Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law
The Brisbane Supreme and District Courts is one of the largest court structures in Australia. Bound by George, Roma and Herschel Streets, the legal precinct also includes the existing Magistrates Court and completes an entire city block with a new public Square off the main entrance.
As a result of our expertise in designing courts and secure environments, lead designers Architectus engaged Guymer Bailey Architects to collaborate on the design of this significant structure and capture the values of justice, fairness and openness. The L-shaped design includes 64,000 square metres of floor space spread over 17 storeys, and comprises of 39 courtrooms, including a large ceremonial court, library, and various support services, as well as landscaped internal and external gardens and courtyards, a café and accommodation for 69 judges.
Unlike courts past, these courtrooms all capture natural light while still providing controlled privacy through fritted glass and blinds within the double skinned glass facade system. Based on sustainable design principles, the court building also features this double glazed façade for sun and heat control,
subfloor services and air distribution, green walls, and a vertical garden trellis spanning 20 metres.
Stage A works included the refurbishment and extension of an existing two-storey classroom block as well as the construction of a new covered walkway through the centre of the school.
PROCESS
Working in collaboration with Architectus, Guymer Bailey provided design for the custodial areas of the Shepparton Law Courts as well as input into resolving the complex circulation paths throughout the building.
METHODOLOGY
The brick building base honours the memory of the older country court houses, while the new five-storey courts building provides a contemporary expression for the open and transparent delivery of justice. This continues through to the lobby, which is inspired by the ancient River Red Gum, and provides a warm welcoming meeting place.
AWARDS
2013
Australian Institute of Architects
Public Architecture Category – National Award
2013
Australian Institute of Architects
Public Architecture Category – Brisbane Regional Commendation
2012
Queensland Master Builders
Award for Innovation in Environmental Management – Winner
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
The Yuggera People
COMPLETION
2012 (in association with Architectus)
LOCATION
Brisbane, Queensland
CLIENT
Queensland Government
PROJECT CONTACT
PHOTOGRAPHY
John Gollings
VALUE OUTCOMES
“GB-A were an absolute pleasure to work with. The team on site and in the office never cut corners and were committed to delivering a very high quality project.”
Jim Spainard, Golburn Enterprise
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology. Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy.
PRINCIPLES OF PASSION
During the design process, our project team not only considers the physical context of the designs but also examines the social and cultural context. Through every design, we look for ways to inspire positive attitudes, behaviours and emotional responses in people to encourage the responsible use of resources, increase cooperation among occupants, and communicate the values of society and cultural diversity.
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology.
We design built environments from a holistic, sustainable perspective: each project reconciles ecological and social impacts within the current economic climate. We holistically evaluate environmental, cultural and financial sustainability in every task we undertake.