What National Archives told us they wanted.

The Archives required a secure, environmentally controlled facility with 24/7 independent access for staff. The storage system needed to be space-efficient, scalable for future growth, and capable of preserving diverse and sensitive materials, many of which are irreplaceable.

How we acted on what we heard.

Castledex partnered with a leading European storage manufacturer known for archival solutions in museums and universities. We proposed and delivered a fully automated, double-storey ‘Twin Space’ mobile shelving system. This solution dramatically reduced the overall footprint of the facility by using vertical space, with each satellite unit approximately 6 metres high and 9 metres long, capable of moving over 10 tonnes with the push of a button.

The system operates smoothly and safely, even during power outages, thanks to integrated batteries. A safety laser system protects users, while optional high-security access features include key code entry, fingerprint scanning, and facial recognition. Twin Space also offers long-term durability, low maintenance, and significantly reduced running costs when compared to conventional single-storey shelving.

In addition to official government documents dating back to Federation, the collection includes rare and unusual materials such as whales’ teeth, early Swan River Colony weather records, and artefacts documenting migration, civil aviation, scientific research, and Aboriginal affairs.