On 10 July, 2025, MECLA and Hassell Studio hosted a tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF). AMRF is the first building designed for the new city of Bradfield, situated in the new Aerotropolis, the new urban region set to transform Western Sydney. AMRF is a collaborative space for government, industry and research to incubate manufacturing projects. This project hopes to set a benchmark for the future city, to promote regenerative, circular buildings that connect to country.   

The building places a large emphasis on sustainability and uses contemporary design and build techniques in several ways. The timber structure comprises of prefabricated modular components mechanically fixed for disassembly, expansion or relocation. The use of mass timber technologies and design innovation, deliver innovative structural systems.

The built form and landscape design champions existing ecology, and a strong connection to Dharug country and the natural features of the Cumberland plain and Wianamatta.

In this MECLA Deep Dive, Hassell Studio, the architects responsible, took MECLA members on a tour of AMRF and explained the design & cultural significance of the building. It was an informative tour showcasing some of the most contemporary design and built techniques in Australia. The building has won 3 awards so far, including the NSW Architecture 2025 Premiers Prize, Sustainable Architecture Award, and the Commercial Architecture Commendation. You can learn more about the project here.  See a gallery of images of the building and event below!