Its been nearly 100 years since construction started on Canberra, Australias purpose-built federal capital city. Now, for the first time since then, a new major city is springing up in the nation continent: Bradfield City Centre. The 280-acre metropolis, next to the new Western Sydney International Airport, is a gargantuan undertaking backed by the New South Wales State Government. Construction on the citypoised to support tourism, economic activity and employmentis underway, with its first building, the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility, recently completed.Hassell, a global studio, designed First Building for the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility. It was conceived to be regenerative, adaptable and deeply connected to First Nations culture.The design used modular fabrication and construction which makes the building easily disassembled, expanded, or even relocated. (Mark Syke/Courtesy Hassell)As Bradfield City Centre takes shape, the First Building is a bold statement about whats possible, said Liz Westgarth, Hassell principal in charge. It sets a strong benchmark for how Bradfield will developgreat design, sustainable and honoring Country. Its more than a buildingits a living example of how we can transform our cities and our lives. In addition to a manufacturing hall there are also office spaces and areas for hosting exhibitions or talks. (Mark Syke/Courtesy Hassell)The First Building was inspired by the Cumberland Plain where it sits, and the areas natural waterways more broadly. It used modular fabrication and construction methods which make it easily disassembled, expanded, or even relocated.The architects opted for timber for its low-carbon properties. (Mark Syke/Courtesy Hassell)A kit-of-parts construction that can be reconfigured and reused ensures the buildings longevity and responsiveness to Bradfields future needs, representing the citys commitment to adaptability and circularity, Westgarth continued. The First Building proves that you can innovate, that you can create something extraordinary for a public, government project. Its time to move forward, to embrace new ideas and to show that sustainability and great design belong together. And the First Building is our proof.The design uses a color palette and materials that blur the line between built form and nature.The building is topped with a green roof. (Vinchy Wu/Courtesy Hassell)Rammed earth and recycled tiles, coupled with building systems that minimize waste and extend the structures life cycle of resources, were used with circular economy principles in mind. According to the Bradfield Development Authority, a 30 percent reduction in embodied carbon was achieved in the project by opting to use timber and low-carbon concrete.This project marks the completion of stage one of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).Stage Two is slated for completion in late 2025. The forthcoming Second Building will also house manufacturing facilities.Future plans seek to bring commercial development to the site and call for parks, hotels, and residences.