Kane Constructions was awarded a $7 million Lump Sum contract to deliver the RMIT B47 Multi-Faith & Wellbeing Centre, Main Works project. This project involved constructing a three-storey concrete and precast multi-faith center located within RMIT’s City Campus, designed to serve as a unified home for the diverse university community. The building features prayer spaces, ablution facilities, chaplaincy services, office areas, and multi-purpose spaces utilised by various faith and wellbeing groups.
Managing the project was challenging due to its location in a busy hub within the Carlton campus, bordered by Lygon, Victoria, Swanston, and Queensberry streets. Kane's project team worked closely with RMIT to deliver the project amidst these public and campus boundaries.
The architectural design of the building is a masterpiece, featuring large spaces that lead from a central spine and open staircase, which facilitates movement throughout the building and encourages respectful interactions between visitors. The internal finishes were chosen to a very high standard, including timber veneers, wall panelling, acoustic ceiling battens, bluestone floors, timber batten panelling, and soft furnishings. Detailed sampling and prototyping were undertaken to achieve best practice detailing between differing finishes and junctions.
Architectural features of the building include imported ceramic façade panels, angular sunshades, and a steel-framed window that highlights the feature staircase from the Orr Street frontage. The interior provides a sophisticated aesthetic with a balanced use of timber battens, exposed ceiling services, acoustic panelling, exposed concrete, and bluestone. The main prayer and multipurpose spaces offer large windows with views of the surrounding inner city.
This project was completed July 2023.
