Macquarie University’s Michael Kirby Building—home to its new law school—was one of the standout winners from last year’s Australian Timber Design Awards, securing both the People’s Choice and Best Public Building categories. Beating out hundreds of entries nationwide, the four-storey structure was celebrated at The View, one of Sydney’s most iconic venues.
Designed by Hassell and built by FDC Construction, the building is anchored by a lightweight cross-laminated timber (CLT) system. It represents a bold fusion of architectural innovation, adaptive reuse, and legacy. Named after the Honourable Dr Michael Kirby AC CMG, Australia’s longest-serving judge and Macquarie University Chancellor from 1984 to 1993, the building reflects both his legal legacy and personal journey. Dr Kirby was the first justice in Australia to come out as a gay man publicly, and one of the lecture theatres is named in honour of Johan van Vloten, his husband and partner of more than 50 years.
“Naming it after them celebrates their contributions to society and the diversity of our university,” said Professor Lise Barry, Dean of Macquarie Law School, who officially opened the building in March. “It’s a great recognition of their partnership and what they achieved, and we’re very proud of that.”
The 8,600-square-metre building was constructed on the foundations of the original law school, retaining elements of the 1980s off-form concrete structure. Hassell described the project as an “adaptive reuse of an existing ground and first-floor concrete structure,” transforming the former administration centre into “a more expansive and flexible four-storey building featuring a lighter, timber-framed structural system and glazed façade.”
Taylor Thomson and Whitting (TTW), who provided structural, civil, façade, and construction engineering services, noted that “utilising lightweight and quick-to-construct mass timber was pivotal to the project’s success.” A key constraint was the Epping to Chatswood rail corridor running directly beneath the building’s footprint: “From our studies, the most feasible pathway forward would be an adaptive reuse methodology for the site,” TTW explained. “The existing concrete was retained to the first floor, with three levels of mass timber being constructed in its place, adding an extra storey onto the building and enclosing the central courtyard to form a new atrium.”
The lightweight nature of the timber system reduced the need for extensive structural reinforcement. “A careful load-balancing exercise was undertaken to demonstrate that the larger building would not impact the existing rail corridor, therefore streamlining the approvals process,” TTW added.
The Michael Kirby Building is more than just a law school—it’s a hub for interdisciplinary research and student connection. According to Albert Atkin, Deputy Dean of Education and Employability at Macquarie’s Faculty of Arts, “Collaboration and innovation are central to the design of the Michael Kirby Building. It is a space to inspire, energise and excite us about the future of the arts, humanities and social sciences.”
Professor Barry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the building’s serene atmosphere: “There’s an amazing sense of light and being connected to nature. That’s fitting since we’ve got the oldest centre for environmental law in Australia. It creates this sense of calm and peace.”
Fast-forward to October, and the building is now alive with activity. The ground floor features large lecture theatres and teaching spaces, while levels one and two house the Law Commons, academic offices, and specialist law teaching facilities. The top level offers a terrace and event spaces, with tutorial rooms equipped with advanced technology to enhance learning. “This is where students can study together and provide support to each other,” said Professor Barry. “In ten years, these might be some of the most important connections you have when your colleagues are in positions of influence.”
About the Australian Timber Design Awards and the People’s Choice Awards
The Michael Kirby Building was a clear favourite at last year’s Australian Timber Design Awards. “The Michael Kirby Building, along with the Australian Embassy Building in Washington—crowned the overall winner—were the standouts from last year,” said Kylan Low, an organiser of the awards.
The People’s Choice Award is designed to raise the profile of Australian Timber Design Awards participants among the public and the built environment industry. The award has been held annually since 2000 and opens each year following the blind judging process. Voting for the 2025 People’s Choice Award is now open. Participants, friends, family, and industry affiliates are encouraged to show their support and celebrate excellence in timber design.
