The University of Western Australia has released designs of its new river-side accommodation for scholars and visiting researchers designed by Kerry Hill Architects.
The new accommodation building, which overlooks the Swan River, will include 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments over four levels with an outdoor terrace and a multipurpose room for seminars and functions.
The building, dubbed Forrest Hall, is funded by a $15 million donation from billionaire mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest (who’s net worth is US$1.41 billion, or AU$2 billion, according to Forbes) and his wife, Nicola Forrest. The couple donated a further $50 million to set up the Forrest Research Foundation, which will fund PhD and post-doctoral research scholarships at five Western Australian universities.
“It is a modern building but the use of stone in its construction acknowledges UWA’s tradition and history,” Nicola Forrest said.
Construction on the building is set to begin in mid-2016 and is expected to be completed by the beginning of the academic year in 2018.
