Leading global contractor Multiplex has been named ‘National Commercial Master Builder of the Year’ and received the ‘National Commercial Historical Restoration/Renovation Award’ at this year’s Master Builders Australia’s (MBA) National Excellence in Building Awards, for its extensive refurbishment of Macquarie Group’s global headquarters at 50 Martin Place.

This national recognition comes only weeks after a successful night for Multiplex at the 2015 NSW BMA awards, at which 50 Martin Place won the overall ‘Outstanding Construction Award 2015’ as well as the ‘Restoration of an Historic Building’ category and ‘Best Use of Glass’ category.

Multiplex’s refurbishment transformed Macquarie Group’s 1928 building into a world-class commercial office space spanning 20,000 square metres over 11 levels, involving the overhaul of building services and systems, a new fitout, the widening of an existing atrium and the construction of a two-storey domed roof and glass shuttle lifts.

Following its completion in August 2014, 50 Martin Place was awarded a 6 Star Green Star Office V3 rating for Design and became the first heritage building in NSW to receive a 6 Star Green Star Office V3 As-Built rating.

Commenting on the project, the judges said “This is an outstanding project that has been restored and finished to an exceedingly high level, demonstrating the attention to detail which could only have been achieved with a whole team participation approach.”

David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director NSW at Multiplex, said the success of 50 Martin Place was based on a collaborative relationship with client Macquarie Group, its project consultants and supply chain partners.

“Refurbishing a heritage building presents enormous challenges but our Early Contractor Involvement enabled all stakeholders to collectively identify risks and opportunities prior to construction commencing,” he said.

“50 Martin Place is an exceptional building and we are delighted to be recognised by our industry and peers.”