National Portrait Gallery

The new National Portrait Gallery is the most significant building to be constructed in the Parliamentary Triangle for the last 20 years.

Constructed over two years, the National Portrait Gallery is the result of resources and expertise drawn from around the country. The 14,000m2 building provides exhibition space for approximately 500 portraits in a simple configuration of day-lit galleries opened in December 2008.

WSce played a vital role in the National Portrait Gallery project, overseeing fire and hydraulic services comprehensively from design through to construction. The scope included internal stormwater drainage, sub-soil drainage, sewer drainage, grease waste drainage, sanitary plumbing, downpipes, domestic cold water services, rainwater reuse service, domestic hot water services, fire hydrant service, fire sprinkler service, fire hose reel service, and natural gas service.  The unique roof required significant drainage engineering and the high value art storage areas also include pre-action sprinklers and aspirated smoke detection.