Beginning work in October 2008, the new 65,000 square metres of floor space spread over 19 floors cost $570 million, with construction taking four years to complete. Opened on 3 August 2012, the court began operation later that month. The new court complex creates a unique legal precinct linking a landscaped public square to the existing Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Designed by Architectus Brisbane & Guymer Baily Architects, the project was won after a design competition, and provides a dramatic shift from traditional court design. The building has a double skin glass façade with integrated screening and glass fritting to achieve shading and light control. Making full use of natural light, the public spaces, courtrooms, and private offices open up to these double façade courtyards where the inclusion of garden and Ronstan Vertical Garden Green Sculptures responds to the character of the sub-tropical environment in Brisbane, and promotes healthy workplaces.
Subcontracted to Lendlease Ronstan installed these striking feature green columns to the courtyards. The most visible and prominent courtyard being visible from Roma Street, with the vertical garden trellis spanning 20 meters from Level 12 through to 17. The sculptures are designed using 3-cable clusters with staggered stainless steel rings to brace, and have a timed water system neatly installed to one cable.
The result is spectacular – with the green growth approximately three-quarters of the way grown after only just 2 years.