METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line: Perth’s Rail Innovation & Sustainability

METRONET’s Morley-Ellenbrook Line Wins Acclaim, Redefines Perth’s Public Transport

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Perth’s largest public transport project since the Mandurah Line, has clinched prestigious accolades at the Australian Institute of Architects Western Australian Architecture Awards, including the coveted George Temple Poole Award. This 21-kilometer rail extension, which significantly reduces commute times between Ellenbrook and Perth’s Central Business District (CBD), was designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with Taylor Robinson Chaney Broderick (TRCB), TCL, and UDLA. Completed in partnership with the MELconnx Alliance, comprising Laing O’Rourke and the Public Transport Authority, the project represents a $1.65 billion investment. The awards recognize the line’s innovative architectural design, commitment to sustainability, and its positive impact on the community. This article explores the key facets of this transformative project, highlighting its design philosophy, engineering achievements, and its broader implications for urban development in Western Australia.

Architectural Excellence and Design Philosophy

The Morley-Ellenbrook Line’s architectural success stems from a cohesive design approach applied across the five new stations: Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park, and Ellenbrook. Project Director for Architecture and Landscape for the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line Project and Woods Bagot’s Principal in Charge, Kukame McPierzie, emphasized the importance of creating a “family” of stations. These stations share common design elements like materials, roof forms, and geometries, yet are tailored to their specific suburban contexts. The design team drew inspiration from the “aspirational” qualities of the surrounding suburbs, focusing on light, landscape, and the character of Australian suburban living. This resulted in stations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly, utilizing familiar elements like brickwork and verandas. Furthermore, the project involved local Indigenous communities, with 14 local and Noongar artists contributing 20 public art pieces across the stations, adding a cultural layer to the infrastructure. The team also prioritized durability in the materials, choosing Colorbond steel and other robust materials for longevity.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability was a core tenet of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line project. Ellenbrook Station, for instance, was one of the first railway stations in Western Australia to achieve a Green Star Design Review rating. The project incorporated numerous sustainable features across all stations, including solar panels on station roofs, water-sensitive gardens, the use of materials that minimized carbon footprint, the use of electric generators on the sites, and the utilization of recycled aggregate and concrete in car parks. A significant innovation was the pioneering use of FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) mixed through the soil for the landscape. This comprehensive approach to sustainability was a key factor in the project’s recognition with the Wallace Greenham Award for Sustainable Architecture. The success highlights the project’s dedication to incorporating environmental considerations at every stage of design and construction.

Engineering and Construction Achievements

The MELconnx Alliance, a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and the Public Transport Authority, successfully delivered the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line. The project was executed as a multi-disciplinary alliance, involving contractors, engineers, architects, and landscapers, which required intensive collaboration, especially during the pandemic. One of the innovative approaches employed was creating a “kit of parts” with modular and repeatable units. This strategy allowed for efficient procurement and consistent application of materials across all five stations, including the same structural steel for lifts, roof profiles, and canopies. This design efficiency resulted in significant cost savings and streamlined construction. The team also overcame challenges related to skilled labor and material costs throughout the pandemic, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to project completion.

Community Impact and the Future of Perth’s Transit

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line has had a demonstrable impact on the Perth community, transforming the lives of commuters in the Ellenbrook region. The line’s opening day and ongoing usage demonstrate its importance, providing more efficient public transport options for residents. The project team took pride in its role in the delivery, as well as the contribution the project makes to the future development of Perth. The Morley-Ellenbrook Line has also been recognized as an exemplar of public transport and community facilities, setting a new benchmark for sustainable government infrastructure in Australia. According to the judges, the stations make an outstanding contribution to the social and public infrastructure of a rapidly growing area of Perth.

Conclusion

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line project is more than just a railway; it represents a significant advancement in public transport infrastructure and urban design. The project’s success highlights the crucial role of integrated design, sustainability, and community engagement in delivering impactful and effective public transit solutions. The awards received acknowledge the project’s meticulous attention to architectural detail, sustainability, and the incorporation of local artistic elements. These accolades underscore the importance of investing in projects that contribute to the well-being of communities, which has, in turn, reduced travel times, while also promoting sustainability and local culture. The project’s emphasis on durability and maintainability sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects. The lessons learned, particularly in overcoming construction challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be taken forward as the industry considers how to adapt to similar issues moving forward. The METRONET project provides a roadmap for other infrastructure projects seeking to create aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, and user-centric transit options.