The Lovell Chen-designed extension to the Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute has been named a finalist in this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards, after nomination in the Built Environment category by our client, the City of Greater Bendigo. The contractor is Nicholson Construction. The new wing is certifiable Passive House standard, and it’s thought to be the first government building in the country to reach this level of energy efficient construction.
Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute extension | photo: courtesy City of Greater Bendigo
The extension is part of a revitalisation project that includes conservation and refurbishment works to fabric of the 1921 heritage building on the parkland site — a permanent memorial to those from Bendigo who served in the World War I. The new two-level Passive House wing will house a gallery and storage/preparation areas, and nestles behind the original building.
This project is also thought to be the first Passive House standard museum in the southern hemisphere. The official opening will take place later this year. More on Passive House.
www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au
The $4.5m revitalisation project is jointly funded by the federal and state governments, the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo District RSL and the local community.