Kane Recognised for Australian War Memorial Southern Entrance Project
Kane Constructions is proud to be recognised for our work on the Australian War Memorial Southern Entrance project, awarded:
- 2025 Project of the Year
- Excellence in Construction – Commercial Construction $50M to $100M at the Master Builders ACT Excellence Awards.
This nationally significant project reflects the dedication, precision, and care of our team in delivering a complex and culturally important undertaking.
Technically, it was challenging. Architecturally, it demanded respect and accuracy. Operationally and symbolically, the Kane team ensured the Memorial remained open and fully functional throughout construction.
Main Entrance
The new concrete deck is a standout feature of this project, reflecting meticulous planning and execution. Custom foam moulds scaled from a cloud scan of the prototype were used to shape the deck with millimetre-level accuracy. This precision was essential to ensure flawless weatherproofing and the integrity of steel-to-concrete shear connections.
To achieve the required high-class finish, concrete pours were conducted at night, avoiding daytime heat that could cause cracking or deformation. The result: a structurally sound and visually refined platform that supports the seamless integration of steel and glass elements, an engineering feat unmatched in Australia.
Equally significant was the careful selection and reuse of sandstone, preserving the Memorial’s architectural character while embracing sustainable construction practices. The sandstone’s durability and timeless aesthetic helped maintain continuity with the original design, reinforcing the Memorial’s legacy.
This thoughtful blend of old and new not only enhances the visual harmony of the site but also reflects Kane’s commitment to environmentally responsible, heritage-sensitive construction.
Parade Grounds
Kane Constructions successfully delivered the reshaped Parade Ground at the Australian War Memorial in time for the ANZAC Day veterans' service on 25 April 2024 a key milestone for the project.
Despite challenges including heavy rainfall, latent asbestos, and complex in-ground services, the team completed the works on schedule, marking the return of the Memorial’s iconic red gravel surface.
The Parade Ground was reformed into a rectilinear layout to improve military formations, vehicle movement, and event viewing, while maintaining a clear visual connection to the Stone of Remembrance and aligning with Anzac Parade.
New Main Entrance - Glazed Oculus
A striking architectural and engineering achievement of the project is the Glass Oculus, a 12-tonne glass and steel structure that illuminates the new main entrance. The word ‘oculus,’ Latin for ‘eye,’ is fitting as the structure casts light on 15 engraved words representing the virtues of Australian defence personnel, including loyalty, endurance and devotion. These words also appear on the Memorial’s revered Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Kane collaborated with designers and engineers to refine the oculus’s intricate design using advanced 3D modelling technology. The steel framework, custom-fabricated to millimetre precision, was designed to support the ordering of high-quality glass from Spain well in advance. Upon installation, the steel structure was found to be within a 2mm tolerance, a remarkable engineering and installation achievement by both national and global standards.
Main Building and Structural Works
Kane Constructions delivered major structural upgrades to the Main Building at the Australian War Memorial, enabling future gallery spaces and improved public access. Works included lowering floors, removing walls, installing new supports, and replacing the central stair to connect Level 1 with the New Main Entrance. Two lifts and spiral staircases were added between Levels 1 and 2. The team overcame challenges including underpinning heritage structures and extracting unexpected hard rock, using refined methods to stay on schedule.