Naala Badu (Sydney Modern)

Client:

Infrastructure NSW, Richard Crookes Constructions

Services:

Independent Commissioning Agent

The Art Gallery of NSW, a premier cultural institution in Australia, plays a pivotal role in showcasing both Australian and international art, enriching the experiences of its visitors. In 2013, the gallery unveiled plans for the $344 million Naala Badu project, previously known as Sydney Modern—a major expansion that aimed to double the gallery space, encompassing the construction of a new building, the revitalisation of the existing structure, and significant landscape work to create an art garden that harmoniously links the spaces. 

The project was delivered by Infrastructure NSW on behalf of the NSW Government, with designs by esteemed Japanese architects SANAA, and built by Richard Crookes Constructions. A key focus of the Naala Badu project was sustainability, and WT’s role was pivotal in ensuring that these goals were met. In 2020, WT was engaged by Infrastructure NSW and Richard Crookes Constructions as the Independent Commissioning Agent during the construction phase. Our commissioning involvement was crucial in ensuring that the sustainable building services’ operation enhanced, and did not compromise, the exacting environmental performance requirements. The commitment of all stakeholders to sustainability helped Naala Badu become the first public art museum in Australia to achieve a 6-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. 

The project presented unique challenges and ambitious goals in terms of design, construction, and sustainability, opening avenues for innovative solutions. Naala Badu’s exceptional location—situated between the Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens, on a naturally sloping site above Woolloomooloo and the Eastern Distributor motorway—required precision in all aspects of design and construction to integrate into the natural and urban environment. Compounding these challenges was the fact that the site was atop a decommissioned WWII naval oil tank. SANAA’s design, which featured interlocking pavilions of limestone and glass, large open spaces, and the re-use of the naval tank as an underground exhibition space, demanded that building services be adapted to these unique conditions. 

Leveraging our extensive experience in commissioning art galleries, we understood the critical need for precise temperature, air tightness and environmental controls to preserve art, ensure visitor comfort, and minimise energy consumption. Our deep understanding of the project’s requirements enabled us to foster effective collaboration between the client, subcontractors and the Gallery, ensuring all needs were met. 

The doors of Naala Badu were opened in December 2022. Once operational, we continued to partner with contractors to conduct comprehensive building and seasonal tuning, ensuring that all building services performed optimally under various conditions.  

We’re proud to have been a part of this once-in-a-generation transformation of the Art Gallery of NSW for millions more visitors to enjoy, delivering significant cultural, environmental, social and economic benefits for both NSW and Australia.