The Engine Shed

The 100 seat auditorium within the main shed was built as a box-within-a-box, providing an adaptable venue that can open into the building to accommodate up to 200 people in a conference scenario.

Structurally, due to poor ground conditions, the new sheds required a piled foundation solution unusual for single-storey structures. Small diameter driven steel piles were adopted with a grid of ground beams carrying the new building loads. The sheds are of exposed glulam portal frame construction with expressed bolts. Engineered timber joists were utilised to accommodate long roof spans. A conservation led, light touch approach was taken in the conversion of the existing shed. Careful analysis of the existing roof trusses and their loading allowed for rejuvenation of the roof finishes.

Good conservation practices and sustainability were key considerations throughout the project with a holistic approach adopted by the whole design team.