An environmentally sound product

Jamie Oliver’s very first Ministry of Food, located in Ipswich, Queensland, is all about getting people cooking again by teaching them the basics: how to cook, how to shop, and how to enjoy food in a way that benefits not only individuals, but also their families.

Despite the abundance of reality cooking shows on television, and the apparent availability of food education, obesity in Australia is epidemic. The entire premise of the Ministry of Food project is to combat this growing problem.

Providing a functional environment for food education and preparation was key, as was ensuring the kitchen design and construction mirrored the Ministry of Food’s values.

In designing the kitchen there has been a clear focus on the responsible use of recycled, re-used, and rescued elements that have gone together to create the perfect cooking and educational environment.

As a clear reflection of the continuing work and passion Kennedy’s dedicates to recycled timber, having been recently awarded the 2010 ENERGEX Innovation in Sustainability Award, Kennedy’s was proud to supply the timber benchtops used in the first Ministry of Food kitchen here in Australia.

To look at the beautiful Spotted Gum and Ironbark benchtops, the first thing that comes to mind certainly isn’t recycled power poles. It is a fact though; this is precisely their origin.

Retired power poles from around Ipswich were used to fabricate the benchtops, no mean feat given the expertise and skill required to bring the timber up to Australian standards for food preparation surfaces.
Kennedy’s have invested substantially in the know-how and processes required to provide such incredibly high quality recycled timber products.

The Ministry of Food project is a typical demonstration of the work Kennedy’s does in transforming previously employed timber and repurposing it into a public use, heavy wear, and environmentally sound end product.

Links:

www.ministryoffood.com

www.greenerkitchens.com.au

showcasing an extensive use of recycled timber

Australia’s newest and largest pub was officially opened on 2nd April 2011. The outstanding development was the inspiration of the environmentally conscious family owned Comiskey Group. Australia’s “Monster Pub” has 100 beer taps surpassed in Queensland only by Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba!

Development commenced in the midst of the global financial crisis. Robert Comiskey of the Comiskey Group stated that he had confidence in the area and decided to take a “leap of faith” by getting the project underway, “GFC or not!”

The hotel, which is set to employ an estimated 150 staff, is without a doubt built to impress. Sprawling some 7500sqm, the hotel includes four levels, eight bars, and a 2500 person capacity rock arena. Project architect Keith Hudson said they had focused on “trying to get away from that air conditioned, sealed box” feeling typical in buildings like this, by “introducing more of a subtropical Queensland architecture.”

In keeping with this architectural design intent, Kennedy’s timbers were the natural choice. Premium Classic Aged Timbers were chosen specifically and used extensively throughout the development.

Timber employed included over 18,000 lineal metres of decorative timbers and over 2000 lineal metres of structural feature timbers, faithfully supporting the architects vision, while maintaining the client’s budget. Impressive design and the extensive use of recycled timbers have created a range of spaces that are comfortable, stress free, and very typically Queensland.

Beautiful hardwood cladding lines the ceilings in parts, accompanied by rich Spotted Gum Eco Lay flooring, creating wonderfully relaxed spaces undeniably meant for dining and enjoying the company of others.
Feature posts and beams, crafted from redundant power poles, enhance open air spaces and continue the thoughtful use of natural elements throughout.

Kennedy’s K-FAB laminated timber provides beautiful robust and functional main serving bar tops and dry bars throughout the hotel.

At every turn, Kennedy’s handcrafted tables (internal, external, and coffee), all fashioned from hand selected recycled timbers with superbly rich patina and warm colour palettes, enhance the relaxed and hassle-free décor of this quintessential Queensland pub.

A central feature of the hotel is an enormous 150-year-old Fig tree. Thousands of dollars were spent saving the tree by building around the old Fig. No more impressive than from the rooftop bar where it steals the show.

The development will also feature a world class function facility. Stage two of development includes a planned 120-room accommodation tower along with a large shopping precinct anchored by a major supermarket.

Links:

www.kparchitects.com.au
www.eatonshillhotel.com.au

Opened by Prime Minister Julia Gillard on 20 August 2010, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre (an inner northern suburb of Sydney) is, at the time of writing, Australia's largest retail development, occupying a significant 3.5 hectare site.

Extensive use of Kennedy's K-FAB, premium recycled timber beams, adds warmth throughout the centre due to the timber's rich natural patina. Impressive Spotted Gum ceiling lining further complements this impressive retail precinct.

Completely replacing the existing centre this development provides a new shopping and social hub for the residents of Ryde and surrounding suburbs.

At a cost of approximately $AU470 million, the centre's open and spacious design comprises some 80,000 square metres of retail space including around 300 retailers and over 3000 undercover car spaces.

Considerable thought by Lend Lease to the environmental impact of this development has resulted in a 4 Star Green Star rating awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia.

www.lendlease.com