Darug people of Dharug Country
NSW
As the first completed building in Australia’s newest city—Bradfield City Centre—the First Building is more than just a landmark for Western Sydney—it’s a bold statement about the future of the built environment. Designed with adaptability, circularity, and resilience, it sets a new benchmark for how cities can grow sustainably.
A flexible modular system allows for disassembly, expansion, or relocation while natural materials including timber, bamboo and rammed earth connect to Dharug Country and reduce embodied carbon. Recycled ‘Green Ceramic’ tiles minimise waste and extend the life cycle of resources. Passive design strategies—a central ventilation spine, bio-solar PV roofing, and native landscaping—reduce heat, enhance energy efficiency, and promote connection with the environment.
Housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), First Building demonstrates how urban development can respect and integrate with the natural environment and is proof that great design and sustainability effectively correlate.
_“The First Building at Bradfield City Centre is a milestone achievement that will accelerate innovation across the manufacturing sector in Western Sydney and beyond. First Building and the AMRF are set to become magnets for investment, create skilled jobs and drive the NSW economy.
Designed to address climate impacts now and into the future, First Building sets an incredible benchmark for future development in Australia’s first new city in 100 years.” _Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison
Liz Westgarth, Design Director
Jeff Morgan, Principal in Charge
Yann Frampton, Project Architect
Federico Riches, Senior Designer
Jon Hazelwood, Principal Landscape
Michael G. White, Landscape
Public Works NSW, Project Manager
Hassell, Interior Designer
Enstruct (WSP) / Northrop, Structural Engineer
Surface, Façade Engineer
Flux / Northrop, ESD Consultant
WT Partnership, Quantity Surveyor
Hassell, Landscape Consultant
Djinjama, Indigenous Cultural Adviser
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
