Vision of the future for Dr Chau building
March 2014

It may still be six months away from completion, but UTS staff, students and members of the public can now get a close-up look of the landmark Dr Chau Chak Wing Building from our very own Tower.
 
Maquette of the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building (scale 1:100), western facade. Credit: Anna Zhu
Maquette of the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building (scale 1:100), western façade.Credit: Anna Zhu
 
A large, scale model of the building, created by Gehry Partners in the United States and generously funded by AMP Capital, has arrived at UTS. Located on level 4 of Building 1, near the entrance to the Chancellery, the maquette provides a unique opportunity to see what the finished building will look like on the inside and out, and within its surrounds. 
 

First curtain wall panels installed

While the undulating brickwork is the main feature of the building’s exterior, the façade also comprises large sections of angled glass, which will be just as striking.
 
Installation of the glass façade (Curtain Wall) has now commenced, with the first panels on the Mary Ann St side of the building now in place.
 
The glass panels will continue to be installed in sections, with the large glazed section along the western façade (Harris St) to be completed by about August 2014.
 

On the inside

Progress on the inside of the building is gathering pace:
 
  • Construction of perimeter glulam beams (laminated timber) for oval classrooms is nearing completion within level 2 and 3 atrium ‘void’
  • Following installation of all 150 beams, work will commence on the installation of the joists for the oval classrooms. These are essentially large timber beams that will form the support structure for the floor
  • Brickwork continued to sections of levels 6, 7 and 8
  • Substrate panels installed to level 12
  • Plasterboard on internal walls installed on level 4
  • Concrete poured to collaborative theatre on level 3
     

Upcoming milestones

  • Oval classrooms completed – mid April (structure), July (fit out)
  • Façade completed – August 2014
  • Practical completion – Mid-September 2014
  • Faculty relocation – October 2014 onwards
 
Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.