The National Herbarium of NSW houses a growing collection of over one million plant specimens - one of the most significant botanical resources in the Southern Hemisphere. The new state-of-the-art Herbarium facility joins the award-winning Australian PlantBank at Mount Annan, to ensure the survival of plants and build more resilient ecosystems for future generations.
The project represents the results of a true ECI public + private partnership to design and construct an incredibly unique vision, whilst satisfying a very complex life sciences and research functional brief, as well as pioneering new sustainable materials in demanding applications for the first time in the Australian commercial scale built environment. 
That it was all executed on time, on budget, and during COVID lockdowns and supply chain issues, is testament to the passion and expertise of the assembled team.
The judges were impressed by the development of the heavy steel structure to a light tensioned frame structure saving 80 tonnes of weight, and at the same time enhancing the effect of the large span fly roof. The roof provides environmental protection to the rammed earth vaults. 
This impressive construction project will endure for generations to come. It was a clear winner in this category.