Chau Chak Wing Museum

An incredibly complex project, the structural engineering of the concrete box was an unequivocal mastery of the art. Below the box, additional concrete precast elements were re-engineered to suit the preferred build methodology, and the majority of in-ceiling services were cast-in to the Level 4 concrete slab, meaning all the plasterboard could be deleted; a major achievement.

The unique project also aimed to achieve a 100-year design life of the structure, longevity FDC enacted by galvanising 25% of the reinforcement. These efforts in structural engineering ensure the museum will be of long-term cultural and heritage significance to both the University and the wider community.

FDC’s expertise was demonstrated in how our team delivered on design, with the University’s Chief University Infrastructure Officer Greg Robinson stating, “The architectural aspirations of the building have been delivered without compromise, showcasing some of the finest off form concrete finishes – externally and internally – that we have seen in NSW.”

FDC are proud to have delivered such an iconic project for our esteemed client, the University of Sydney, to their high architectural, safety, cost management and communication standards. “We [the University of Sydney] have found them [FDC], yet again, to be a reliable delivery partner, with safety, quality and relationships at the forefront of their business priorities… FDC have excelled on this iconic building,” Greg Robinson comments.

On the impact of the museum, donor Dr Chau states, “It is my sincere hope that the Chau Chak Wing Museum not only directly benefits Sydney’s cultural landscape and emerging generations who seek knowledge, but also indirectly encourages others to contribute meaningfully to the enrichment of Australia’s arts and culture.”

The Chau Chak Wing Museum was delivered alongside Johnson Pilton Walker, Northrop, IGS, NDY and Coffey.

The museum was completed to the Gold Level Standard of the University’s Sustainability Framework model, equivalent to the GBCA’s Greenstar rating.