Zealand.

The theme of the Auckland conference is 'Disruption', for New Zealand and its neighbours around the Pacific. Natural disasters have been common and collective experience in recent years. When facilities have to be refurbished or replaced it is a significant obligation to ensure that the new spaces are better and not a clone of the past.

Three very interesting keynote speakers, Christian Long, Mark Treadwell and Mike Anderson.

Christian Long is an educator, school planner, technology expert, passionate advocate for innovative learning communities, and educational futurist. Christian works for Cannon Designís global education group where he helps to lead The Third Teacher + studio. Additionally, he was the founder of Be Playful, a collaborative educational design agency and founder/co-developer of Prototype Design Camp, an innovative national design program for young creatives, collaborating on real problems in the real world in real time. Additionally, Christian speaks nationally and internationally on topics ranging from emerging trends in education, 21st Century technology and social media, and innovative school planning practices.

Mark Treadwell is an independent consultant who has addressed over 200 regional, national and international conferences/seminars over the last five years. He speaks on the transformation of education required in order to address the issues of the current paradigm shift in education and the changes in teaching and learning practices necessary for todayís learners. Mark has completed extensive research into the future of schooling, curriculum design, neuroscience, technology and the impact these have on teaching and learning practices. He has written two major literature reviews on the future of education and how the brain learns as well as developing a global conceptual curriculum and the KnowledgeNET online learning environment.

Mike Anderson is Principal at Waimairi Primary School and an avid promoter of the use of ICT in primary school teaching. Mikeís school of over 500 students was hit hard in the February earthquake and the story he told of how they functioned and worked through the disaster was enlightening. His work on keeping his community together and basing it on strong learning has been recognised throughout Christchurch.

27 May 2013

A recent Aged Care INsite article hightlights the major trends in Aged Care Design as Australia's post-war generation enters their senior years. 

smith+tracey Director, Mark Grigsby discussed the trends he is observing with Aged Care INsite, noting the need for designs to offer optimal high-care facilities that incorporate technology to enable ease of communication for residents and staff.

Read the article here.

New Office in Sydney and a Re-located Office in Brisbane

March 2013

smith+tracey have opened new offices in Sydney and QLD.

We welcome back Denise Matovic who along with Mark Grigsby is getting us up and running in our new office in Sydney.

Our Queensland office has also relocated to Hendra. The new location allows us direct connectivity to the freeway system North-South and into Brisbane City.

Manorvale Primary School Gymnasium

March 2013

A recently completed smith+tracey project; Manorvale Primary School Gymnasium was officially opened by Labor MP and Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard under the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution Fund. The $2 million basketball hall and multi-purpose facility was originally 2 weeks from completion when an arsonist burnt it to the ground. smith+tracey director Mark Grigsby and Dieter Ruff from Johns Lyng attended the opening ceremony (pictured).

New Opportunity for Alice Springs

March 2013

smith+tracey is assisting the Uniting Church of Australia + Alice Springs Town Council with a bid for federal funding to redevelop the Town Centre incorporating a new ‘meeting place’,
community Hall + mixed use development.

New Opportunity

March 2013

smith+tracey is happy to provide Architectural Services proposed for Woombye Care incorporated.

Woombye C.A.R.E, is a residential aged care facility located on the Sunshine Coast. Situated in a serene, rainforest setting minutes from the quaint township of Woombye and less than 80 minutes from Brisbane, Woombye C.A.R.E provides quality care for elderly and disabled people seeking accommodation in a caring, homelike atmosphere.

10th Annual SCC (Vic) / Aitken Partners Corporate Charity Golf Day 2013

March 2013

We are fortunate that all our fundraising events are generously supported by our corporate partners, staff members and the families of residents and clients.

As a not for profit organisation, SCC (Vic) does not receive specific capital funding from Government for large redevelopments of residential aged care homes or for the purchase of equipment. We, like other aged care providers, are required to fund capital purchases from our operational funds. Consequently we rely on the generosity of friends, partners (sponsors) and the community to assist us support clients and residents to lead fulfilling lives.

SCC (Vic) recognises smith+tracey architects as a 2013 Silver Partner for the second time.  smith+tracey architects are supporting our work with older Australians and have committed to SCC (Vic) for another year.  smith+tracey’s approach to residential aged care is to embrace the varying needs of elderly Australians in 2013.

Pasi Sahlberg
Director General of CIMO
(in the Ministry of Education) in Helsinki, Finland.

October 2012

Pasi Sahlberg visited the smith+tracey offices for a one to one discussion to give us an insight into education and Finland’s approach to education, success in their systems and how Architects are providing learning environments to encourage a new way of learning.

Pasi Sahlberg has experience in classroom teaching, training teachers and leaders, coaching schools to change and advising education policy-makers around the world. Dr. Sahlberg has lived and worked in the United States (World Bank in Washington DC) and Italy (European Commission). He is an international keynote speaker and has published over 100 articles, chapters and books, among them "The Fourth Way of Finland" (2011), "Rethinking accountability in a knowledge society" (2010), "Creativity and innovation through lifelong learning" (2009), and "Education Reform for Raising Economic Competitiveness" (2006). He earned PhD from the University of Jyväskylä (Finland) in 1996. Dr. Sahlberg is a member of the Board of Directors of ASCD and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki and the University of Oulu. His latest book is "Finnish Lessons: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland?"

Visit www.pasisahlberg.com for more information

smith+tracey welcomes our new
Design Director David Roberts.

October 2012

David joined smith+tracey in 2007 and in July 2012 took on the challenging role as Director of the Design Unit.

He brings a rigorous commitment to design excellence and detail, and aims to further develop smith+tracey’s integrated design approach to all projects.

Regis Mountain View, Kuluin

04 October 2012

Congratulations to Integral Construction for winning the 2012 Master Builders Queensland Award, Sunshine Coast in the Lifestyle Housing for Seniors category.

The project won the 2012 MBA State Award.

863 High St, Armadale

14 September 2012

Congratulations to Beacon Construction for winning the 2012 Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards with smith+tracey 863 High St Armadale project.

The Category Award was for Commercial Construction in the $10 Million to $50 Million for 863 High St Armadale.

Construction is well underway on Southern Cross Care’s new Keon Park aged care residence

May 2012

Designed by smith+tracey, this new building will accommodate new residents, as well as residents relocated from the aging SCC Macleod site, the new building is sited on the old St Mary’s primary school site, situated amongst residential properties and adjacent to a small retirement village. This unique site has two street frontages.

The complex houses 6 separate residential spaces accommodating a total of 96 beds, comprising dementia, low and high care accommodation. Support facilities include lifestyle luxuries including chapel, library/cinema, private dining areas, a café, hairdresser and a well being/activities area including consulting rooms.  Also located on site and integrated within the building are the local community care offices for the SCC organisation incorporating training areas, as well as a fully functioning commercial kitchen and laundry to service the aged care facility.

The building has been designed to integrate into the residential community in which it resides, with a mixture of single and double storey components separated by extensively landscaped courtyards. Design cues include pitched skillion roof areas and brick walls to reflect the mainly residential setting, along with modern residential highlights such as rendered and corrugated iron walls.  Entry to the facility is via an opening between stone faced walls, into a double height lobby framed around an internal timber lined stair. The chapel space opens out into the main lobby via an acoustic folding wall. Moving past the “green wall” with live plants through the two storey void, access is available to all 6 residential spaces direct off the main lobby area.

Environmentally friendly features of the building include substantial landscaping areas that are planted with drought proof plants, rainwater collection for re-use in the site laundry, extensive thermal insulation, solar hot water heating, double glazed windows, thermal glazing and energy efficient lighting.

Private external landscape areas provide comfort and security to the residents, whilst also providing a link and connectivity to the broader community.

Completed: Under Construction.  Budget: $12.0m

Southern Cross Care, VIC

9 May 2012

Thank you to smith+tracey for your commitment and support as a partner with the Southern Cross Care (Vic)/Aitken Partners 2012 Mothers Day Brunch!

As a not for profit aged care service organisation, SCC (Vic) does not receive any specific capital funding from Government for large redevelopments of residential aged care homes or for the purchase of equipment.  We, like other aged care providers, are required to fund capital purchases from our operational funds. Consequently we rely on the generosity of friends, partners (sponsors) and the community to assist us support clients and residents to lead fulfilling lives.

Over $20,000 was raised on the day which will be go to support our Imagine Fund which provides vital resources, equipment and support to older people in our care who are isolated or experiencing financial difficulties. Your support has made this possible.

On behalf of the entire team at SCC (Vic) thank you again for your valuable support.

Macedon Ranges, VIC

April 2012

Mark Grigsby did the Macedon Ranges bike ride for MS research. 135km starting from Gisbourne to Daylesford to Kyneton then over Mt Macedon and back to Gisbourne – 5hours 23minutes.

100% of the profits raised are used for community and other charitable projects supported by Rotary.

The major cause supported is Multiple Sclerosis, which is a debilitating disease of the nervous system affecting an estimated 18,000 Australians. This is the fifth year for this event and smith+tracey hopes to keep riding in the future for MS.

Heritage Golf and Country Club, Chirnside Park

April 2012

smith+tracey are sponsors for Baptcare and Medirest Charity Golf Day held at Heritage Golf and Country Club, Chirnside Park.

Another very successful golf day and thank you, sincerely for smith+tracey’s wonderful sponsorship of this event.    

The gross amount raised was $40,716  and with costs taken out we have the wonderful sum of $25,481 to go towards Baptcare Sanctuary  which provides supported transitional accommodation for male asylum seekers living lawfully in the community awaiting the outcome of their Protection visa application.

Kolbe College, Greenvale Lakes, VIC

April 2012

Our recent Industrial Arts Centre project, Kolbe College was featured on IndesignLive.com, 2construct.com.au and Architectureanddesign.com.au

The inspiration behind the Kolbe Industrial Arts Centre is to celebrate creativity, the physical environment and the spaces students learn, design and create in.

You can see more images of this project here.

St. Mary’s Primary School In Greensborough Victoria

March 12, 2012 

Although they completed this project in 2010, I wanted to share the designing genius of smith+tracey Architects with you all. The company recently completed the architecture and interior design of St .Mary’s Primary School, Greensborough, Victoria using inspiration from the external environment of Greensborough; a leafy north eastern suburb of Melbourne. They wanted the interior of the building to reflect on the buildings surroundings and to create “an engaging learning environment for the students of St Mary’s”. Similarly, the architecture utilized the natural context of it’s sitting.

Read more on www.childmode.com

Mackay Airport, QLD

21 December 2011

Virgin Australia’s all-new lounge at Mackay Airport, designed by smith + tracey Architects, is now open.

Despite its compact size, the new Mackay lounge – located opposite Gate 2 – incorporates fresh design. The open space is neatly segmented into a series of discrete 'zones' for working and relaxing.

Olinda Tea House

31 October 2011

The winners of the 2011 Timber Design Awards were announced at a ceremony at Chapter House in Melbourne on 18 October. Olinda Tea House won the award for Best Use of Engineered Timber. 

The 2011 Australian Timber Design Awards magazine, featuring Olinda Tea House, is now available online. It showcases this year's winners in all categories, with photos of all entries.

Hoppers Crossing Secondary College

01 July 2011

A recently completed smith+tracey project; Hoppers Crossing Secondary College was officially opened by Labor MP and Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard under the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution Fund. The $2 million science centre features state-of-the-art instruments and equipment to inspire and challenge students in science-based subjects. smith+tracey Director Mark Grigsby, and architects Imacus Ling and Matthew Kearney attended the opening ceremony (pictured).

Olinda Tea House, Olinda.

27 June 2011

smith+tracey Architects were honored to be invited to the Grand Opening of the new Olinda Tea House & Wellness Centre. The new $2.6m building designed by smith+tracey Architects is situated on a picturesque sloping site on the Mt Dandenong Ranges and combines a glazed pavilion aesthetic with floating butterfly roof and a rich textural composition of natural materials.

Located at 86A Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda, Victoria, the Tea House is now open to the public.

www.olindateahouse.com.au

Yangzhong Island, China.

1 March 2011

smith+tracey Architects have utilised their green building expertise in preparing a Sustainable Building Methodology for the Master Plan Development of Yangzhong Island, China. The Island project has been identified as a great opportunity to create a medium sized City based upon the principles of sustainability.

This recent submission, focuses on passive technologies such as biomimicry, green spines, adaptability of use and futureproofing buildings and forms a comprehensive environmental strategy for the Chinese government. We are proud to be collaborating within an (AUS) Australian consortium and leading the architecture and building component of this development methodology.

Mercy Place, Parkville, VIC

23 November 2010

smith+tracey is proud to announce that Mercy Place Parkville has won the Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) 2010 Building Award for New Standard Building.

Mercy Place Parkville offers 24-hour high, low, respite and dementia specific care within a warm, home like environment. This state of the art 140 bed facility also includes 40 Extra Service beds for residents seeking that little bit extra in hotel services such as fine dining and access to a private rooftop club room with sweeping views of the Melbourne skyline.

The use of color and design both internal and external was considered to be superior and created a feeling of space and light over a multi floor construction.

Complimenting Mercy Place is a multi-storey independent living apartment facility consisting of 48 apartments. This apartment facility connects directly into the aged care residence affording additional security and access to 24 hour nursing and catering assistance.

Working in conjunction with L.U. Simon, smith+tracey’s services included master planning, architecture, interior design and full F.F&E coordination and installation. This integated approach allowed a holistic project delivery.

St Mary's Primary, Greensborough, VIC

20 February 2011

This week our recent project, St Mary's Primary School was featured on Design-Milk.com, Notcot.org and Indesignlive.com. 

This is a colourful and engaging new learning environment for St Mary's Primary School in Greensborogh, Victoria which was completed in late 2010. You can see more images of this project here.

Upcoming Charity Golf Day - 8 April 2011

smith+tracey are major sponsors for the upcoming Baptcare and Medirest Charity Golf Day to be held at Heritage Golf and Country Club, Chirnside Park.

Baptcare cares for children, families, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities and asylum seekers. The costs of operating programs consistently and substantially exceed the levels of government funding received, placing constant pressure on Baptcare to reduce service levels. Some programs, such as Sanctuary (supported accommodation for asylum seekers), receive no Government funding at all. For the last two years Baptcare has held a golf day as a major fundraiser to assist in meeting gaps in funding.

smith+tracey are looking forward to this fantastic event.

To find out more go to www.baptcare.org.au. 

Regis Aged Care, Armadale, VIC

Source: The Age

1 September 2010

A new Armadale Aged Care development puts modern seniors close to the action. It's the new face of aged care. The building is more like a boutique hotel, and rises six storeys. Cafe, hairdresser, a concierge, fine dining, guest accommodation, good views - and 24-hour medical service - are all there.

''We aim to get a 'wow' factor,'' said architect Geoff Foord, who is a director of smith+tracey architects. ''It's designed to support independence in people.''

The $15 million Regis Aged Care development in Armadale - on Dandenong Road, near the Glenferrie Road intersection - is nearing completion. With its sleek, modern look and landscaped garden, it's a long way from the ''mock Tudor'' look of many centres that cater for the elderly. Mr Foord is sure it represents a trend in aged accommodation.

''In the modern city, people in their 40s and 50s are used to living in apartments in the CBD or city fringe,'' he told BusinessDay. So when it comes to old age, people are more prepared to live in a similar way.

The move towards multi-storey aged accommodation has also been propelled by the fact that the inner city does not have the larger land areas required for traditional retirement or aged-care settlements.

''The smaller site means you have more density of construction. You've got to go up,'' said Brian Sands, managing director of APM, the Richmond-based company building the aged-care facility for Regis.

Together with the high-care services needed in the centre, ''there is a need for dense volume on site'', he said. This included a basement for car parking and building services such as laundry and kitchen.
The Regis centre comes with a range of sustainability features - stormwater retention, irrigated landscaped gardens, the use of recycled water in the laundry, and automatic systems to regulate heating, cooling and lighting.

St Lukes Primary School, Blackburn South, VIC

12 May 2010

A surprise visitor to the opening of St Lukes Discovery Centre caused a bit of a stir last week. Our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd officially opened the centre last Friday. Read Article or view project here.

Blue Care Labrador Gardens receives a Commendation in the Qld Chapter of the Awards for Public Architecture in the Gold Coast Region.

30 April 2010

smith+tracey are excited to announce that Blue Care Labrador Gardens received a Commendation in the QLD Regional Chapter for Gold Coast at the AIA Awards 2010.

Well Done to everyone involved in the project which has been described as a cutting edge aged care residence. A big thankyou to the wonderful people at Blue Care who without their vision this project would have not been possible. View project on smith+tracey here or visit AIA website to read jury citations here.

Regis Wentworth Manor in NSW was the winner of the Renovated Building Category

16 November 2009

Regis Wentworth Manor, NSW was the winner of the Renovated Building Category in the ACAA Awards 2009. Well Done to everyone who was involved in the project.

Regis Parkland Manor and Blue Care Labrador Gardens were shortlisted in the New Building Category. Blue Care Labrador Gardens received high commendation for its integration of external and internal environments.

Blue Care Labrador Gardens was this years winner in the Master Builders Award 2009

September 2009

Blue Care Labrador Gardens was this years winner in the Master Builders Award 2009 winning not only Gold Coasts Health & Education projects over $20million but also Gold Coasts Project of the Year.  A nice achievement for all involved. View project.