The Age

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Client
Fairfax Holdings

Value
$220 Million

Architect
Hassell/Architetto Ken Sowerby

Client Needs
To develop a state of the art printing facility for the national newspaper group. The landmark building located on the main arterial freeway was required to be sufficiently transparent to enable viewing of the printing processes.

Bassett Solution
Bassett's are providing all building engineering consultancy services including a complete services infrastructure to support the state of the art printing and collating equipment.
A key feature of the site is the tall, illuminated, sculptured glass sign, in the shape of a rolled-up newspaper. Its intent is to create both a striking symbolic form and a welcoming gesture by The Age to visitors of Melbourne.

Value for Client
The building surfaces have been designed with a strong emphasis on life cycle cost analysis, reliability and environmental sensitivity.
The heart of both the building and printing process is the press hall. Large expanses of glass allow for this area to be lit such that the imposing presses and the dynamics of the printing process can be viewed from outside the building.