31 August 2009

Pixel Building Ground Breaking

Construction begins on $6 million carbon neutral 'Pixel Building' in Melbourne.

Construction began today on what is known as the ‘Pixel Building’ on the site of the old Carlton United Brewery (CUB) in Melbourne.

The $6 million four-storey building, designed by Studio 505, aims to attain a 6-star Greenstar rating and become Australia’s first carbon neutral building.

Using wind turbines, and huge photovoltaic cells the building will generate more energy on site than it uses, offsetting all the carbon it emits and, in time, offsetting all the carbon emitted in its construction.

Innovations include an advanced cooling system, employing hydronics, and a grey-water recycling system has been incorporated into the design with reed beds on each level – also shading windows.

Speaking at the ground breaking the Victorian Minister for Planning, Justin Madden said: “Unfortunately this site has lain derelict for 20 years, since CUB moved out in 1989.” '¨'¨“It’s great to now see the start of works and a very exciting project to kick off the redevelopment of the whole precinct.”

The developer, Grocon, will be the building’s first tenant, overseeing the whole CUB development, which includes a landmark research facility, the RMIT Design Hub.

grocon.com.au

Take a moment to view the flythrough below.