Maitland Administration Building

Maitland, NSW

About The Project

Mortlock Timber’s natural timber Proplank system slotted seamlessly into the Maitland Administration Centre, an integral part of the town’s revitalisation. The project embraced a forward-thinking workplace ethos, fostering a connected, collaborative environment that evoked community spirit and progress.

Guided by collaborative design principles with client and user input, the interiors aimed for positivity, authenticity, and inspiration. Personalisation was woven into the design to ensure a sense of belonging for both staff and the community, emphasising public accessibility, connectivity, flexibility, and wellbeing. The practical aspect prioritised user-friendliness, future-proofing, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Linking historic structures, the Centre enhanced accessibility and connectivity while showcasing a light-filled, versatile entry lobby that doubles as a public event space. Three commissioned artworks adorned this vibrant hub. The design further boasted a three-level open-plan office fostering activity-based work, equipped with meeting spaces, storage, and end-of-trip facilities.

Ultimately, the Centre emphasised public accessibility, collaboration, choice in workspaces, wellbeing, flexibility, and energy efficiency, serving as a pivotal public asset in Maitland’s heart.

The Australian Institute of Architects New South Wales chapter awarded the Newcastle Medal, the highest honour, to the Maitland Administration Centre, the new headquarters for Maitland City Council. The project, a collaborative effort between the council, BVN, PTW, and EJE, earned praise from the jury for its “graceful simplicity” and its “respect for Maitland’s history and future.”

In their citation, the jury praised the Maitland Administration Centre as a beacon of architectural prowess, reshaping the city’s civic identity. They hailed it as a masterful testament to architectural harmony, historical continuity, and functional excellence.