Carbon neutrality sets a sustainable example in Melbourne.
June 2nd, 2010
Melbourne’s first commercial office building to be built on the principle of carbon neutrality has been given the go-ahead by Melbourne City Council.
From design through to construction and occupancy, the redevelopment of 41 Exhibition St – the current and future home of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) – is set be an exemplar of sustainable design.
“The building is intended as the Institute’s long-term home, and must perform at the highest levels of sustainability accordingly, while acting as a showcase for the cutting edge, world class architecture that Australian architects are renowned for,” said Ross Clark, Institute Chief Operating Officer.
“We’re delighted both with the approved distinctive design of the building, and its forecast performance.”
Following the design competition sponsored by the AIA, Melbourne-based design practice Lyons were chosen from a shortlist of leading architectural practices to conceive the 21 storey block.
The building will consist of a ground level ‘micro’ retail space, four levels housing the AIA, and 16 other levels of commercial offices.
It will achieve a 5 Star Green Star through a high performance façade system and active chilled beams incoporated throughout, totaling a 40 per cent energy saving.
In addition to its Green Star rating, the AIA commissioned a Total Carbon Assessment to assess the carbon footprint of the project over its lifecycle, in order to achieve carbon neutrality over the design, construction and operational life of the building.
The AIA has also developed a Sustainability Charter – similar to a ‘green lease’ – which will mean owners and tenants will be required to agree to practise sustainable operations when occupying the premises.
A Planning Permit for the project was issued by the Melbourne City Council in late May.
Councilor Peter Clarke stated “this landmark development will set a new standard for green building design in Melbourne”.
Australian Institute of Architects
architecture.com.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Tactile and textured with a futurist bent, Script Skincare is a retail and treatment offering centred on the user journey designed by Hecker Guthrie.
Woodhead has this week appointed Peter St Clair, as their new Sydney Studio Design Director
HBO+EMTB celebrated the opening of its newly refurbished office in Patumwan, Bangkok on Wednesday 28 September with some 50 specially invited clients and colleagues. Guests got to enjoy a selection of Thai canapés and fine Australian wine as they checked out the updated studio.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
On the 22nd of February, the local design scene brimmed with excitement as Unison marked its 10th anniversary by becoming the first MillerKnoll dealer in the Australia and New Zealand region.
Drawing on the concept of a watering hole as a gathering place in nature, GroupGSA has rejuvenated Sydney Water’s headquarters located in Parramatta.