Ballarat GovHub
- Bricks
- Krause Emperor Bricks in Terra Firma
- Design
- Wardle
- Build
- Kane Nicholson Joint Venture
- Photography
- Peter Bennetts
Ballarat GovHub rethinks the traditional commercial office, prioritising deep connections between the workplace and the public realm. Designed by Wardle, this striking five-storey complex moves away from the conventional glass box, opting instead for a highly sustainable mass timber structure and a zinc exterior. Intended to revitalise the local civic precinct, the building seamlessly integrates with the streetscape, encouraging pedestrian activity and community engagement.
To anchor this contemporary design within its historic context, Wardle turned to bespoke masonry. Our Krause Emperor Bricks in the earthy ‘Terra Firma’ blend were used to create tactile brick chambers at street level. The elongated profile of the Emperor brick brings a refined texture to the ground plane, while the natural warmth of the clay beautifully connects the new structure to the heritage brickwork of the adjacent Civic Hall.
"At street level, smaller brick chambers provide a tactile and engaging presence to house retail, community, and office activities. They also visually tie the precinct together, with brickwork being the dominant material of the old Civic Hall".
By grounding the modern form with authentic, handcrafted materials, the architecture bridges the gap between Ballarat’s rich heritage and its vibrant future. It is a brilliant example of a civic-minded workplace that delivers a positive urban impact.
