Architecture & Design April_June 2023

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Editor’s Letter

BRANKO MILETIC

According to one industry definition, “The primary goal of any commercial building is to optimise a business’ ability to turn a profit, taking into account factors that relate to each stakeholder group’s needs such as workflow process, aesthetics, comfort and physical space.”

Say construction firms like US-based Camm Constructions, when designing an office building, “many companies overlook the importance of quality commercial building design. Many of the world’s largest companies are making new investments in commercial building design because great workplaces are a key element in retaining their employees and bringing in new customers.

So, why exactly does quality matter so much when it comes to commercial building design? As many architects will tell you, from efficiency to sustainability, there are several reasons why commercial building design matters.

A recent US study found that workers in the 18-55 age range are 18% more productive when they work in a building with natural daylight while retail stores have achieved 15-40% higher sales under similar circumstances. When you design a building that accomplishes functional design elements, the people that inhabit that building every day will feel healthier, more awake, and be more productive.

Quality commercial building design is also a simple yet effective branding opportunity and positions a company to reflect its identity and personality. In fact, another study found that 76% of millennials feel strongly that commercial building design and aesthetic influences their overall impression of the company.

And let’s not forget about sustainable construction, once thought of as a “value-add” component in the commercial sphere, but times most certainly have changed, and so-called green or biophilic-heavy construction is now an integral part of many commercial building projects across the country.

In terms of trends, according to the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA), passive building design is still a hot trend because it has a huge impact on the overall performance of a building. Studying the sun path, says the BDAA, along with orienting the building accordingly can impact energy costs. Designers can utilise daylight, natural winds, and design windows, doors, and even the roof accordingly. Coupled with an ergonomic choice of materials and active design elements/technologies like glazed windows, the overall running costs and footprint of the building can be drastically reduced by 15-25%, says the BDAA.

Overall, commercial design in Australia is finally getting the respect it has always deserved both in terms of design and sustainability.

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Appointments

VICTORIAN PREMIER’S DESIGN AWARDS GETS NEW CHAIR

RMIT Associate Professor Leah Heiss has been named Chair of the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards, signifying a new era for the awards program.

NEW APPOINTMENTS AT GROUPGSA

Simone Carter and Sue DesBrosses have been appointed Associate Directors of interior design to lead GroupGSA’s Melbourne and Brisbane studios, respectively.

Carter has more than 25 years of interior design global experience with a portfolio spanning the UK, Middle East, China and Australia.

GroupGSA employs more than 230 design experts across four studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Ho Chi Minh City, offering multidisciplinary design services in Living Environments; Workplace & Commercial; Education; Cities and Places; Cultural; Hospitality; Mixed-Use, Retail and Industrial; and Transport, Infrastructure & Defence.

Among the suite of new hires is Alice Were, who joins GroupGSA as Senior Interior Designer in Melbourne. Clare O’Brien has been appointed Landscape Architect, based in Sydney, while Marina Amado joins the Brisbane studio as a Graduate Interior Designer.

BEEL BECOMES ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AT CARR

Carr has announced that Richard Beel has been elevated the role of Associate Director, further bolstering its executive leadership team.

Holding 19 years of architectural experience, Beel’s cross-disciplinary approach has seen him work across a multitude of sectors during his time as a built environment professional.

Beel’s work in delivering several multiresidential projects for the practice is attributed to his promotion.

Following the completion of Camberwell’s Victoria & Burke complex in 2022, Beel is now involved as the Project Lead on several highend and complex multi-residential projects across Brighton and Brunswick.

Beel says his knowledge of designing for lifestyle while imbuing quality has enabled him to design across a number of locations and demographics.

Carr Managing Director Chris McCue says Beel’s promotion is a logical one following his service to the practice.

The current Eva and Marc Besen International Research Chair in Design at Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA), Heiss is a six-time Good Design Awards winner, most recently taking out the Australian Women in Design Award.

Humanity sits firmly at the core of Heiss’ designs, which provide solutions for a range of impairments and diseases. Her wearable technologies are part of the Museums Victoria and Powerhouse (MAAS) heritage collections and have been exhibited to global audiences. She also delivers new health models in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, Alfred Health and Turning Point.

The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards looks to showcase the practice and application of design in the federation state. Heiss will oversee the program for a tenure of three years.

Heiss is currently Co-Leading Monash University’s Future Healthcare research initiative. The project leverages deep sector expertise and research and will look at the ecosystem of health care including devices, spaces, architectures, and systems to deliver transformational impact for Australian healthcare.

ABOVE Leah Heiss.

ABOVE Richard Beel.

ABOVE Simone Carter (left) and Sue DesBrosses (right).

PLUS PROMOTE TWO NEW PRINCIPALS

Plus Architecture has announced two promotions within its Australian team, which will strengthen its leadership team and culture, which looks to promote talented individuals from within its ranks, with Chrisney Formosa and Zach Kwong elevated to the role of Principal.

Formosa holds over 15 years of design experience, delivering outstanding design outcomes for several Queensland projects across the multi-residential, hospitality and tourism sectors. Formosa has led over 70 development applications for the practice in the last two years, including Palm Beach Hotel, The Esplanade (Palm Beach) and Chairlift (Mermaid Beach).

Based in Sydney, Kwong is an accomplished architect with a blend of skills and technical knowledge spanning architectural practice, building services and sustainable design. Across a 15-year career, he has designed and delivered major projects across the residential, retail, commercial, education, aviation, defence, and health sectors, including Scape Kensington and Scape Ascot.

MASTERS TO OVERSEE HAYBALL’S NEW CANBERRA OUTFIT

Coinciding with the opening of its new Canberra office, Hayball has appointed Ella Masters as the practice’s new Studio Lead in the nation’s capital.

A highly skilled and experienced leader, Masters will now oversee the practice’s operation in the region across the likes of education, multi-residential and commercial. Her experiences in the education sector and in the ACT will assist in Hayball crafting innovative and sustainable learning environments, accounting for an already high demand of projects in the region.

Prior to Hayball, Masters held senior positions in a number of local design practices and most recently led her own education design consultancy Howff Design. She is currently undertaking a PhD in education and innovation policy through the University of Melbourne and is closely aligned with the

Learning Environments Applied Research Network (LEaRN). She is the current Chair of the Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) ACT Chapter.

MITSOGIANNI TO LEAD RMIT ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS

RMIT has announced Vivian Mitsogianni will lead the university’s School Architecture & Urban Design as its new Dean.

An acclaimed architect, researcher and academic leader, Mitsogianni is a readymade leader of the university’s reputable design school. The Director of M@ STUDIO Architects, Mitsogianni has worked at RMIT as both an Associate Dean, Architecture and Professor of Architecture. She also headed up the flagship RMIT Design Research Institute’s Future Fabric of Cities program.

The Australian Institute of Architects awarded Mitsogianni the Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize in 2019 for her contributions to architectural education.

PORTER BEGINS NEW CHAPTER AT GHD

GHD has announced that Andrew Porter will move into a new role at the professional services company, elevated to the role of Global Future Communities Lead.

Porter is tasked with leading several teams across the globe, assisting clients and their abilities to remain resilient in the wake of population growth, digital disruption, shifting societal expectations and climate change.

The Future Communities arm of the company draws on a wide range of disciplines including planning, engineering, architecture, advisory, digital and movement analytics.

Recent projects delivered via the Future Communities department include designing a park that enables children to play in a safe environment, while also serving as vital stormwater infrastructure; revitalising the historic centre of Bath, England; and reimagining transportation in Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities.

ABOVE Vivian Mitsogianni.

ABOVE Andrew Porter.

ABOVE Chrisney Formosa (top) and Zach Kwong (bottom).

ABOVE Ella Masters.

WARREN & MAHONEY EXPAND THEIR LANDSCAPE DEPARTMENT

Warren & Mahoney has further expanded its studio to strengthen its city-shaping capabilities, with the introduction of its new Urban Design and Landscape Architecture service.

The new department will service both Australia and New Zealand and will be headed by Thomas Hale and Michael Hawes. The new department has been created through recent projects, with 18 specialists now working within the sector to provide clients with a completely integrated design solution inhouse with their leading architecture and Indigenous, sustainability and digital-design consulting services.

The recently established team have been working on an array of projects, including the Maritime Museum precinct in Auckland and the heritage redevelopment of the Pyrmont Campus in Sydney for Google. This complex development required a sensitive urban design strategy, stitching together a high-profile water’s edge and reconnecting the area to the bay.

GACHET JUMPS TO GRAY PUKSAND

Gray Puksand has announced the appointment of Aurelia Gachet as Associate of its Melbourne outpost, strengthening its evolving health and science team.

With over a decade of design experience, Gachet has worked on a number of major health infrastructure projects, including The Royal Children’s Hospital and Bendigo Base Hospital in Victoria. Gachet’s delivery of the Cabrini Health Gandel Wing, claimed to be the world’s most beautiful hospital by Vogue Australia, is regarded as a career highlight.

Gachet says the opportunity to join Gray Puksand, who is currently branching into the healthcare sector, as exhilarating.

Gachet frequently lectures on architecture practices at Melbourne University, while lending her experience previously to both Monash University and RMIT University.

CARR ADDS FOUR NEW ASSOCIATES

Carr has announced the elevation of four new Associates which will begin a new chapter of their working lives as members of the practice’s leadership team.

The new Associates – which include Alan Hunt, Andrea Giuradei, Chris Eggleston, and Marissa Kefalianos – will form part of Carr’s new leadership generation. Hunt, Giuradei and Eggleston have all contributed to Carr projects across a range of sectors, while Kefalianos will join the residential interior leadership team.

Giuradei originally studied in Milan and cites the city as his major influence. Working as an architect, landscape designer and interior designer, the new Associate’s strength is his ability to deeply consider design outcomes.

Alan Hunt’s expertise in crafting high-end multi-residential projects has resulted in outstanding design outcomes for the practice. His understanding of the intricacies of cities enables him and his teams to incorporate meaningful retail and hospitality offerings that elevate the experience of the residents and broader community alike.

As an architect, Chris Eggleston thrives at spatial planning and problem solving where he finds the transition from problem to solution incredibly fulfilling.

Marissa Kefalianos joins Carr as an esteemed interior designer who strikes a balance between the practice’s design ethos and client expectations.

ABOVE (left to right) Alan Hunt, Marissa Kefalianos, Chris Eggleston and Andrea Giuradei.

ABOVE Aurelia Gachet.

ABOVE Thomas Hale (top) and Michael Hawes (bottom).

How Modern Ceiling Systems Impact on Patient Health and Wellbeing

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions the hardest. Throughout 2020 and 2021 it became clear that we need better healthcare spaces to not only stop the spread of infection but also to reduce the impact of social isolation amongst these groups. In this context, there is greater focus on how the layout and construction of healthcare and aged care facilities may enhance the quality of life for residents and patients. One of the most costeffective methods to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes is through the use of highperforming, purpose-built ceiling systems.

Designed for Healing: Modern Ceiling Systems and Their Impact on Health and Wellbeing addresses the capabilities of modern construction materials and their role in healthcare spaces, with a special focus on ceiling systems. It is vital for designers to stay up with new innovations in building technology and materials that can enhance the user experience and support evolving medical practices.

We take a close look at three key themes driving the evolution of healthcare design.

First, we look at the patient experience. The healthcare sector has changed to become more consumer-driven forcing healthcare institutions to take measures to set themselves apart from the competition; one focus has been on improving the end-to-end patient experience. Second, we consider some lessons from the pandemic, including the higher infection risks in large institutions and the constraints of traditional healthcare design. Third, we highlight the rising cost of construction and how it is impacting the planning and design of healthcare spaces. We discuss why building in flexibility and adaptability is the best design response to these challenges, and the importance of ceiling design in achieving overarching health and wellbeing objectives. Flexibility, in this context, means having the ability to react quickly to changing circumstances and patient needs, including shifting patient occupancy requirements and even the placement of screening or triage in public areas. When it comes to construction, prefabrication techniques and modular systems address

the complex needs of healthcare buildings while enabling adaptability. At the same time, designers must find solutions that provide the creativity to produce an original design that is both affordable and compliant with strict hygiene standards.

It is critical for architects and designers to recognise the numerous ways that ceilings aid in attaining the goal of creating a flexible healing environment. Ceilings influence how well patients rest and recover, offer a sense of privacy and anonymity, aid in staff accuracy and error prevention by improving the clarity of voice, and are a major factor in patients’ perceptions of cleanliness.

Network Architectural offer a comprehensive range of ceiling systems that are customisable down to the smallest area with zero minimum order quantities. The company’s offering includes durlum metal ceilings and OWA mineral fibre ceilings that offer superior hygienic properties that are robust, and infinitely customisable with the only limit being the designer’s imagination.

ABOVE Photo credit by © Jörg Stieren, durlum.

Designing the brand in the commercial space

WORDS PRUE MILLER

The real estate market in Australia is estimated to be worth $30bn, in 2022 the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated the value of the private dwelling sector at around $10bn, and last year, the top thirty sales in the private market cost a pretty $1.05bn.

This is an industry that can afford to bestow enormous rewards to the movers and shakers; which includes the cutthroat, the suave, the hot new players and the cool, older hands.

Far from being an online business, these sales are done (in large majority) face to face. To succeed a top agent one needs a physical business presence in a brand aligned, brilliantly designed, carefully resolved, agency space.

“It’s exciting,” says Tom Offermann of the agency business, in a curious example of understatement. But that is, in part, the style of this more than 30-year veteran of the industry, whose quiet expertise has led the Noosa based agency to have a who’s who of clientele including celebrities and industry leaders.

Recently, Offermann moved into the second floor of his recently expanded office – though the term office seems ridiculously out of place when talking about the Noosa agency. Designer Gavin Maddock has created a gallery-esque space, with the utmost attention to design, detail and function.

Maddock and Offermann had worked together on the lower floor of the agency 14 years ago, and both were keen to work together on this next stage, which involved a whole second storey.

“As far as a brief goes from Tom,” says Maddock “it really was very simple. He just wanted a great space where he could meet with clients in a relaxed manner. He wanted it very much to look like a residential living room. An area to relax and have good conversations”.

The result has been the creation of a dramatic space; a merging of stone, timber and a spectacular, unifying light source.

“I felt the concept had to be bold, and the staircase – you could call it a wall – they are one in the same thing, that was with the concept of linking the two spaces,” says Maddock of the sensuously curved, marble lined stairwell. “Effectively the light coming in from above, that’s the real magic, that links the two spaces.”

The painstaking and time consuming work of creating a facetted curve out of Daino Reale Italian marble allowed the continuity of the stone to remain an uninterrupted partner in the overall effect.

The choice of stone was one with which Maddock was familiar – they had used it, in a lesser degree, in the original lower floor design. A warmer tone than other marbles, Maddock

reflects that it has been overlooked by other designers who lean toward the cooler tones,

(‘It was very much out of trend’ he says) and his faith is upheld by the effect.

“It is naturally beautiful,” says Maddock, who partnered the tone with ash timbers and restrained LED lighting.

“Recessed LED lighting has come a long way; it allows us to accentuate elements and details. I try and use it more to accentuate a specific detail rather than a light source itself.”

It also, without any doubt, adds to the warm elegance of the ‘residential style’ palette.

However, more unusual, and even more rarely seen when used to this extent is the use of artworks. The many pieces in the agency are the work of the internationally celebrated Australian artist and sculptor, Andrew Rogers.

“I’m always fascinated by sculpture and I think sculpture elements offer life to spaces. As much as we can design things and use beautiful materials … with artwork it brings a more soulful element to a space,” say Maddock, who was introduced to the sculptor by Offermann himself.

“Yes, I did have input there, I love sculpture,” says Offermann who, according to Maddock rethought the art budget at Maddock’s suggestion. “Tom said alright then, well, if we’re going to do this thing, we’re going to do it properly’ and that’s how we ended up with the Andrew Rogers pieces.”

The upper level is elegant, largely horizontal in line and carefully considered. Two separated lounge spaces, with large, comfortable bespoke furnishings (designed by Maddock) offer a relaxing, though luxurious space in which to conduct business that often relates to multimillion dollar purchases.

It is an atmosphere that suits the Tom Offermann Real Estate style. Says the owner, “It is an extension of us – we deal with very important clients. They don’t want to see a multimillion-dollar property, and discuss the deal in a coffee shop,” concludes the agent. It might also be apt to point out that behind that easy-going manner, and ready smile is an agency that saw $850m worth of sales in the last 12 months. No wonder the man is smiling so easily.

One thousand kilometres south and Sydney, by comparison, seems brash, in your face, and noisy in so many ways. It is this sort of energy that makes Sydney a hot spot for real estate

buys, and attracts purchasers that are both savvy and short on time. Who better to describe the market than one of Sydney’s most prolific agents, Gavin Rubinstein.

“It’s relentless. Full stop,” says the owner of TRG (The Rubinstein Group). In a cutthroat industry, he is regarded as an expert in the business.

His clients include the stratosphere of Sydney’s A list, and he consistently seals newsworthy sales. In February, this year, for example, TRG saw sales of $125m. Gavin Rubinstein is wisely media aware, has a high energy, high profile, and very successful brand, that he’s expanding.

“He’s super decisive. He wants to make a decision and move on,” says the award-winning Anna Trefely, the name behind the interior architecture company, Esoteriko. She designed the first TRG office, in Woollahra. The property presented constraints, not the least of which was a floor size of just 300sqm.

Making an impact, a statement, in a relatively small footprint is complex, but the client and designer found a common language – curves. Trefely recalls the first meetings. “He says ‘I want arches everywhere’, and we say we don’t want to do arches everywhere, but we’ll make a big move about the arch.”

The interpretation for Esoteriko was an almost monastic (as she describes it) response. A neo- vaulted ceiling is echoed by arched sculpture and repeated hints in the terrazzo reception area. It is sharp, edgy –and intriguing.

“I like to keep things as simple as possible,” says Rubinstein who gives off an electric kind of energy.

“I’ve given it 110% for the last 16 years,” he says “I’m just passionate about it. You know I truly believe the last 16 years have been laying the foundation and the next 15 are when TRG will make its mark.”

Which leads the agency boss to the acquisition of a $5m building in Sydney’s Rose Bay, and a great amount of work for Trefely. “I’ve spent $2.6m on the fit out,” says Rubinstein without a blink.

“We’re pushing the boundaries a bit, I mean we’re not interested in cookie cutter design,” says Trefely, who this time around has double the space, and exposure to passing traffic via 3.5m glazing onto the street.

Not yet occupied by the agency team, as the upper floors in the building are being outfitted for residential occupation, images are not being released. But we are assured the new look will be extraordinary – though not similar to the first space.

“This is really about capturing the passing traffic – and definitely not being discreet. It’s about being on display and really making a statement,” says the designer. A statement that is pretty much all about very successful business. “I follow my passion,’” says Rubinstein.

“I spend so much time in the office, I always want to create a space, an environment that people felt excited to be in.”

Maintaining the excitement of design requires a whole new energy when, rather crating one or two boutique agencies, multiples of ten are involved. Bianca Fraser, the name behind The Unlisted Collective, has been fitting out and designing McGrath Estate Agents for five years.

“Each of them are designed to, of course, be recognised as a McGrath office, but also to represent the location that they’re in. They all vary,” says Fraser.

The Paddington office was a chemist shop for 30 years; the Double Bay office was once a shoes store – creating a commonality in such disparate locations is challenging. But, from an observer point of view, I would have to say the general atmosphere is one of svelte calmness.

“In some way, yeah, they are quite pared back. I think the calmness is good because real estate agents are always on the phone, right? It can be hectic,” says Fraser with a laugh.

The signature piece is, on the whole, the front desk. Elongated curves, the almost lime-washedlook Polytech panelling, touches of brass. Yet, for instance, the quiet curves and gentle pastels in business like Double Bay give way to an almost residential feel in the Hunters Hill location.

“Hunters Hill is quite different again, it is much more about the informal spaces and entertaining and the kitchen area. There’s a fireplace. The reception desk is designed to look like a desk on someone’s home office or study.” It is a world of quicker reactions, and shorter turnaround times, and a designer who can speak the shorthand of a brand, while delivering high end results is life saver in this image conscious industry. It is a relationship that has a widespread impact on the brand.

“I know their business and how they work,” says Fraser with actual affection. “There is a lot of trust there.”

Real estate, as any agent will tell you, is not about sales – it is about relationships. With 46,000 agencies already established in Australia, and more on the way, good relationships will have greater value than ever in the coming years.

RIGHT McGrath Estate office in Paddington by Unlisted Collective. LEFT Bianca Fraser from The Unlisted Collective.

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Victoria Cross set to transform North Sydney’s commercial heart

Philip Vivian, Head of architecture firm Bates Smart specialises in large scale, mixed use urban projects and leads the planning, design and implementation of Metro over-station developments at Victoria Cross, Pitt Street South and Parramatta. Jessica Paterson, an architect by background, is Project Director for Lendlease at Victoria Square. They talked with Hamish McDonald about Victoria Cross station in North Sydney.

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IS GOING TO MAKE VICTORIA CROSS A SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT?

JESSICA PATERSON : Lendlease secured the Victoria Cross project back in 2018 as an integrated station development. What this means is that we are delivering the new station on behalf of Sydney Metro, and the tower and precinct that sits above the new Victoria Cross Station. The new metro is a huge catalyst for change in North Sydney which will make it a special development.

PHILIP VIVIAN: The tower will be a symbol of the Metro line. We picture Victoria Cross not as a building, but as a place --it’s got so many functions: the Metro itself, a landmark tower, a co-working building, restaurants and bars, a hospitality building, a retail arcade. Each building has a different character, and they’re all woven around our public spaces. There’s a civic green running down one side, north-facing

so it’s got sun, terraced lawns where people can sit out and relax, with restaurants looking out on the ground floor. It’s got a little narrow laneway that connects with Denison St. So, it’s really a collection of buildings that creates a place. It’s not one big building – it’s lots of related smaller pieces and public spaces.

WHEN YOU SAY IT SYMBOLISES THE METRO, IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT ITS APPEARANCE THAT

WILL DRAW PEOPLE IN?

PHILIP: It’s going to be one of the tallest buildings in North Sydney, so it’s certainly going to be a symbol on the skyline. As Jess mentioned, it’s an integrated station development, so the tower literally sits over the station. When you come out of the station, you’ll see the columns of the tower coming down, so you’ll feel the structure of the tower. You’ll come up the escalators – they are about 25 metres, some of the tallest on the line – and

you’ll literally be standing under the structure of the tower.

JESS: The Victoria Cross Station will be one of the largest across the Metro line, in volume of space so it’s a very impressive experience. And when you surface from the station you’re met with this really fine-grained precinct. Features like our three-storey white brick building that will be our retail anchor, called No.1 Miller. This whole place experience is going to be quite incredible, a game-changer for North Sydney.

PHILIP: The two train lines, in different directions, are in one cavern. It’s enormous, cathedral-like! I’ve been looking at it for seven years now. When you first go down into that space your jaw drops. When you come up through the station, it’s certainly complex in terms of engineering, because you do have a building sitting over a station entry. But the design focuses on how, as people exit onto the street, they’re integrated into North Sydney.

WORDS HAMISH MACDONALD

This will be the new social heart of North Sydney. Certainly, in the morning they’ll come out of the Metro and disperse through North Sydney, but they’ll also come here at lunchtime, they’ll come back in the evening to go to bars, restaurants. It will really be a social activity centre.

JESS: Then if you look at the scale of the CBD and what it will do for North Sydney, the metro is going to pull North Sydney into the CBD. There’ll be an exponential increase in connectivity. As a comparison it takes you about seven minutes to walk from Circular Quay to Martin Place but if you catch the Metro from Vic Cross to Martin Place it will be five minutes. This will significantly change how we conceptualise North Sydney. We partnered with UNSW and the City Futures team to see what the impact the Metro is going to have on travel times. From Marrickville to North Sydney, at the moment it might take you 60 minutes. When the metro comes that’s going to halve. From Bondi Junction to North Sydney now is about 45 minutes; it will be about 30 minutes.

So you’ll see talent corridors open up. Different businesses will look to occupy in North Sydney because of that connectivity increase and this new amenity in this new precinct.

PHILIP: Sydneysiders haven’t yet understood the transformative potential of the Metro. When the first line through the CBD opens next year, our level of connectivity will go through the roof. It will reframe the city in people’s minds, how quickly you can be somewhere. North Sydney is no longer a fringe, it’s actually a part of the CBD.

JESS: The CBD will be pulled northwards. Like what we did at Barangaroo, we pulled it sideways to the western corridor. This project will do the same.

The centre of North Sydney is going to have a shift as well. This will be a new centre and we’re seeing a huge amount of development around the station. North Sydney currently has a lot of B and C grade buildings, so you are going to see an uplift in quality in the area directly around the station.

IS THE NEED TO LURE STAFF BACK FROM WORK-FROM-HOME A FACTOR HERE?

JESS: People like to be around people. If you’re collaborating – that’s best done in person. With the Metro coming, time spent on commuting is cut. We’re looking at restaurants and places to meet. Our retail strategy is key as well, bringing a new wave of retailers into North Sydney. We already see retailers currently in Surry Hills, the CBD or Bondi eyeing this opportunity gap that’s here in North Sydney. Because so far there’s nothing much here outside the nine-to-five.

PHILIP: North Sydney has lacked that amenity. It’s always been short of restaurants and cafes and public spaces in the sun. Victoria Cross was designed pre-covid, but it will help attract people back.

But more than that, tenants aren’t just looking for an efficient and functional office space, they’re looking to be part of an activated precinct. Yes, they’ve got space in a building but there’s places to meet, public spaces where you

ABOVE Victoria Cross - Precinct Concourse.

can relax, spaces where you can just open a laptop, sit down in a park or café. We lifted the lobby up, what we call a sky lobby, where you go up one storey, specifically to get restaurants underneath fronting onto the public spaces and to activate the ground floor with fine grain retail.

JESS: So that’s an interesting point for us: how do we think about the commercial lobby of the future. No longer a transitional space that people just walk through. So we are looking at hotel lobby references and that feeling you get when you’re in a hotel – you feel hosted – and how we can bring some of those ideas into commercial lobby spaces.

PHILIP: No more marble mausoleums! More authenticity, bringing nature into lobbies, and getting a kind of natural connection, not this this sort of cold, air-conditioned, stainless steel and marble space.

JESS: Part of the lobby where you can dwell, you can have a meeting, do some work, hold an event. One of our commitments is a 200sqm community space in the lobby, and getting the broader community involved in programs. One program we’ve got in Victoria Cross is called “Girls in STEM”. There are 17,000 high school students in North Sydney, with a significant proportion of girls’ schools, so the students studying those science, technology, engineering, maths subjects we bring them through and talk to them about what the future in property or construction could look like.

WHAT ARE THE SUSTAINABLE FEATURES BUILT INTO VICTORIA CROSS?

JESS: It’s going to be one of the most sustainable buildings in North Sydney, and there are reasons for that. As part of the property industry, we are all trying to work out how to decarbonise our buildings. One of the things we did during covid was switch out the gas from the heating of the building to an electric model. Another was looking at energy efficiency – we are planning to target a have

a 5.5 NABERS rating and a 6 Star Green Star rating. Thirdly we’ve decided to be powered by renewable energy. Then we look at how we reduce the embodied carbon in construction, incorporating 30% recycled material into the concrete we’re using. It’s a really finely tuned building. Thirdly we’ve made a decision to be powered by renewable energy. Then we look at how we reduce the embodied carbon in construction, incorporating 30% recycled material into the concrete we’re using. It’s a really finely-tuned building.

PHILIP: The building has passive solar shading, reducing energy demands. We have horizontal and vertical shading to the north. The tower has a very extensive west face where you can get that really high heat load, so we’ve got a series of fins that are angled 37 and a half degrees. We’re very fortunate that the harbour views are to the south, so we can angle the fins at the view and protect ourselves from the sun. They actually drop off on the bottom of the building because we get enough shading that we don’t need fins, so that’s saving carbon because you’re not putting in things unnecessarily. And then using materials like brick which is a low carbon material around the base of the building. We’re always trying to use low-carbon materials and reduce our operational energy demands.

SO HOW CAN WE SUM UP WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE?

PHILIP: Public spaces will be the really special thing for people coming to Victoria Cross: narrow laneways that connect into the rest of North Sydney, cafes and fine-grain retail, restaurants above. The different types of work and tenants will give you a more vibrant mix and greater diversity. Then this very generous, wide green civic boulevard where people can lie on the grass and have lunch, or sit in these restaurants facing north, getting sunlight. It will give people a space to be, even if they’re not a tenant. It’s really going to be quite a democratic public space.

TOP Philip Vivian. BOTTOM Jessica Paterson.

It’s going to be one of the tallest buildings in North Sydney, so it’s certainly going to be a symbol on the skyline.

LEFT Photography by Kasper Rasmussen, Unsplash.com.

ESG isn’t a buzz word for Australia’s commercial real estate

WORDS STEFANIE OAKES

The built environment is one of the largest single contributors to global emissions, all the way through the construction process and to specific building assets. In Australia, commercial buildings account for 25 percent of all electricity use, and 10 percent of carbon emissions.

Australia currently leads the world in real estate Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) transparency and sustainability, according to the 2022 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmarks (GRESB) results. A good result, but complacency may risk Australian industry fall behind the world.

The nation’s 43 percent net emissions reduction by 2030 is now legislated, but the process will hurt if businesses take it slow. With only seven years to go, the built environment can play a major role in reaching these targets – and create a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable future.

There are structural obstacles to overcome. Within an office building, units are often owned or tenanted privately, and the landlords often have little access to the bigger picture data on building emissions.

Further, there is a lingering misconception that because heating, cooling, lights, waste systems all require vast amounts of energy to maintain, sustainability comes at the cost of comfort or is expensive.

Despite this, demand for sustainability and energy efficiency among shareholders and consumers alike is high. Both the moral imperative for climate action, and rising energy costs in Australia, have meant the business case for sustainability is strong. Building portfolio owners are increasingly participating in NABERS ratings, which present an analysis of energy, water, and waste efficiency for investors. This shows that visibility is important for building managers and investors.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FACES BIG OBSTACLES

One significant challenge is the lack of data and metrics available to effectively measure and report on ESG performance. This data is often compiled from multiple sources, such as energy bills, building management systems or tenant feedback, which can make it difficult to obtain accurate and reliable data.

To overcome this challenge, many Australian companies are investing in technology and infrastructure to collect and analyse data on building energy consumption and emissions. Specialised tools, such as building energy management systems, smart metering devices and advanced controls software are used to provide building managers with real-time data on energy consumption and emissions.

These investments can’t work in siloes. To reach target levels of efficiency, resiliency and accountability, the vast elements of commercial properties must be inextricably linked to establish integrated ESG programs – ones that balance fluctuations, improve occupant experience, and can be controlled remotely. The resulting data can then be combined with AI-driven insights to identify areas of improvement and implement sustainable performance strategies.

Many iconic buildings around the world are taking sustainability more seriously.

Sydney Opera House is focused on reducing its energy consumption by maximising the capabilities of its building management system (BMS).

ABOVE Stefanie Oakes.

By taking control of its energy use, the Opera House’s facilities team can reduce the use of building assets like air conditioning in unused rooms or concert halls while maintaining comfort throughout the rest of the site. Understanding where energy is used can help enable big changes.

Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower, a 136-year-old structure, has installed wind turbines, upgraded its cooling system, and connected rainwater catchment systems. Even in older constructions there are still significant adaptations to be made.

These examples demonstrate that the commercial buildings sector can have a powerful impact on sustainability initiatives worldwide with only minimal disruption. Early movers will reap the rewards.

AUSTRALIA LEADS THE WAY, BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it will crackdown on misleading ESG statements, and so building managers will need to provide visibility in case of an audit. This is an opportunity for building managers to build resilience into their ESG structures, and secure stakeholder buy-in, and sustainability, can last in the long-term.

The incentives for sustainability are becoming clearer as more new builds adopt new standards. The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) estimates Australian buildings which measure their energy ratings have saved $1 billion in energy costs and reduced emissions by half since 1998. Visibility has been a major catalyst for building managers to be able to understand energy usage and implement strategies to reduce.

State governments around Australia have set mandatory energy efficiency targets for new builds and existing buildings. This is further driving the adoption of new building standards and technologies. By investing in sustainable practices, building owners and managers can not only meet these targets but also benefit from cost savings and improved environmental performance.

It is essential for building managers to take a proactive approach and implement sustainable practices and technologies in their buildings –old mill management can’t cope with today’s expectations. This will not only benefit the environment but also provide a competitive advantage in the long run. Transparency and communication of sustainability efforts are also important to build trust and credibility with stakeholders. Without visibility, sustainability is just a buzz word.

by Sean Pollock, Unsplash.com.

Case study: 388 Barkly Street, Brunswick, Melbourne

Architect: Dreamer and Breathe Architecture

Builder: Koorool Constructions

Product: Archetto and Azione

Background

Proudly brought to life by a Brunswick-based architecture and design practice, Dreamer, in close collaboration with Breathe Architecture, 388 Barkly Street is a unique project that graciously embodies the notion of thoughtful, ethical and considered design.

“The larger ambition for 388 Barkly Street was to create a best practice sustainable apartment development that encouraged smallfootprint living and would be an attractive inner city higher density alternative to the suburban family home,” explains Ben Shields, Director of Dreamer. “At the occupant level we wanted to create a small, diverse community that supports low energy, low waste, sustainable, healthy lifestyles. We also wanted to keep the heritage brick shell intact and wanted to ensure it would continue to connect the building to the urban fabric of Brunswick.”

Employing biophilic design strategies – such as a strong indoor-outdoor connection and

the abundant incorporation of foliage – as well as providing multiple waste streams, and amplifying connections to public transport and recreational hubs, were all crucial to achieving these goals.

Challenges

“In order to complement the existing heritage brick shell, we selected a material palette composed of pared back, natural materials. Timber was a major component of the palette and helped to elevate the spaces, creating more tactility particularly in areas that people touch such as island benches, doors and door frames and floors,” Ben explains.

Equally, in line with the project’s sustainability strategy, a high performance thermal envelope and glazing system was needed.

Solution

BINQ, a high quality window manufacturer with headquarters in Victoria, were able to supply the project with a premium performance solution that aligned with 388 Barkly Street’s sustainability goals, as well as its thermal performance requirements.

The timber-framed windows boast exceptionally low u-Values, which was essential to both reducing the carbon footprint of the building through its requirements of energy consumptions – and achieving the building’s desired NaTHERS rating. Moreover, BINQ’s products are made with a sustainably sourced Victorian Ash timber – which is locally manufactured in Melbourne – as part of an entirely sustainable supply chain.

The architects selected the Archetto and Azione products in natural timber with brass door furniture – both because of its environmental profile and thermal performance, and because of the refined aesthetics of the products. “The detailing of these products and dimensions of the window frame profile fitted in really well with the sensibilities of the project,” Ben adds.

“BINQ’s timber windows with brass door and window furniture met our brief and from all accounts the occupants enjoy using them every day.” Ben summarises. “We are really happy with the result. Andre and the team were available and receptive to understanding the project, and helping to ensure the products selected were tailored to our needs.”

The rise of human-centred office spaces in the ‘burbs

When compared to the traditional CBD office, decentralised office hubs provide multiple benefits to both employers and workers, says Gray Puksand Partner Nik Tabain.

Offering location convenience, easy commutes, cheaper rents, and increased space for diversity in work typologies and amenities, suburban offices are now becoming sought-after hubs amid shifting attitudes, as employers look to entice staff back into the office with lifestyledriven contemporary workspaces that are closer to home.

The suburbs have an important role to play in the post-pandemic workplace environment, with these areas poised to become prime business locations delivering unique advantages over the CBD.

‘EARN THE COMMUTE’ WITH HOLISTIC PRECINCT DESIGN

While suburban office hubs can offer the advantage of conveniently located workplaces for people living in the city fringes, location is not enough in a post-pandemic world. Suburban workspaces must also shift away from an office-only model to encourage workers to ‘earn their commute’, i.e., give them a compelling reason to come to work.

Design firm Hassell’s 2022 Workplace Futures Survey, a global survey of 2500 office workers, found that ‘home has become more like the office so the office needs to become more like home’. With fresh air, gardens, greenery, cafes and focussed workspaces topping the list of worker demands, Tabain suggests holistic business precinct design to create dynamic environments for workers that blur the lines between work and lifestyle.

For instance, Gray Puksand has master planned the Ferntree Business Park in Melbourne’s south-east based on insights gleaned from visits to commercial precincts

and university campuses around the world; the master plan incorporates open-air Wi-Fi enabled plazas, cafes, hotels, and exercise equipment, all within walking distance, and shared by tenants and the community.

BRINGING HEALTH-FOCUSSED DESIGN TO THE SUBURBS

Designing healthy spaces that incorporate fresh air, daylight and biophilic features has become the standard baseline for workplace design projects. Though suburban and regional areas enjoy more access to open space than cities, many commercial precincts in these areas still lack pedestrian-friendly green spaces, says Tabain.

Research-informed master planning and architectural design to place better emphasis on health and wellbeing can be leveraged to reactivate existing precincts and support healthier spaces.

Gray Puksand’s recent expansion of the Nexus Corporate Park in Melbourne’s southeast is an exemplar in human-centred design with the removal of cars from the broader precinct. Two new commercial buildings enjoy an exclusive and expansive people-focused plaza with much-needed access to light and green space, while car parking has been moved below ground.

CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY

Contemporary offices have become a place to connect and collaborate: Smart architectural design can support this connection, not just within a building but also outwards by engaging the local community.

At Gray Puksand-designed commercial and workspace projects, amenities such as business lounges, meeting rooms, function spaces and hospitality spaces are shared between tenants, creating a sense of community and increasing the appeal for employees.

One of the firm’s upcoming projects in Geelong for a Victorian regional centre includes plans for a winter garden with a fresh air meeting room on every level of the building, in addition to a rooftop complete with a bar and restaurant that’s accessible to the broader community. The building will provide a valuable ‘third space’ for workers – a space between the work and the office that’s an important setting for leisure, relaxation and connection, both during and after hours.

Delivering architecturally designed suburban office precincts that meet the needs of a contemporary workforce will ensure these areas will continue to thrive as prime business destinations in a post-pandemic landscape.

Based on the article ‘Rethinking the suburban office – how architects can design humancentred business precincts for the future of work’, authored by Nik Tabain, Partner at Gray Puksand.

Contemporary offices have become a place to connect and collaborate.

ABOVE Nik Tabain. LEFT Photography by Jose Losada, Unsplash.com.

Yarra Falls

The recently completed refurbishment of the historic Yarra Falls building sees the transformation of Abbotsford into a city-fringe commercial and business precinct.

PROJECT CREDITS

Architect Gray Puksand

Year Completed 2022

Located on the scenic Yarra River Bike Trail, the riverside proximity and expansive parkland create a commercial building that is ideal for businesses looking for city fringe space with easy CBD access with all the mixed mode and lifestyle amenity, creating some of the home comforts we have become accustomed to the last few years, such as easy access to nature.

Designed to meet the demand for employees seeking more flexibility, Yarra Falls offers hotelquality amenities to encourage workers back to the office. This includes end-of-trip, an on-site gym and café with 200-8,500sqm of space for office suites available to meet varied needs.

Centred around biophilic design principles, an expansive 200sqm indoor winter garden is at the heart of the tenancy spaces. A sculptural stair draws you down through the wintergarden, the lush garden spaces inspired by rainforest canopies featuring communal meeting areas, seating, and grassy knolls where you can just be set amongst the green filled space.

Large skylights flood the garden with natural light and views of the sky, encouraging wellbeing and productivity through connection to the nature.

The Yarra Falls Spinning Mills offers a refined industrial aesthetic emphasising the heritage features of the voluminous sawtooth roof, exposed steel, and refinished existing timber floors, combined with the amenities of shared meeting rooms, spacious lounge and café, wintergarden and modern workspaces is adaptive re-use at its best.

The use of natural materials throughout the communal areas such as terracotta, timber, and leather with lush planting create an open airy comfortable feel for building users.

IMAGES Designed to meet the demand for employees seeking more flexibility, Yarra Falls offers hotel-quality amenities to encourage workers back to the office.

Balancing style, durability and compliance: Designing with brass door handles

No matter what your design preferences are, keeping door hardware consistent with your interior styling and finishes is crucial. Door handle materials, in particular, are an often overlooked and underappreciated component in a building specification. For commercial projects requiring high levels of access and fire safety, the common misconception is that compliance opposes style. Brass breaks this paradigm, offering door handles that both look and perform beautifully.

Balancing Style, Durability and Compliance:

Designing with Brass Door Handles discusses the importance of choosing fit-for-purpose door handles, and the benefits of specifying brass door handles for commercial applications.

First, we discuss why the choice of door hardware is integral to how users experience a built environment. Door handles are one of the few parts of a building users directly interact with every day. While they may be a physically small item, door handles are integral to safety, security and access. Taking site requirements and environmental considerations into account, the hardware needs to be fit for purpose, long lasting and suitable for carrying out an important daily function.

From an aesthetic perspective, door handles can also tie together different design elements, for example by matching with other components of the door itself as well as the overall style of the building. This can aid in creating a natural flow and cohesiveness throughout the property, turning a good design into a memorable one. We take a brief look at compliance considerations when designing and specifying door systems. There are mandatory standards governing the distances between the door and handle, the height of the handle’s location, the addition of snibs, and the amount of force needed to operate the door. Delivering a fully compliant project depends on being aware of and staying current with the relevant door hardware requirements.

Finally, against this backdrop, we consider why brass door handles are an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, including challenging, heavy-use and high-corrosion environments.

Brass is excellent for door handles for both aesthetic and mechanical reasons. Brass properties vary depending on the alloy, but it is known for being highly workable

and maintaining high strength after forming thus lending itself to accurate and repeatable manufacture. Some of the architectural advantages of brass include:

• durability and strength;

• timeless style and range of finishes;

• fire resistance; and

• resistance to corrosion.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Australia presents the award-winning Lockwood Brass Core range of stylish door handles that combine an elegant design with high functionality. Designed and assembled in Australia with Lockwood’s trusted quality at its core, the new brass handles comprise a broad selection of compliant lever styles that easily integrate with the building’s architecture.

The Brass Core range is made from a hardwearing and high-quality material that comes in a range of finishes including brass, bronze, white and copper, among others. In addition to standard architectural plated finishes, Lockwood offers an extensive range of decorative finishes, as well as different roses and plates, to achieve the aesthetic of your choice.

Builder Creato Homes

Year Completed 2021

Queens Chambers

The Queens Chambers expresses a space of quiet contemplation and inspiration. Serving to function both the needs of work and hosting, the chambers demarcates itself as a place of respite from the day’s proceedings in court.

PHOTOGRAPHY TATJANA PLITT

Architect FMD Architectsk

Endeavouring to provide for the duality of work and rest, the space transitions with the day, and a pull of a curtain. An escape from the hours spent on a case in a nurturing environment, a place of comfort and source of inspiration. Digital artwork displayed on the TV provides a selection of art pieces that engage an immersion with nature - the symbolism of the mushroom art piece as chaos and transformation – the curvaceous interiors reflecting a cocoon that nestles the client.

The office’s tonal composition mediates contrasting sculptural elements to highlight the views of the city beyond. The furniture throughout both texturally and formally softening the space within – as the Fluffy Lounge Chair offers a moment of respite to engage with the everchanging urban landscape outside.

Timber shelving extends itself as a branch, housing the functional requirements of the workspace, as well as the historic components of the legal identity.

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IMAGES The office’s tonal composition mediates contrasting sculptural elements to highlight the views of the city beyond.

Case study: 400 George St, Brisbane

Project: 400 George St, Brisbane

Client: Cromwell Property Group

Products: Methven Kiri Low Flow showers with Satinjet® technology

Background

Located in Brisbane’s prestigious North Quarter, 400 George St is a 5-star Green Star office building. Originally designed by Cox Architects, the building provides 43,978 m2 of commercial office floor area, with close proximity to the Kurilpa Bridge which extends over the Brisbane River to the Gallery of Modern Art and South Bank cultural precinct.

While construction was completed in 2009, the addition of the building’s end-of-trip facilities was completed in 2021 as part of project “Refresh at 400”, led by designers from nettletontribe in partnership with building owners Cromwell Property Group.

Challenges

Part of the refresh project required the addition of an end of trip facility into a space that did not previously have one.

With 400 George’s reputation as a highly efficient building, this had to be done with two primary goals in mind - first, to measurably improve the tenant experience. Second, to reduce the water usage in the End of Trip facilities by 5% while retaining the building’s 5.5 star energy, and 4.5 star water NABERS Ratings.

From a design perspective, there was also the challenge of creating harmony between the existing building services and the new additions. Finally, environmental factors such as COVID and the Queensland floods disrupted build times and caused fluctuations in building occupancy.

Solution

Knowing that bathroom fixture features and flow rates significantly impact water savings, Methven Kiri Low Flow showers with Satinjet® technology were installed to achieve the clear goals of reducing water usage whilst improving the experience for the building’s high value tenants.

Methven Kiri Low Flow showers were able to optimise performance with 5L/min shower heads, a significant reduction on standard

shower flow rates of 9L/min. In turn, this resulted in a huge 82.41kL in direct savings from Methven Kiri Low Flow Satinjet® showers.1

“By installing Methven Kiri Satinjet® Low Flow showers as part of the 400 George Street end of trip renovation, we were able to turn an existing food court space into a luxurious and well-appointed end of trip experience for the tenants.,” said Jenni Ford, General Manager of Cromwell Property Group. “It was important to us that we retained the strong sustainability credentials of the building, so installing low flow showers without compromising tenant experience was key. Not only did we receive positive tenant feedback, we were able to keep water consumption down and retain our NABERS Water rating, with the showers contributing a large part of our efficiencies.

Tom Offermann Real Estate

The client’s brief was simple – provide a space to meet with clients in a relaxed manner, akin to that of a comfortable livingroom setting.

PHOTOGRAPHY SCOTT BURROWS WORDS GAVIN MADDOCK

The timeless aesthetic, used in a modern manner that speaks to the longevity of the brand, is calm and minimally luxurious.

The concept was equally simple – make the connection between the existing office and the new meeting spaces the core of the project. Make restrained, make it clear, make it bold. Create one element that impacts two floors.

The stone staircase is the stone wall and vice versa, as if carved out of a singular block of stone. The stone is hollowed out the top, punching a hole through the roof to the sky. While the stone stair is the physical connection between the two floors, it is the light that truly connects the spaces. The stone is carved further, creating crevices, revealing the timber that expands across the two floors.

PROJECT CREDITS

Architect MADDOCK

Location Noosa Heads, QLD

Year Completed 2022

The sofas are designed and fabricated to suit the professional office environment. Selection of quality fabrics that soften and enhance the spaces bound by stone and glass.

The backdrop of a heavy luxurious curtain lined with a delicate sheer fabric to add lustre and finesse.

The timeless aesthetic, used in a modern manner that speaks to the longevity of the brand, is calm and minimally luxurious.

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Efficiency at Scale: Commercial Bathroom Installation

While construction demand continues to rise, supply chain constraints are placing pressure on property prices as well as the cost of materials and labour. Even in a specific field like bathroom installation, there is significant pressure on the industry to find new design innovations to help meet the growing backlog of new building developments. While cost-effective products are available, real game-changing savings can be found in the adoption of highly-efficient prefabrication and modular construction methods, particularly for large-scale commercial projects with consistent product specifications.

In Efficiency at Scale: Applying Prefabrication and Modular Construction Principles to Commercial Bathroom Installation, we examine these issues and how off-site manufacturing can increase construction quality, efficiency and productivity.

Challenges in commercial bathroom installation

In medium to large scale projects where multiple bathrooms are being worked on, each bathroom space may have different dimensions and layouts and specific requirements for accessibility, safety and durability. The introduction of variables in layout as well as mixing and matching bathroom products and fixtures from multiple suppliers can increase the risk of defects.

In addition, the current skilled labour shortage makes it difficult to not only find experts but also schedule them when they are needed.

One of the most challenging stages in bathroom installation is the plumbing “roughin”. Any mistakes during this stage are costly as remediating defective work will involve removing tiles, breaking through walls and rectifying waterproofing.

Prefabrication and modular construction for bathroom projects

Modular construction refers to an approach to building wherein construction elements and modules are produced off-site (or prefabricated) in a factory-like setting, then transported to the building site and installed there. In the bathroom installation sector, for example, prefabricated bathroom pods have emerged as a viable option in construction projects and a significant contributor to productivity.

Modular construction offers several benefits to commercial bathroom projects:

• minimises on-site construction, labour and equipment requirements;

• controlled manufacturing environment ensures a consistent level of quality;

• streamlines product specification and installation process; and

• reduces construction waste.

All these factors combine to deliver lower construction costs, faster construction timelines, fewer on-site risks and higher quality installations.

A modular approach to fixture installation: Caroma Modular Frame Installation Solution Australian-owned and operated, leading bathroom product provider Caroma has now joined the “prefab revolution” by developing a suite of prefabricated in-wall framing systems called CAMFIS (Caroma Modular Frame Installation Solution), which allows for plumbers to run their own prefabricated production lines and help solve their labour crisis and drive growth.

By simplifying the prefabrication process down to pre-roughed in-wall units that support and connect Caroma bathroom products, plumbing businesses can install and fit off bathrooms in commercial applications with reduced on-site labour.

With prefabricated assembled frames delivered to their door, plumbers can rough-in prior to site delivery on a standardised frame in factory conditions, deliver to site, and then simply click them in to minimise on-site labour, reduce costs and alleviate the headache of coordinating on-site personnel.

Ballarat Heritage Alteration

Ballarat Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine precinct is an additions and alterations project based in the regional city of Ballarat, Victoria. The broad context encompasses a diverse mix of medium sized medical/ hospital and domestic buildings from the 19th century to current era.

PHOTOGRAPHY DEREK SWALWELL WORDS NATHAN PORTER

PROJECT CREDITS

Architect Porter Architects

Builder Searle Brothers

Project size 973 m2

Site size 4174 m2

Project Budget $1.2m

Year Completed 2021

Building levels 2

The existing site encompasses a large heritage listed 19th century building surrounded by an established diverse garden. It has transitioned its life from originally a hospital to a large residence and now a sports medicine precinct.

An existing grand old 19th century building, the brief included restoring the existing 19th century features, a new contemporary rear entry, various additions and alterations and a new contemporary fit out tailored for today’s building code requirements.

The main contemporary entry pavilion was strategically located at the rear of the building for various reasons. This included the ease of pedestrian traffic between the local private hospital behind the site, being adjacent to the new carpark area and importantly so the front of the existing 19th century building was unchanged, architecturally this gave the architect some freedom to explore a contemporary intervention to a significant heritage building. The new rear entry pavilion to the south of the building has a very transparent fabric to bring in as much ambient and direct sunlight as possible. The main external fabric is a locally sourced dark stained Australian silvertop ash hardwood cladding. This was used because the lightweight dark timber softens the aesthetic with the existing dominant detailed brick façade. So, the combination of the glazed and dark timber clad entry pavilion helped balance and inform an appropriate architectural response with the existing building.

Internally, the building required transformation from a domestic residence to a full functioning commercial medical consultant fit out. The main atrium/ open area was simplified and restored. A contemporary blackbutt hardwood timber reception desk was added to serve patients. Once again, the strategy of using the warmth of the timber balanced well with existing heritage features. Locally sourced Australian hardwood timber daybeds and joinery were installed throughout the remainder of the fit out. Thermal mass concrete floors and underfloor insulation reduce the heating and cooling loads on the building so that it can be as comfortable as possible without the overuse of mechanical heating/cooling. Thermally broken triple glazed windows were installed which help thermal comfort levels. Hidden solar panels are located on the existing roof to reduce electricity grid usage and the building is openable and closable for natural ventilation which is flexible with the seasonal Ballarat weather conditions. The result is a carefully considered contemporary additions/alterations and fit out balanced with the heritage listed building whilst engaging the local context. And finally, it adds a new chapter in the building's long and changing journey.

IMAGES In terms of sustainability the design aims to incorporate appropriate solar access with triple glazing.

26 Flinders Street

The final stage of upgrades to the commercial CBD high-rise building — the extension and refurbishment of the ground entrance lobby at 26 Flinders Street.

PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID SIEVERS WORDS SARAH GILBERT

Responding to the demand for a new and inviting contemporary building entrance which introduces the recently upgraded interior aesthetic and resulting high-end tenant experience within the rest of the building. A modern industrial materials palette is complemented by a high level of design detailing, with features such as an expressed steelwork structure, high ceilings and curved timber wall panels creating a feeling of opulence and grandeur.

Incorporating an integrated café zone, an open plan concept has achieved a welcoming atmosphere and brought a new identity for the building and its tenants. New external integrated feature lighting and tenant signage has balanced tenant brand exposure with the architectural concept.

PROJECT CREDITS

Project Team Studio Nine Architects

Year Completed 2022

IMAGES Incorporating an integrated café zone, an open plan concept has achieved a welcoming atmosphere and brought a new identity for the building and its tenants.

Waterman Business Centre

The Waterman Eastland Business Centre in Ringwood in Melbourne`s outer eastern suburbs was recently shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Interior Design Award for Workplace Design. It exemplifies these changing aspirations and shows how innovative retail environments are reinventing themselves as community hubs.

PROJECT CREDITS

Architect ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects

Year Completed 2022

Designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke

Architects, certified carbon neutral, Climate Active B-Corporation specialising in contemporary community building with positive social and environmental impact, the Waterman Eastland Business Centre offers the first glimpse of Waterman`s innovative new co-working model, which weaves a small business community into the dynamic ecosystem of a retail mall.

The long-term vision of Eastland`s owner, QIC-GRE, is to create a vibrant town centre that clusters cultural, civic, hospitality and business communities around a retail core. ClarkeHopkinsClarke`s design establishes a narrative that will shape future fit outs while responding to site-specific opportunities including a voluminous retail atrium, barrel-vaulted ceiling, and neighbouring Mullum Mullum Creek. Located on Level 3, the 3,300sqm fit-out comprises 37 private offices of all sizes, capacity for 400 people, 70-plus hot desks, seven meeting rooms including a boardroom, luxe amenities and communal spaces including a café, kitchen, lounges, and breakouts.

The design transforms a long, narrow, potentially internalised floorplate by opening the entire fit-out to the spectacular ceiling and retail void, illuminating every space with natural light, generous volumes, and energising sightlines.

Twin entrances, front and rear, are linked by circulation paths winding past beautiful shared and private habitats. Inspired by the creek`s lovely ecology, the design accommodates diverse tenants through flexibility that can flex as tenancies do, communal habitats that naturally encourage interaction, and spectacular natural light, volumes, and views through the retail void.

Interiors Associate Michelle Cavicchiolo says, “We’ve created pathways that wind like the creek through spaces designed for connection, inspiration, focus and pause.

There are adaptable offices for diverse tenants and lovely communal lounge, kitchen, and breakout areas, where people can cross paths and get to know one another. The entire fit-out overlooks the atrium, which floods it with beautiful natural light, views and generous volumes.” We’ve used a palette of robust, sustainable materials and natural tones inspired by the flora, fauna and structural elements of the creek.” Hence warm timbers, a preserved moss feature wall and terrazzo tiles reminiscent of the creek bed. Meeting rooms are wrapped in curved bulkheads finished in polished plaster, echoing the forms of rocks and gorges. Luxe bathrooms feature curvy walls with tiles whose tonal variations suggest moving water. The kitchen’s centrepiece is an extraordinary nine-metre island bench of pebble-like terrazzo, which tenants naturally gather around to chat, get to know one another, and build a sense of belonging.

Bill Barakia, Architectural Associate in Retail and Mixed Use at ClarkeHopkinsClarke, says the entire project was an exercise in connection.

“It’s an outward-focused space with extensive glazing and great sightlines, and even on a dull day the entire fit-out is illuminated by natural light,” he says. Communal spaces open generously to the life of the mall beyond and create focal points for moments of intimacy. “This design brings people together, and for me, that’s one of its highlights.”

Waterman’s Managing Director Neville Waterman agrees. “The physical scale of the Eastland centre required an immense level of design thought to maximise our coworking and office space, while also featuring an onsite café and generous communal areas that are central to delivering a productive and inspiring workspace for businesses”, he says. “We’re proud of our design collaboration with ClarkeHopkinsClarke. It has created a centre that genuinely inspires those working from it. There is a real sense of community and collaboration, and the space plays a significant role in developing and nurturing that.”

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IMAGES Hence warm timbers, a preserved moss feature wall and terrazzo tiles reminiscent of the creek bed.

Why do we, as a business, celebrate sustainability?

According to the Green Business Bureau (GBB), the UN Global CompactAccenture CEO Study on Sustainability found that 84% – of the 1,000 global CEOs surveyed – thought businesses should lead efforts to address global priority issues, such as environmental damage and poverty alleviation. 30% of businesses, at the time, rose to this challenge.

WORDS BRANKO MILETIC

And of the ones that did, noted the GBB, they reaped the returns from having a strong purpose. For instance, research by Deutsche Bank revealed that companies with high ESG ratings outperformed the market in the medium (5 years) and the long term (5-10 years).

Supporting these findings, a 2021 Morningstar U.S. Sustainability Leaders Index report found companies with the best ESG scores returned a 33.3% higher return over one year, beating the broader US market by more than 8%. A 2020 study by Accenture gives an update on these findings, concluding that companies with high ratings for ESG performance enjoyed average operating margins that were 3.7x higher than those of lower ESG performers. This meant such companies outpaced poorer ESG performers by 2.6 times. On top of this, reports show companies in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership substantially outperformed the FTSE Global 500 companies.

As the GBB concludes, sustainability creates business value for long-term prosperity.

And that’s because the sustainable business is built to last – strategies are implemented for longevity. The dependencies between our environmental, social, and economic systems are leveraged.

This is of crucial when it comes to the A,B,C,D,E,F&G sectors – architecture, building, construction, design, engineering, facilities and geotechnical – which all up account for about 50% of all our carbon emissions.

Which at least partly explains why for the past 17 years, Architecture & Design has run the Sustainability Awards. And not just ‘run’ – its more like re-engineered awards that are now the most celebrated in Australia within the built environment.

Part of our success has been that the awards programme as we call it, is we are not just about giving out prizes, we are also al about educating.

That’s why in 2017, we launched Sustainability Live and now called the Sustainability Summit, a CPD panel event designed to educate as well as support the design community.

This year attendees will have 10 panels to choose from:

TOPIC 1: HOW ELECTRIC VEHICLES WILL IMPACT BOTH DESIGN & SUSTAINABILITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

TOPIC 2: SENSE & SUSTAINABILITY – HOW 3 WOMEN CHANGED OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY

TOPIC 3: THE ROAD TO BRISBANE 2032: CREATING A LASTING LEGACY OF SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL AMENITY IN 21ST CENTURY SPORTS

TOPIC 4: THE RISE AND RISE OF MULTI-RESIDENTIAL HOUSING MODELS AND HOW THEY ARE CHANGING THE WAY WE LIVE

TOPIC 5: HOW TO USE BIOPHILIA TO DESIGN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS THAT GENERATE 100% OF THEIR OWN POWER

TOPIC 6: CREATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES, WELLNESS AND PERFORMANCE BY USING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

TOPIC 7: DESIGNING FOR RESILIENCE AND DISASTER PLANNING – WHY SUSTAINABILITY NOW ALSO MEANS BEING PREPARED

TOPIC 8: HOW TO DESIGN AND ESTABLISH SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR COMMUNITIES

TOPIC 9: WHY 10-STAR HOMES WILL BECOME THE NORM IN RESIDENTIAL DESIGN. BUT HOW TO GET THERE

TOPIC 10: SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONS & COMPLIANCE - WHY THIS MEANS EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

As for the actual awards, the 2023 categories are:

PEOPLE

• Emerging Sustainable Architect / Designer

• Lifetime Achievement

PROJECTS

• Commercial Architecture (Large)

• Commercial Architecture (Small)

• Education & Research

• Multi-Residential Dwelling

• Single Dwelling (New)

• Single Dwelling (Alteration)

• Adaptive Reuse (Alteration/Addition)

• Landscape & Urban

• Interior Design

• Public Building

• Hospitality & Tourism

• Small Sustainable Practice of The Year

INNOVATION

• Green Building Material

• Smart Building Ideas

• Editor’s Choice

• Best of the Best

So, it’s high everyone stops talking about the awards and signs up to enter them and of course come to the Summit, this year to be held in Sydney, on Thursday November 9.

For more information, please visit www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au

TOP RIGHT: Terrace House by Austin Maynard Architects. Photography: Derek Swalwell. CENTRE: The Hütt 01 Passivaus by Melbourne Design Studios (MDS).

Photography: Marnie Hawson BOTTOM RIGHT: Riverside Green by Hassell. Photography: Scott Burrows.

Options in heat and sound management via the latest in insulation solutions

WORDS JARROD REEDIE

Designed to keep cold out, mitigate sound, and prevent fire, insulation has been utilised for millennia. While mud and animal hide were the first examples of insulative material, we now have purpose-built, mass manufactured products which assist in an array of sectors, including commercial.

Insulation effectively refers to a material that reduces the transfer of energy. This can refer to thermal, acoustic or fire insulation, with some panels and products able to account for more than one form of insulation.

Providing acoustic, thermal, and fireresistant performance, superior insulation solutions in commercial buildings are nonnegotiable. The Australian offerings market wide are consistently at the coalface of industry trends, with each providing architects with adaptable solutions with individual qualities.

LET’S GO NATURAL

AIS Group’s Rockwool insulation range is made from natural stone wool, the sustainable and non-combustible material is created through rocks ingeniously spun into fibres.

Available in an array of forms, including rolls, boards and slabs and possessing the ability to be pre-formed, the range is a specification haven for architects. Superior thermal and acoustic performance is backed by the highest level of fire protection (AS1530.1, AS1530.3 and AS4859.1) possible, underlining both its functional and safe qualities.

Made to be environmentally friendly, Rockwool insulation has also been designed to be more durable than other insulation materials with a longer lifespan. It is resistant to damage from pests and moisture, making it suitable for use

in a variety of different climates and weather conditions. It is also a good choice for use in areas with high levels of moisture, as it can absorb and release moisture as needed.

Sydney’s most exclusive address, Lendlease and Renzo Piano’s One Sydney Harbour, has been insulated with the Rockwool range, with buildings at Melbourne’s Monash University and the University of Technology Sydney also the beneficiary of the AIS Group range.

GETTING HIGH PERFORMANCE

Askin’s XFLAM Insulated Panels are high performance panels that are fully recyclable and can be utilised for roofing, walls, ceilings, and architectural facades, XFLAM’s syntactic thermoset foam core meets all NCC requirements.

Askin’s CodeMark Volcore Panels are claimed to be the most fire-resistant panels on the market. Suited to extreme high-risk environments including multi-residential buildings, data centres and plant rooms, CodeMark achieves its resistance through its mineral wool core manufactured from Basalt Rock, which achieves high fire resistance levels (FRL).

Australia’s distinctive climate makes for several issues for architects and specifiers alike. With eight climate zones from the warm and humid north to the cooler south, the full range of Askin products account for the cold-storage sector through to non-combustible building envelope.

Askin provided its CodeMark Volcore NonCombustible Panels with a weather-iron steel face to provide fire resistance and aesthetic appeal to St Albans Leisure Centre Replacement (Brimbank Health and Wellbeing Hub) in Melbourne’s west.

CARBON NEUTRAL

Autex’s carbon neutral treatments are produced entirely from PET, with a minimum of 45 percent recycled fibre. Each product is rigorously tested to support performance claims, with a locally based supply chain ensuring peace of mind.

Autex’s list of accreditations include a Level A GreenRate certification, Declare - ThirdParty Verified ‘Red List Free' status, CDPH standard and ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certificates. The newly completed Seek HQ, designed by Hassell, is insulated with Autex’s Quietspace Panel, ensuing in a quiet, well insulated workplace defined by Autex’s sustainable operation.

MAXIMUM PROTECTION

Designed specifically for commercial metal framed partitions, wall systems and ceilings, Fletcher Insulation’s Fletcher Insulation’s Pink Partition range epitomises the company’s mantra of creating outstanding and protective products.

ABOVE St Albans Leisure Centre Replacement (Brimbank Health and Wellbeing Hub) using Askin’s CodeMark Volcore Non-Combustible Panels with a weather-iron steel face.

High thermal and acoustic performance defines the glasswool product and is ideal for both low- and high-rise buildings, including (and certainly not limited to) offices, schools, universities, and shopping centres.

A catalogue of densities, thicknesses and dimensions assure architects of its suitability, with Pink Partition assisting in meeting NCC requirements.

Fletcher’s products are thermally rated to AS4859.1, as well as meeting AS 1530.1, avoiding additional fuel loading to a building and furthering a building’s safety.

Most importantly, the entirety of Fletcher’s range complies with the requirements of AS 3959 Bushfire Attack Level Low-FZ in walls, floors and ceilings.

Fletcher’s panels were utilised for Melbourne’s award-winning Collins Arch commercial tower, while maintaining safety and optimal thermal and acoustic performance at Perth’s Ritz Carlton Hotel.

COOL RUNNINGS

Kingspan Kooltherm and Kingspan Therma are a cornerstone of 7+ Star-rated homes. Kooltherm is an extensive range of rigid thermoset phenolic insulation for roofs, walls, and floors, boasting the most thermally efficient conductivity and thermal performance values of any product available on the market.

The product is commonly used amongst waterproofed flat roofs and tapered roofs to enhance water drainage and is regarded by the company as being compatible with most green roof systems.

An alternative to standard insulation products, the thin AIR-CELL product been shown to reflect up to 97% of radiant heat away from its foil surface. Fibre-free, non-allergenic and non-irritant, the advanced thermal performance of the reflective foil is both effortless to install and energy efficient.

Australian made within the company’s 6-Star rated Somerton facility, all Kingspan products hold at least one or more CodeMark, Group 1& 2 NCC fire or Branz Appraised accreditation.

Kingspan’s Kooltherm has been installed at the world-class Allianz Stadium, designed by COX, and site of the upcoming 2023 Sustainability Awards.

GETTING ALL GLASSY

Oceania Glass is the only (and by default, the largest) glass manufacturer on the continent. Supplying the company’s insulation products, ComfortHush and QLam Hush that provide a contemporary alternative to atypical insulation materials.

ComfortHush incorporates a 3-ply acoustic PVB interlayer designed to reduce sound transmission, with a Low E coated component providing high-quality thermal performance, while additionally eliminating some 99 percent of UV radiation. QLam Hush sees two Grade A sheets of glass bonded together that dampens noise and provides enhanced sound insulation performance.

FOR THE WET AREAS

Siniat’s TruRock and TruRock HD plasterboards are designed to be a costeffective all-in-one lining solution for commercial construction. Impact, water, and fire resistant, the panels limit sound transfer, with their high-density gypsum core, glass fibre reinforcement and recycled heavy-duty liner paper culminating in an allencompassing plasterboard.

All Siniat products are available under the Siniat Carbon Neutral Opt-in Program, certified by Climate Active. The range is certified to GreenRate Level A by Global GreenTag, with the durability of both TruRock and TruRock HD resulting in the products being specified for wet areas.

Burling Brown Architects specified Siniat’s plasterboards for Robina’s Arcadia College. The nature of the project saw the company involved heavily throughout the design process. TruRock HD was used on classroom walls to soundproof the spaces, with SoundShield, another plasterboard offering, implemented underneath hard surfaces to strengthen acoustic treatment.

At the end of the day, insulation is one of the most efficient ways to save energy since it keeps buildings and their occupants warm in the winter and cool in the summer. On top of that, it saves energy use and helps with making our living and work spaces more quiet and serene.

SUPPLIERS AIS GROUP ais-group.com.au Askin askin.net.au Autex Acoustics architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/autex-acoustics

Fletcher Insulation architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/fletcher-insulation Kingspan Insulation architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/kingspan-insulation

Oceania Glass architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/oceania-glass Siniat architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/siniat

PAGE 52 Photography by Erik Mclean, Unsplash.com. ABOVE Allianz Stadium featuring Kingspan’s Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board and Kooltherm K10 Plus Soffit Board.

Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones.

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Dr Sarah Hill, the CEO of the Western Parkland City Authority, talks about delivering her vision for ‘a metropolis of three cities’’, a vision she co-created as the inaugural CEO of the Greater Sydney Commission, to fundamentally change the way we think and plan for Greater Sydney.

Sarah talks about leading the Commission to develop new ways of engaging with citizens, to measure and monitor key planning outcomes and to better align growth with infrastructure through new methods such as Australia’s first place-based infrastructure compact.

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Uncovering what really goes on behind the scenes in the world of architecture and design…

Tim Phillips is a highly regarded industrial designer specialising in design for architects, creatives, and the construction industry.

He has extensive experience in architectural projects, with a passion for using the latest technologies, materials, and manufacturing techniques to bring the creative ideas of his clients to life without the constraints of traditional construction methods.

As the owner of Tilt Industrial Design, Tim explains how industrial design not only has become an important component of modern architecture, but also how it influences sustainability across the entire built environment.

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EPISODE 145: Tim Phillips, MD of Tilt Industrial Design on the link between sustainability and industrial design.

Modern commercial bathrooms: Where hygiene and aesthetics meet

WORDS STEPHANIE STEFANOVIC

From offices to hotels, retail spaces, restaurants and even warehouses, there are countless examples of commercial spaces, which, while different in function, face the same key challenges in terms of bathroom design. Namely, designing bathrooms that can meet the hygiene needs of a high-traffic public space while maintaining a cohesive and contemporary design aesthetic.

RIGHT ASI JD MacDonald’s Velare Behind the Mirror Cabinets are made from stainless steel. The mirrored door features 6mm thick tempered glass, which is supported by twin damped gas springs when opened and includes etched backlit icons directing the user to their choice of soap and hand drying options.

DRAINAGE

One of the most crucial aspects of any wet space is drainage. While pooling, flooding and water damage are some of the most obvious issues, design aesthetics are another important consideration. Not only can traditional drainage solutions be unsightly, but they can also add unnecessary work during the tiling process.

These issues can be avoided by using tile inserts, which are essentially a more modern way to conceal how floor waste exits the building. One such example is Lauxes Grates’ Slimline Tile Insert, an aluminium linear drainage solution with a hollow top tray to insert a tile and give an “invisible drainage” look.

According to the supplier, one of the key benefits of this product is that it’s made from anodised aluminium, making it lightweight and easy to cut while remaining strong and durable. The use of aluminium also prevents the tile insert from rusting; an issue prevalent in older drainage solutions that are often made of stainless steel.

The use of linear grates also creates more flexibility in terms of aesthetics, with the ability to insert virtually any tile and create a seamless look. And importantly, it saves time during the tiling process when compared to traditional centre wastes. For example, with a centre waste, the fall of the bathroom needs to be located towards the centre of the room and tiles need to be cut to fit, compromising on aesthetics while also increasing labour time and waste of materials. With linear grates, you only need one fall and can avoid multiple cuts, resulting in a cleaner aesthetic.

One good example of the Slimline Tile Insert in use is in Little National Hotel in the Sydney CBD. Located above Wynyard Station, the Bates Smart-designed hotel houses over 200 rooms, created with affordable luxury at the forefront. The hotel includes 150 Slimline Tile Insert grates throughout, which are used to hold the largeformat white tiles while providing essential water waste drainage. According to the supplier, with no visible holes and an easy roll out cleaning feature, the grates were an ideal solution for the hotel’s design.

Another good drainage option is Stormtech’s 120SCS Shower Screen Support drain. This new product is a versatile linear drainage system that acts as a drain for both sides of the shower screen, plus a support for the shower screen itself. It also includes a Shower Screen Support Channel for any Stormtech grating style.

According to the supplier, wall-to-wall installation allows a simple dual fall across the bathroom. As a result, a single floor waste can drain the entire bathroom, once again saving time in the tiling and design process, as it avoids the need for a traditional centred floor waste. Because the simple dual fall sheds water more effectively, this also makes it possible to use larger-format tiles. Improved waterproofing is another key benefit, as the waterproofed substrate falls towards the location under which the Shower Screen Support Channel drain will be placed, meaning less water will travel through grout joints due to effective water-shedding. And because the drain will be away from the entry door to the bathroom, water thrown towards the door will run back to the drain, lessening the risk of bathroom flooding.

LEFT Designer double bathroom with Lauxes Grates Slimline Tile Insert. RIGHT Stormtech’s 120SCS Shower Screen Support drain.

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SENSOR TAPS AND DISPENSERS

While hygiene is always a key concern in bathroom design, especially in commercial buildings, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought this to the forefront even more. As a result, sensor-enabled tapware and soap dispensers have become more important than ever.

One option is Caroma’s Liano II and Urbane II Bathroom Sensor tapware range, which the supplier describes as “the perfect solution for the commercial bathroom”. With touchless activation, the range of taps and soap dispensers promotes high hygiene standards, while preventing water wastage. Matching tap and soap dispensers are also available in hob and wall-mounted configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of bathroom layouts.

Another suitable solution is Galvin Engineering’s CliniMix CMV2 electronic tapware. Manufactured to high standards, the CMV2 has AS 4032.4 approval and is compliant with modern healthcare requirements. Its innovative design features a hygienic flush feature, thermal disinfection and a smooth tubular spout, making it easy to clean while minimising internal and external bacteria growth.

If lead is a concern, the CMV2 has a Lead Safe range that has been designed and engineered to provide safer water delivery by utilising specialist materials such as stainless steel, plastic or polymers that are free of lead, as well as DZR brass with low lead levels. According to the supplier, an additional benefit of this range is its ability to reduce water and energy usage, along with administration and maintenance

SUPPLIERS

costs, due to continuous monitoring of the TMV temperature during day-to-day use and the implementation of automatic hygiene flushes.

Another option is Billi’s contactless sensor tap range, which has been designed as a solution for modern, ultra-hygienic bathrooms, providing a combination of sustainability, ergonomics and design compatibility for a range of architectural applications. One of the key benefits of this product is its userfriendly and ergonomic design, which conforms to current Australian Standards for ease of use by persons with a disability. This makes it suitable for a wide range of commercial spaces, including healthcare spaces. As the taps are automated, this also reduces ongoing maintenance due to the elimination of moving parts such as levers and knobs that are prone to wear and tear through heavy use.

According to the supplier, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for sensorenabled solutions to prevent the spread of disease, and the use of hygiene measures like sensor taps is an important step towards creating a greater perception of safety in offices and public spaces. And with more people feeling safe to frequent these spaces, says Billi, the net effect will be a vital boost to the economy.

SMART MIRRORS

Sometimes, mirrors are more than meets the eye. This is certainly the case with smart mirrors, which make an innovative and techforward addition to any bathroom. They may not be widespread across Australian commercial

spaces yet, but they are an attractive solution that represents the next step forward in bathroom technology.

One such example is ASI JD MacDonald’s Velare Behind the Mirror Cabinets, designed to “elegantly conceal clutter”. Made from stainless steel, the cabinet houses a hands-free automatic soap dispenser, plus your choice of a paper towel dispenser or high-speed hand dryer including a HEPA filter. The mirrored door features 6mm thick tempered glass, which is supported by twin damped gas springs when opened, and includes etched backlit icons directing the user to their choice of soap and hand drying options.

A good example of this product in use is in the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank in Shenzhen, China. Designed by M Moser Associates, the tower includes 23 floors and over 200,000sqm of office space, combining banking services and office functions in a single building.

In dealing with such a large-scale project, one of the biggest challenges was to make efficient use of the available space. Part of this was the need to incorporate 99 hand washing stations in public bathrooms and dining rooms throughout the SPDB headquarters.

With space efficiency in mind, and the desire to maintain the building’s architectural aesthetics, M Moser selected the ASI Velare Behind the Mirror Cabinet system, due to its ability to elegantly conceal a paper towel dispenser or hand dryer and soap dispenser. Its functionality, paired with its sleek, sophisticated design made it an ideal choice for the SPDB headquarters.

ASI JD MacDonald architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/asi-jd-macdonald Billi architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/billi-australia Caroma architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/caroma Galvin Engineering architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/galvin-engineering Lauxes Grates architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/lauxes-grates Stormtech architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/stormtech

ABOVE Billi Quadra 4100 with XT Touch Dispenser in Chrome.

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What lies on the surface: The latest in commercial paints, stains & coatings

WORDS NATHALIE CRAIG

There is now a healthy selection of low and zero Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) formulas to choose from which not only reduce interior odors but also help improve long-term indoor air quality. There are also paints and coatings available with inbuilt anti-microbial agents which prevent the growth of mildew and mould resulting in a cleaner environment.

And when it comes to durability there is a wide choice of products made to withstand the busiest commercial setting. Such technologies include UV-resistant paints that won’t peel, blister, and crack under the Australian sun to long lasting powder coatings with super high wear resistance.

When it comes to commercial flooring, solutions such as epoxy resin flooring ensure a hard-wearing surface that is ideal for most arduous industrial and commercial environments.

Chief Executive Officer of Ability Building Colours, Mitch Barber says Ability’s Duro Paint is an “excellent option” for exterior and interior paint jobs on commercial buildings.

“Many heritage buildings have been restored to their original finishes with the aid of Duro Paint,” he says.

The polymer-modified, long life surface protection coating is odourless, watertight, and available in a huge range of decorative UV-resistant colours. Duro Paint is suitable for application on walls, roofs, floors, pavements, ramps, stairs, tanks and pools. The coatings have a matte stipple textured finish that gives a subtle sandy feel (depending on the implement used to apply it). Duro Paint is safe to use as it is low in VOCs and does not emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

Ability Building Colours CEO Mitch Barber explains that Duro Paint is particularly effective for restoring old, tired-looking concrete and masonry structures. As one property renovator put it, “it hides a multitude of sins.”

Duro Paint has been selected for a range of commercial structures from very old invaluable heritage-listed buildings to modern architectural expressions. Executive Officer for The Royal Society Dr Robb Stanley said when the time came to refresh the historic Royal Society Building of Victoria, founded in 1854, they turned to Ablity Building Colours. Duro Paint was specified for the external refurbishment of the heritage listed building.

As Duro Paint is designed for historical masonry surfaces, the paint was able to reflect the look of the textured surface of the original limewashed buildings. Although the brick and rendered building was painted with a limestone colour until the 1950s, the original colour remains unknown (as it was stripped off completely with no residue being found). For this reason, a new colour selection was made based on a Heritage Victoria approved colour scheme. “What impressed us (the selection committee) most was the colour selection and the mineral finish of the paint which sets like concrete and is harder than the sand component and is obviously extremely durable,” Dr Stanley says.

“The Ability team has also been very helpful in guiding us through the process along with directing us to accredited applicators,” he says.

Duro Paint was also chosen for the concrete on St Kilda Pier in Victoria to fix a problematic and inconsistent finish that was not acceptable to the client, Melbourne Water.

They were looking for a remedy that was going to be relatively quick and didn’t involve replacing all the concrete.

“We presented the engineers with the idea of using Duro Paint as a coating solution.

Aesthetic appeal, durability and environmentally friendly options are top considerations when selecting paints and coatings for commercial properties.

OPPOSITE Blacktown Hospital by Wattyl. Photography by Richard-Glover.

Of course, their main concern was whether it would be durable and able to handle all the foot traffic without wearing down. It also had to look like concrete,” CEO of Ability Mitch Barber says.

“Of course, it was also very important that any of the product that might get washed into the sea during application was non-toxic or harmful to the environment in any way,” he says.

Another environmentally considerate paint solution for commercial projects comes from Wattyl, the Australian paint makers that specialises in coatings that are hard-wearing, non-slip and environmentally friendly.

Wattyl I.D Advanced, for example, is a choice for inside commercial buildings. The interior paint resists the growth of mould and fungus and offers advanced cleanability, washability and stain resistance. It also has an ultra-low VOC formula at less than one gram per litre, exceeding green building requirements.

A popular choice for painting commercial coating, this tough and durable paint offers aesthetics and protection for concrete, timber, and metal building exteriors. Solagard’s Total Protection Technology provides complete protection against cracking, peeling, blistering, and flaking. Its high-performance polymers and durable pigments provide resistance against chalking and colour fading in the extremes of sun and weather.

Wattyl was selected as the preferred coatings supplier for the Blacktown Hospital Redevelopment Stage 1 project which included a five-storey new inpatient building with 185 in-patient beds, additional outpatient clinics, a new in-centre renal dialysis unit and cancer care centre, medical imaging, pharmacy, and retail spaces. The $312 million project was designed to green star standards by architects and Jacobs. The building interior was painted using Wattyl I.D, in a variety of bright colours to help define the different sections of the hospital. Externally, Wattyl Solagard was used. Wattyl’s GranoImpact, a pure acrylic, high performance elastomeric coating, was also applied to the hospital exterior, delivering a high-profile textured finish.

Dulux is another brand offering a selection of paints for commercial applications. Several Dulux paints and protective coatings were specified for the new Victoria Police headquarters in Melbourne to meet both sustainability objectives and practical considerations.

Located on Spencer Street in the Melbourne CBD, the $650 million Victoria Police Centre was developed by Cbus Property as a purposebuilt 39-storey tower designed by Woods Bagot. As a high-profile, critically important building, it was essential that the products specified offered low-maintenance, long-lasting performance.

LEFT Victoria Police headquarters by Dulux. RIGHT Interpons D2525 Stone Effect powder coating used for Dublin Landings.

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Given that the building would be subject to immense foot traffic each day, especially in the common areas, it was vital that the walls were able to withstand knocks, scrapes and scuffs. Dulux Wash & Wear was used here to provide long-lasting, washable surfaces. For the new plasterboard, Dulux Professional Enviro2 interior was used to meet the sustainability ratings.

External steel and other substrates were protected from the elements with Dulux Protective Coatings that were also aesthetically pleasing.

For architects looking to give metal surfaces on commercial builds a whole new look and level of performance, Interpon’s D2525 Stone Effect powder coatings will transform these surfaces to give them a beautiful, stone-like appearance.

Available in seven different styles, the speciality coating has all the aesthetic qualities of Portland stone, limestone, and brickwork, but without the practical challenges and costs that come with installing the real thing. Surfaces protected by Interpon D2525 Stone Effect powder coating are lighter, super durable, and easier to handle.

Interpon explains that applying the coating is a “very green process” as there are no solvents in the paint and no heavy metals in the formulation. The process is clean too, there are no toxins or dust deposits for the people who spray it. It’s lead-free, it’s easy to dispose of, there are no VOCs and there is a high application efficiency with up to 99% usage.

Interpons D2525 Stone Effect powder coatings have only just launched in Australia, but the coatings have already seen some great results overseas. In Ireland, Interpon’s powder coating was used for the Dublin Landings, a prestigious office block on the banks of River Liffey. Interpon D2525 Stone Effect was chosen for the structure’s banding elements, helping to compliment the fin detailing. Interpon’s powder coating in White Stone was used at mixed use development City North in Finsbury Park London.

Low VOC and high-performance coatings are also in high demand when it comes to commercial flooring. To meet this need Tremco has developed Flowcoat Terrosso, a highly decorative resin-based flooring system. The multi-layered system features an epoxy primer, base coat, acrylic paint flakes, followed by coats of a UV-resistant sealer.

There are a few options for gloss or satin finish, and it is available in a >P1 to >P4 slipresistant finish depending on the project needs and legislative requirements.

The system can be put together with a range of low VOC clear sealers including water-based options. These polyurethane-based sealers offer enhanced protection against abrasion and can be used not just on Tremco’s own systems, but also for sealing polished concrete. Performance resin flooring systems such as the Flowcoat Terrosso system are ideal for commercial applications thanks to its durability and abrasion resistance.

Flowcoat Terrosso was the flooring of choice for the new state-of-the-art $177 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal designed by Arkhefield in collaboration with Arup. The public spaces including the internal walkways, communal areas and departure lounge featured Flowcoat Terrosso in four bespoke colour combinations. The decorative resin-based flooring system was chosen to provide a decorative, seamless surface that would not only create a luxurious and welcoming environment but withstand the expected foot traffic.

Sika Floorings and Coatings has also seen an increase in the desire for sustainable flooring coatings in the commercial space. Sikafloor Resin flooring solutions (Epoxy, PurCem and Polyurethane) have been a strong choice for public spaces, the food industry, cleanroom environments and car parking areas.

Sika floor coatings were chosen for the popular direct factory outlet shopping centre in Homebush. The shopping hotspot is open to the public seven days, attracting tens of thousands of shoppers each week. Years of constant foot traffic resulted in the entire centre requiring renovations.

The unique project required a complete revamp of approximately 1200sqm worth of flooring within the centre. Given the flooring would be located directly in premium and high-end shop fronts, a durable yet very aesthetically appealing solution that tied in with the decorative theme of the surrounding store fascias was needed. A key requirement for this project was that the same finish and effect that was applied to the flooring would also need to be applied to a 40-metre-long ramp at a slope of 1:40 leading into the centre.

This required special attention during the planning stages of the project. A challenge for this project was the application of the flooring while the centre was still trading as well as having renovations carried out to other areas. Firmstone Flooring Specialists were sub-contracted for the project and before construction began, a timber mock-up of the flooring was made to ensure that the finish matched the architect’s artist's impression.

Once this was approved, Sika and Firmstone began work on the floor. Working in areas of 300sqm, the floor was vacuum ground before being primed with Sikafloor-160, a two-part solvent-free, epoxy primer and binder used in past flooring systems such as the MCG and Perth Arena. Sikafloor-160 was then mixed with the silver and grey metallic shards which would ultimately give the floor the desired metallic effect.

When it comes to commercial builds, architects, builders, and designers are looking for paints, coatings and sealings that are not only hard-wearing and fit for use but also environmentally friendly, low VOC and aesthetically pleasing.

Stylish, sustainable & structurally sound

Beyond their important functional requirements, some of the qualities exhibited in this selection of structural elements suitable for commercial applications include their ability to help reduce environmental footprints and their capacity to contribute to aesthetic outcomes.

In an age where architectural success is measured in terms of not only function and form, but also closely watched bottom lines, heightened environmental awareness and more, structural elements continue to evolve.

COLUMNS & CURVES

According to AFS Systems, one of the most interesting recent developments in in this area is the increased popularity of columns and curves.

While in the case of curves, the trend is very much design-driven, blade columns are important because they’re all about useable space. For architects and designers, the attraction of slimmer load bearing blade columns comes down to the fact that they deliver more useable space, while for builders the attraction is more about speed. They allow them to complete their work faster.

The company has introduced the RW200 curved system, an easy to install solution that comes in a 0.5M radius (1M diameter) with 15-degree angles. Finished in standard Rediwall white PVC, it meets all required performance standards – including those relating to fire, acoustic and thermal capabilities.

Then, in terms of columns, AFS Systems offers an advanced design method to construct AFS Rediwall blade column and wall. With simplified design and detailing, it provides flexibility in combining walls, columns, blades, and cores. It can ensure increased speed of installation by reducing the complexity of confinement ties with the use of U-bar

reinforcement arrangements. while meeting the compliance requirements of AS3600-2018 Amendment 2 and the NCC.

TRIED & TESTED SOLUTIONS

According to Peter Robertson, Director of Robertson Façade Systems, concern regarding the much-publicised presence of combustible external cladding on multi-storey buildings has led many architects, engineers, and developers to return to “tried and tested solutions”, like brick and concrete.

“We supply a system to embed thin brick into precast concrete. Naturally designers are looking for flexibility and interesting design challenges. With this support we have created new brick bond patterns, protruding brick options and curved panel solutions,” says Robertson.

Known as brick inlay, the system was developed in the US by a company called Scott System. One of the best examples of its use is at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a project by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta.

“The challenge [on that project] was to have a brick façade that related to the San Francisco character and have this perform safely with the seismic challenges presented by the San Andreas fault,” Robertson says.

Having been made a licensee of the system in 1998, Robertson Façade Systems has gone on to supply it for numerous projects in this part of the world.

One noteworthy recent example is Auckland’s Hotel Britomart. As in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art example, one of the main considerations in this project was ensuring the brick inlay met New Zealand’s stringent seismic requirements. After six months of compliance testing, which included the production of a series of mock-up brick panels, this was achieved, and the system was deemed suitable to use.

Considering the result, a slimline grey brick tile blend paired with glazed, frameless tessellated windows, this level of thoroughness was clearly worth the effort. Today, the Hotel Britomart stands as not just the first building in New Zealand to feature a façade of this type, but also a welcome addition to the heritage precinct in which it stands.

THE EMERGENCE OF STRUCTURAL TIMBER

Another development worth noting is the rapidly growing interest in structural timber. “In the last couple of years, we’ve seen an amazing variety of buildings incorporating structural timber elements delivered around the country,” says Laurence Ritchie, an Advisor with WoodSolutions, a not-for-profit information provider, resourced by Forest & Wood Products Australia and supported by industry bodies and technical associations.

“From aquatic centres, to libraries, schools, apartment buildings, offices, and more, actual experience has demonstrated that structural timber products can be utilised to deliver diverse indoor and outdoor spaces.”

PREVIOUS XLAM, Potter Building. Photography by Scott Burrows. ABOVE Robertson Façade Systems, Hotel Britomart in Auckland.

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Commercial Framing Systems

Thermally Broken Framing Systems

Architectural Windows and Doors

According to Ritchie, this boom in the use of engineered wood products (EWPs) in commercial projects has been driven by two key factors – increased interest in sustainable outcomes and the updating of building codes around the world to consider and allow mid to high rise timber systems as a standard construction method.

“Interestingly we’re just starting to see EWPs take off in popularity in mid-high-rise offices, with glue laminated timber (Glulam) and cross laminated timber (CLT) being specified in a few major office projects in Melbourne and Sydney,” says Ritchie.

As he explains, Glulam and CLT along with another type of EWP known as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), can be produced in largeformat columns, beams, and panels. Lighter, easier to connect, more aesthetic, and better for the environment than familiar precast elements, these products can be used for the same purposes as precast concrete – as columns, beams, suspended floors, loadbearing walls, etc.

“The use of these products offers a range of benefits to a project beyond the obvious sustainability outcomes. They typically weigh about 80% less than a reinforced concrete alternative so they are fast to lift and easier to install. They’re very dimensionally stable meaning they don’t require ugly expansion joints,” says Ritchie.

And, beyond their acknowledged capacity to “imbue a really beautiful raw yet comfortable aesthetic to an indoor space”, they don’t conduct heat well, and can therefore help create very thermally stable indoor environments.

CLT INSTALLED ALONGSIDE STEEL & CONCRETE

According to Kieran Hayes, Senior Technical Engineer at XLAM, CLT is being installed also alongside steel and concrete in a hybrid building typology for buildings of all sizes.

“We are now often seeing CLT paired with alternative beam elements from the traditional combination Glulam,” said Hayes.

XLAM recently introduced the first ever CLT band beam solution.

CLT band beams follow the same principle of manufacture as CLT panels. Layers of radiata pine boards are stacked together in alternating directions and bonded by adhesive. However, these beams are manufactured up to 360mm

deep and typically range from 900mm to 1700mm wide.

“These band beams are used in place of primary Glulam, steel or concrete and can be paired with CLT slabs that run over the top.

The CLT slabs can be connected to the beams using inclined screws or adhesive to develop composite action,” says Hayes.

The product was developed in response to two main drivers. The first relates to the fact that, traditionally in Australia, construction of mid-rise buildings has involved the use of PT concrete band beams. These systems have shallow structural depths which allow services to reticulate beneath beams and means there is very little need for coordination between engineering disciplines.

“The CLT band beam system mimics this strategy of service reticulation and takes some burden off inter disciplinary coordination, which can often be a friction point for practitioners engaging in their first mass timber project,” says Hayes.

The second motivation behind the development of the CLT band beam was that previously, before its development, Australia had limited manufacturing capacity for wide and deep glulam beams.

“This was particularly highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic when there were significant wait times for Glulam elements,” says Hayes, adding that XLAM’s new product represents an alternative option which can be readily produced locally.

When asked about projects that feature the CLT band beam, Hayes pointed to the Maryborough Fire Station, Australia’s first such building to include CLT. An upgrade to the existing art deco brick structure, the project was completed by Hutchinson Builders in association with partners Baber Architects, Bligh Tanner & The University of Queensland.

The design of the new buildings, which include extensive use of exposed CLT and Glulam, was completed with the assistance of 3D building information modelling. According to Hutchinson, this facilitated the off-site design and prefabrication of the individual panels.

THERMAL EFFICIENCY

Architectural Window Systems (AWS), a supply of aluminium window and door systems, takes a different approach to sustainability.

The company’s Series 168 Curtain Wall – as used to great effect at Mutual Bank in Maitland, at 102 Wakefield Street in Adelaide, at the Melbourne Hotel in Perth, and elsewhere – is designed to help maximise the thermal efficiency of buildings, and in so doing, to minimise energy requirements.

Developed to meet ongoing changes to building regulations and in particular Section J of the National Construction Code (NCC), the Curtain Wall is available in three types – Thermally shielded, Thermally shielded with clip on aluminium glazing fins, and Thermally broken.

Designed and manufactured in Australia, the systems achieve impressive thermal transmission performance (Uw values range from 1.7-2.5, and SHGC values range from 0.22-0.33).

Included to protect the thermal break from UV degradation caused by the aggressive Australian sun, the anodised aluminium cap is also an ideal adhesion surface for the silicone weather seal between glass and frame and provides protection from potential hail damage. Meanwhile, the sun fin bracket is thermally isolated from the mullion, while the mullion members are extruded in T6 alloy for added strength.

Series 168 Curtain Walls accept double glazing up to 32mm thick. Having been tested for compliance with relevant Australian Standards, they have achieved a water resistance figure of 1124Pa.

Mutual Bank’s new Head Office in Maitland, a building completed by North Construction and Building, illustrates the effectiveness of Series 168 Curtain Walls. The project brief called for a striking, modern design that also delivered in terms of energy efficiency.

The design delivered by the architects dwp delivers on both these terms. Featuring expressed mullions, horizontal sunshades, a 105-degree faceted corner and bracketry detail, the building also includes window, door, and curtain wall solutions from AWS’ Elevate Aluminium range.

Specified by Superior Windows, Series 168 Curtain Wall was a key inclusion. Apart from ensuring a Uw Value as low as 1.7 and helping meet thermal efficiency goals, it delivered the flexibility required to facilitate the inclusion of a custom faceted corner and bracketing detail on the structure’s primary facade.

Smart and smarter –the latest in commercial building automation

Driven by several factors, including the need to reduce carbon emissions and even the COVID-19 pandemic, building automation continues to become more and more mainstream. Matthew McDonald identifies the latest in Smart Building Technology.

WORDS MATT MCDONALD

By now, the smart building concept is wellestablished. Organisations of varying sizes now understand the benefits they stand to gain by automating their workplaces.

That said, considering that we are a long way from reaching the ‘end-game’ in terms of smart building technology, now is an opportune time to ask how the revolution is proceeding. What is the latest when it comes to commercial building automation? And what more should specifiers be doing to extract the most benefit from the available technologies?

According to Matthew Doley, National Market Development Manager, Electrification – Smart Building Division at ABB, beyond the integration of different building systems, into single platforms with the aim of creating more comfortable, personalized environment’s, artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics are coming into play.

“Predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms [are being used] to anticipate and respond to building performance issues,” he says.

“These algorithms can detect patterns and anomalies in data and use them to identify potential problems before they occur. This proactive approach can help building managers reduce maintenance costs and downtime while improving building efficiency and occupant comfort.”

According to Doley, in terms of products, customers are increasingly interested in solutions that offer greater connectivity, flexibility, and scalability. This includes wireless sensors, cloud-based platforms, and mobile apps that allow for remote monitoring and control of building systems.

“Customers are also asking for solutions that are easy to use, understand, and maintain. Building managers and operators are often responsible for multiple buildings and need a centralized, user-friendly interface to manage them efficiently,” he says.

Responding to these market demands, ABB Cylon building automation products offer various features such as energy management, HVAC control, lighting control and AI building analytics. Scalable and suitable for various building sizes, the ABB Cylon Building Management system can also be customized and configured to suit specific building requirements. On top of that, because it uses open protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks, it is compatible with a wide range of devices and systems. Since the system can be connected to the cloud, it allows for remote monitoring and control of building systems from anywhere in the world.

VENTILATION & AUTOMATION

David Auret, Director of EBSA, an Australian company that specialises in performance driven solutions for the facade industry, points to another area in which building automation has begun to make its mark.

“The covid 19 pandemic has fast tracked the mainstream shift towards automated façades as a means to provide natural ventilation and thereby improve indoor air quality,” he says.

“Window automation technology stagnated for a period but more recent technological developments using digital actuators and controllers has allowed a level of integration with a building's BMS that was simply not possible in the past.”

This means that the BMS can now communicate directly with every window actuator, receiving status feedback and real time fault reporting. At the same time many such systems, such as those from D+H Mechatronic, are dual purpose can also form part of a smoke control solution.

According to Auret, this technology is future proofing commercial buildings by allowing the floor layout to be changed and windows regrouped without the need to change field cabling.

“In an effort to reduce the amount of field cabling required to naturally ventilate a building, EBSA has worked with our partners to develop a digital satellite module,” he says.

This module, which is installed remotely from controllers, accepts inputs from air quality sensors and wall switches and provides outputs to interface with mechanical heating and cooling. Each module can control a ventilation zone whilst reducing the size of the master controller and eliminating up to 50% of the field cabling. This makes the implementation of window automation for natural ventilation system and smoke control and incredibly sustainable option.

“It has completely revolutionised the way normal automation systems are designed and implemented,” says Auret, adding that he expects that, over time, it will shift industry expectations regarding such systems.

HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE

Auret isn’t the only industry figure to point to the pandemic as a key factor in the increased uptake of building automation systems.

“COVID-19 has raised occupant awareness of building health, particularly in terms of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ),” says Stefanie Oakes, General Manager of Asia Pacific Services, Honeywell.

“In a Honeywell global survey of office workers conducted this year, 45% of respondents across five markets said their expectations for improved IAQ had increased ‘significantly’ over the last three years, while 93% reported at least a slight increase.”

Honeywell Buildings Sustainability Manager (HBSM) powered by Honeywell Forge, a ready-now autonomous controls platform features a suite of intelligent applications that address a set of objectives long viewed as mutually exclusive: optimizing IAQ while also increasing energy efficiency and reducing the

Predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms are being used to anticipate and respond to building performance issues.

environmental impact of buildings – particularly, their Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions.

The system-agnostic HBSM platform sits atop a BMS to help achieve sustainability goals while avoiding unnecessary trade-offs. HBSM leverages the AI and ML algorithms of the Honeywell Forge software to aggregate and analyse energy performance data – down to the device level in a building.

Using sensors, analytics and self-learning algorithms, the platform establishes performance baselines, detects sources of energy waste, and eliminates them to optimize energy efficiency and IAQ. At the same time, HBSM tracks and records both direct and indirect carbon emissions, using AI/ML algorithms to optimize energy performance and thereby reduce carbon footprint.

“Building owners and operators are under increasing pressure – from regulatory agencies, internal sustainability initiatives and public concern – to cut carbon emissions along with their energy consumption,” says Oakes.

At the same time, however, they face a three-way dilemma. They need to find ways to make their buildings more sustainable while providing a healthier indoor environment. And they need to do so in a cost-effective way.

“Addressing all three at once may seem challenging, especially if there’s a portfolio of buildings involved, but AI and ML are enabling new capabilities in energy performance management that now make it possible to avoid trade-offs,” says Oakes.

As she explains, it’s important not just to have data but to be able to leverage it to drive outcomes. “HBSM not only identifying abnormalities and opportunities in energy performance but also enables users to optimize building systems – autonomously or manually – to reduce energy use and carbon emissions without compromising occupant comfort,” she says.

SCOPE FOR EFFECTIVE INNOVATION

The best way to illustrate the effectiveness of building automation is by way of example. Panasonic’s Z Series Air Conditioning range, which is positioned as having innovation at its core and integrates smart features such as inbuilt Wi-Fi and the Comfort Cloud App, is one such example.

According to its manufacturer, automation remains an essential focus for the range.

“One of the ways the organisation achieves this is via its Comfort Cloud App which revolutionises the use, monitoring and management of air conditioners,” says Michael Tate, Trade Marketing Manager, Air Conditioning at Panasonic Australia.

“While others in the market also release applications that connect to a range of smart devices, the Comfort Cloud App allows users to adjust room temperatures – anytime and anywhere –delivering a highly tailored level of control.”

The Comfort Cloud App also provides greater oversight and control of energy consumption, so that users can monitor power output and transfer it to various units accordingly. It allows for up to seven unique users access to the smart system network of air conditioners.

“This means multiple users can specifically tailor their environment to their own preferences, without affecting others. The App also delivers new capabilities to activate or deactivate Panasonic’s unique nanoe X technology, which has been integrated into the Z Series models,” says Tate.

“The nanoe X technology inhibits common indoor pollutants from viruses to allergens, creating a fresher and healthier living environment...By using the Comfort Cloud App, a consumer can activate the nanoe X technology before entering a room, neutralising potential odours or pollutants, and making the environment cleaner and fresher.”

For commercial applications, Panasonic also provides a range of unique solutions in addition to the standard proprietary central controllers and Building Energy Management System (BEMS) integration solutions it has across the industry.

AC Smart Cloud and AC Service Cloud are cloud-based secure central control solutions that offer remote control and monitoring for end users. They also offer the option of remote fault analysis for mechanical contractors and installers, without the need to physically go to site.

Together, according to the company, this functionality expands the efficiency of the air conditioning systems and sets them apart from non-automated alternatives.

OPEN STANDARD PROTOCOLS

The proliferation of all these technologies requires effective communication protocols. One such example, which is not owned by any single company but has been adopted by more than

500 companies around the world, is the KNX open standard protocol.

“One of the key advantages of the open nature of KNX is that it allows for interoperability between devices and systems from different manufacturers,” explains Andy Moore, Sales Manager Building Automation, at Theben.

“KNX devices from different companies can communicate with each other seamlessly, allowing building operators to create a fully integrated building automation system using products from multiple manufacturers.”

In contrast, proprietary systems are often designed to only work with products from a single manufacturer, which can limit the flexibility and interoperability of the system.

Some popular KNX products now available include KNX sensors, which are used to monitor various building parameters such as temperature, humidity, and lighting levels; KNX switches, which allow users to control building systems like lighting, HVAC, and blinds from a single interface; and KNX actuators, which are used to control such systems based on signals received from sensors or switches.

Meanwhile, KNX gateways allow for the integration of KNX systems with other protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, or LonWorks. In this way, they enable interoperability between different building automation systems.

Overall, the KNX Open protocol is wellsuited to commercial building automation applications. According to Moore, as demand for intelligent building systems continues to grow, we can expect to see more innovative KNX products and solutions introduced on top of the 8,000 devices already available.

“Because the protocol is open, any manufacturer can develop and market KNX devices without having to pay licensing fees or royalties. This encourages competition and innovation, which can lead to better products and lower costs for end-users,” says Moore.

In this way, it has a key role in helping to ensure that, as we move further into the 21st century, commercial buildings will continue to become more comfortable, more efficient, and more environmentally sustainable.

SUPPLIERS ABB new.abb.com/au EBSA architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/ebsa-pty-ltd Honeywell buildings.honeywell.com/us/en/products/by-category/software/building-control-software/energy-management-software KNX knx.org Panasonic architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/panasonic-australia

Sections2

Welcome to Sections2, where we highlight the very best section drawings from architecture and design students from our universities.

Beirut Year Zero: Shifting, Shielding

On August 4, 2020, a devastating explosion hit the Port of Beirut at 6:07 pm. With shattered glass raining down and covering the streets, glass is blamed for causing the majority of recorded injuries and deaths, as well as a new phenomenon of anxiety – glassophobia (Daronboz, 2020).

Before people can trust glass, how can we curate a trauma-informed paradigm that provides emotional safety and empowers emotional expression reacting to glassophobia?

This thesis does not aim at curing, but exploring a shielding and narrative system in response to individual perceptions of different

phases, materialising the intangible trauma of glassophobia.

In the light of devastating explosion of Beirut in 2020, this project explores a shielding and narrative system in response to individual perceptions of different phases, materializing the intangible trauma of “Glassophobia”. The system will be facilitated by celebrating the ancient Arab art of storytelling – Hakawati. Viewing the shifting shelters as a lens of storytelling will provide inhabitants with responsive levels of shielding in different phases, updating the narrative of “trust” as an indicator of the shifting reality and accelerating changes underway.

ZHUOQING LI is a recent graduate from the Master of Architecture degree at The University of Melbourne, where she also completed her Bachelor of Design undergraduate degree (Major in Architecture). Enamoured by the pursuit of narrative architecture, her work focuses specifically on engaging the storytelling techniques with the spatial quality of architecture. For her, architecture is never static and has its own narrative life.

Comprehensive fire safety remediation project with Mitsubishi’s ALPOLIC™ NC/A1

As high-rise buildings continue to transform Australia’s skyline, fire safety remains a crucial concern for architects, construction professionals and building owners alike. While the use of combustible materials in the construction industry is still a significant issue, there is a greater awareness of the safety risks associated with non-compliant products – and this large residential complex in the nation’s capital exemplifies successful remediation projects that are shifting the status quo.

An upmarket apartment block in Canberra was reviewed by Risk Assessor Benjamin Hughes-Brown from Vortex Fire. The investigation aimed at verifying whether the lightweight cladding was non-combustible, and found that the product didn’t meet stringent Australian Safety Standards.

Following an independent review of two lightweight alternatives available in the market, the aluminium composite panel Mitsubishi ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 was selected as a replacement for the non-compliant cladding. This outstanding product was specified not only because of its DtS non-combustible, compliant profile, but also because of its industry-leading

Mitsubishi-backed full-cover warranty, as well as the product’s outstanding durability.

Widely considered as the most extensively tested cladding product both locally and world-wide, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 meets the strict Australian Safety Standards, while a broad range of colours enabled the project team to select a shade that would match the complex’s existing palette.

Wainwright Facades were engaged to remove the flammable cladding product, and replace it with Network Architectural’s product. We found it very good to work with,” enthuses Joseph Wainwright, Director at Wainwright Facades. “It cuts well, we find it is easier on our drill bits, it is great to handle, and product performance is exceptional.”

Project Coordination Australia, who commissioned Wainwright Facades, had similar feedback: “Because of the ease of manufacturing, cutting, and handling of ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, the project has run much smoother and more swiftly with short-term logistics,” says Project Coordinator Alex Shaughnessy. “Because we are dealing with 330+ units and an existing client base, we’ve had

to be reactive in some situations, and the ease of ALPOLIC™ to run through the machines has allowed us to respond to these issues easily.”

In addition, Network Architectural assisted with a sustainable disposal of the old, removed cladding. “Part of the requirement of the project was that the old cladding had to be removed and it needed to be recycled rather than go into landfill,” explains Joseph. “Network Architectural was fantastic in assisting us with the best solution for this and offered a returning truck to Sydney to take the removed material back to the PanelCycle Recycling Centre. This ensured the project was better for the environment and streamlined the process.”

This high-profile ACT project not only highlights the importance of thorough, independent evaluations – it’s also a testament to Mitsubishi’s ALPOLIC™ NC/A1’s unmatched fire safety credentials, outstanding quality and remarkable performance. In addition, it’s yet another course-corrected construction endeavour that advances Australia one step closer to more enduring, sustainable and safer high-rise buildings and, perhaps most importantly, cities.

Talking Architecture & Design

After several years in strategic roles at Taronga Zoo, Macquarie University and the Centre for Sustainability Leadership, Laura is currently the CEO of the Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA). LFIA harnesses the built environment as a powerful vehicle to create a world that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.

She talks with us about the importance of biophilia, fractals and why the Living Building Challenge is important to the built environment.

Dr Sarah Hill, the CEO of the Western Parkland City Authority, talks about delivering her vision for ‘a metropolis of three cities’’, a vision she co-created as the inaugural CEO of the Greater Sydney Commission, to fundamentally change the way we think and plan for Greater Sydney.

Joel talks about the major shift in how people use offices or in other words, hotelisation of office design, where the products being used are often driven by softer and warmer colours and products and these spaces are being designed to deliver a better environment for community to develop.

bit.ly/TADPodcast_151

Sarah talks about leading the Commission to develop new ways of engaging with citizens, to measure and monitor key planning outcomes and to better align growth with infrastructure through new methods such as Australia’s first Place-Based Infrastructure Compact. bit.ly/TADPodcast_149

Joel also talks about a range of issues that affect the flooring sector, including sustainability and supply chain issues as well as his journey in merging Australia’s largest carpet manufacturer into the world’s largest flooring company.

bit.ly/TADPodcast_148

EPISODE 149: DR SARAH HILL, CEO OF THE WESTERN PARKLAND CITY AUTHORITY & HER VISION OF THE FUTURE OF WESTERN SYDNEY

EPISODE 148: JOEL WILLIAMSON FROM GH COMMERCIAL TALKS ABOUT WHY FLOORING AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN GO TOGETHER

EPISODE 151: LAURA HAMILTON-O’HARA, CEO OF LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA TALKS ABOUT BIOPHILIA, FRACTALS & SUSTAINABILITY

The Commercial series of podcasts deals with the rising pace and dramatic change of this sector is leading to challenges in both how commercial structures are designed and also how they are maintained and refurbished in order to meet current safety standards and environmental guidelines.

EPISODE 146: TROY CREIGHTON AND THE NEW BATHROOM DESIGN TRENDS TAKING THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR BY STORM

In this episode, Troy talks about the many new and exciting ideas, solutions, and technologies that we are now seeing in the bathrooms of clubs, pubs, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Troy explains how the hospitality sector is taking the lead in ensuring we not only have a better carbon footprint, but also where there is a much- improved customer experience.

EPISODE 145: TIM PHILLIPS, MD OF TILT INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ON THE LINK BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Tim Phillips is a highly regarded industrial designer specialising in design for architects, creatives, and the construction industry.

As the owner of Tilt Industrial Design, Tim explains how industrial design not only has become an important component of modern architecture, but also how it influences sustainability across the entire built environment.

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EPISODE 1: Talking with Robin Mellon, CEO of Australia’s Supply Chain Sustainability School

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EPISODE 97: My sustainability journey by 2021 Sustainability Awards Lifetime Achievement Winner, Tone Wheeler

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EPISODE 52: Koichi Takada talks about sustainable design and how COVID-19 has forever changed how we work, live and design our buildings

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EPISODE 91: Stephen Choi talks about biophilic design and the opportunities it brings to architects

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EPISODE 2: Talking with Helen Lochhead, president-elect of the Australian Institute of Architects

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Top Apps (Last 5 Episodes)

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For more information on our podcasts, go to: podcast.architectureanddesign.com.au

If you would like to be interviewed on Talking Architecture & Design, send an email to podcast@architectureanddesign.com.au

On the link between lichen and “hotelisation” of the workplace, with Joel Williamson of GH Commercial

The connection between the forest floor and commercial workspaces might not seem immediately obvious. So we sit down with Joel Williamson, the National Sales Manager at GH Commercial, who talks to us about GH Commercial’s commitment to biophilic principles in the design department, and explains why the Lichen Community product fits so well with the needs of a modern workplace.

“Lichen Community is such a fantastic example of a biophilic concept,” Joel starts. “To design the product, we actually sent biologists into the field to study lichen blooms, and then we translated that into carpet using our custom Pattern Perfect® Technology.”

Mimicking lichen’s organic forms, Lichen Community enables architects and designers to fade the blooms in and out, to zone out specific sections of the floor, creating spatial definition. But while the original concept was predominantly colour-driven, the latest iteration of the product leans into a warmer, more pared back palette, further augmenting

the carpet’s biophilic properties. “On top of the existing cooler stone shades, we wanted to introduce a warmer colour selection, as well as enhance the realism of the pattern by introducing some bark texture,” Joel explains.

“We named the product ‘Lichen Community’ partly because our commercial spaces have been used differently since the pandemic,” Joel says. “We’re seeing more of that ‘hotelisation’ of the workplace where you’re booking rooms and you’re using the office buildings as event space, which is then complimented by hybrid work which sees people working from home. The range has been designed specifically for that trend, and the name ‘community’ also reflects the fact that lichens are not singular organisms. It’s about symbiosis between multiple organisms, and we think that that’s reflective of the new era of the workplace and how we work with each other.”

Joel adds that from a design point of view, the company hopes that Lichen Community

can help create interiors that bring the sense of neutral environment indoors – and this notion encapsulates both GH Commercial’s broader sustainability strategy as well as their commitment to biophilic design. “We want our products to help people feel like they’re in a natural environment, they can be more productive and feel less stress,” he says.

This notion definitely ties in with the company’s guiding motto: ‘Believe in Better.’“When we say ‘believe in better’, we want to talk about being better for people – both for our customers, people who are using the product, but also for the people who handle it while it’s being manufactured in our factories. Ideally, the goal is to create products using less materials that can perform for longer, and are better for both people and planet,” Joel summarises. “It all ties together.”

LEFT Joel Williamson.

Lichen Community

Inspired by expansive communities of lichens that grow together in our ecosystems, Lichen Community provides a refined biophilic design solution for creating collaborative environments.

TEMPERSHIELD - PREMIUM BENT & FLAT TOUGHENED GLASS

Glasshape® offer a comprehensive portfolio of fully certified internal and external specialist architectural toughened glass. For commercial or residential settings, and compatibility with security, thermal and decorative glazing, TemperShield is a versatile premium glass product, backed by a company with more than 35 years international experience.

Glasshape® has the capabilities to bend its glass in many different ways, shapes and sizes; providing a limitless array of options for custom curves. We are proud to offer a toughened and laminated solution that can also be curved to your specifications.

Our on-site digital measure service utilises the latest scanning hardware to produce electronic templates with unmatched accuracy, doing away with the need for the cumbersome and time consuming measure, production, transportation and storage of physical templates; ideal for bent toughened glass projects.

Enquiries: 1800 042 716 glasshape.com/tempershield

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BENEFITS OF BRASS

Proudly designed and assembled in Australia with Lockwood’s trusted quality at its core, the Brass Core range now includes a large array of compliant lever styles that have been designed to integrate with the character of a building; providing aesthetic continuity throughout.

The Lockwood Brass Core Range introduces the largest collection of door handles to comply with Australian regulations for access and mobility. Breaking the paradigm that compliance opposes style, the Brass Core range merges purity of form with function, providing inclusive design to suit all aspects of architectural and user needs. Visit our website to use our product configurator to view some examples from the Lockwood Brass Core Lever Range, suitable for use with Brass and Artefact door furniture series.

Winner of the Good Design Award 2020 (Building / Hardware category).

Enquiries: 1300 562 587 lockweb.com.au/brasscore

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10 SERIES: REVOLUTIONARY ROTARY VENT

Meet Airocle’s revolutionary 10 Series natural ventilation system. This roof vent features an ultra-low profile design that performs 60% better than straight vane ventilators. It’s cost-efficient and perfectly caters to bespoke building requirements.

CUSTOM-MADE PREMIUM CURTAINS

Norfolk Blinds are manufacturers of premium custom made curtains. They have a range of recycled environmentally fabrics, fire retardant options and acoustic solutions. They manufacture all our own curtains for all requirements including apartment projects, hospitals, schools and commercial offices.

PIATTO™ COLLECTION

The elegance of less – ASI JD MacDonald’s unique Piatto™ Collection of Washroom Accessories is designed to stand apart by not standing out. Each washroom accessory is completely recessed, lying perfectly in the plane of the washroom wall. Phenolic doors add an air of sophistication, while concealed hardware adds to the collection’s minimalist, clean lines.

HIGH CAPACITY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Allproof’s large capacity channel drains and sumps provide excellent solutions for draining large surface areas in residential and commercial application. Grates designed to AS3996 with load rating from A – E and lockdowns to prevent movement and resistance to dynamic wheel loads.

NEW GENERATION: ENGINEERED AUSTRALIAN HARDWOOD FLOORING

New Generation is high quality, engineered Australian hardwood flooring. The stunning range is available in six native timber species. The boards feature distinct knots and grain variation to create a unique character and natural look similar to solid timber flooring.

PERMALITE®: ALUMINIUM CLADDING & STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS

PERMALITE® aluminium building products from Lysaght offer exceptional resistance to corrosion in aggressive marine, commercial and industrial environments.

PERMALITE® roofing, walling and rainwater products are shaped from 5251/5052 marinegrade aluminium.

EQUITONE: PREMIUM THROUGH COLOURED FIBRE CEMENT FACADE MATERIALS

Keystone Linings not only do we supplies solid equitone panels, we also specialise in fabricating panels with custom perforations and unique engravings for external & internal use – all while retaining the inherent raw, natural texture, high density, fire resistance & durability that is trusted by Australian Architects and builders.

STYLISH COMFORT FOR YOU HOME

Every detail of an ADF wood-burning fireplace is engineered to provide you with the ultimate fireside indulgence. With the user experience in mind, they are made for ease of operation and maximum enjoyment. The ADF range boasts strong, clean lines and large glass viewing windows, offering the perfect balance of form and function for contemporary living.

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ASSA ABLOY SL500 SLIDING DOOR OPERATOR

The highly adaptable ASSA ABLOY SL500 Automatic sliding door enable upgrades and add-ons at any time in a variety of configurations. Design entrances which work around your business, traffic flow and floorplans. Perfect for use in high-traffic retail, transportation and healthcare environments where doors are constantly required to open and close with heavy usage.

BUILD GREENER SPORT USING TIMBER

Sporting facilities have a unique role to play in advocating for a more sustainable built environment because they draw such a large audience, and they often are the stage to some of the society most captivating moments. The appeal of timber in sport infrastructures is an intrinsic beauty and a deep connection that can draw to the natural contests.

Enjoy the latest in smart toilet technology matched with minimalistic design to match the full Caroma Urbane II bathroom collection. Available in wall faced closed coupled back entry and bottom inlet or Invisi Series II® wall faced toilet suite options, this innovative bidet provides the ultimate flexibility in hygienic washing.

BRICK

Brick Inlay was flexible and beneficial in realising Fieldwork Architects’ facade design for Encore Cremorne, enabling 3 application methods to suit construction: A precast panel of Midnight Blue brick tiles on the side wall, an anodised curtain wall panel on the front façade, and a more traditional lay on level one terraces set back beneath the glass curtain wall.

SJ THERMIQUE BY SAFETYLINE JALOUSIE

For projects requiring increased thermal protection, SJ Thermique is a cutting-edge solution designed to help clients meet their energy efficiency needs. It combines the advantages of Safetyline Jalousie’s high free air and low air-infiltration windows with European thermal break technology to minimise the transfer of heat and cold across the window, and reduce system u-values.

THE UPON COMMON GROUND COLLECTION

The collection consists of 5 biophilic-inspired carpet tile designs. Sandbank, Shallows and Undulating Water draw inspiration from the waterways textured sands and the layering effects of ripples in shallow and deep water.

GANTNER

The GANTNER NET.Lock 7020 smart locker lock provides smart keyless access to built environments requiring a comprehensive locker management solution. This smart locker solution is ideal for smart corporate offices, flexible working spaces, education, healthcare and leisure environments.

SOLARSPAN®: AUSTRALIA'S LEADING INSULATED ROOFING PANEL

Codemark approved and Australian Standards tested, SolarSpan® features a COLORBOND® steel exterior roof, EPS-FR rigid insulation core with a pre-finished COLORBOND® ceiling underside in a variety of profiles and colours to maximise creative expression.

SMART LOCKERS ELEVATE SECURITY AND STYLE

CAROMA URBANE II BIDET SUITES

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INLAY: AN INNOVATIVE FACADE SOLUTION

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POWERFUL AND RELIABLE: SANICUBIC 2 PRO

The SaniCubic 2 Pro is a high performing macerator pump that enables the removal of grey and black water from any commercial or domestic premises, without the need for major plumbing. It contains 2 high performance pumps and can take up to 5 connections.

The SaniCubic 2 Pro also features an alarm system and an IP68 rating.

PLYFLOOR - SUPERIOR STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS FOR HIGH LOADS

Locally made Ecoply® Plyfloor® is a strong, durable pre-sanded panel suitable for structural and non-structural flooring, provides superior strength and stiffness for high industrial loads, withstands rain and exposure during construction, available untreated, H2 glueline treated or H3 LOSP treated for external or wet area uses.

VEKTOR 1100: AUTHENTIC FIRESIDE EXPERIENCE FEATURING AN ELEGANT CAMPFIRE-STYLE FLAME PATTERN

The Vektor brings back the traditional 4 x 3 aspect ratio fireplace with the simplicity and cleanliness of natural gas. Lift your project with an authentic fireside experience featuring an elegant campfire-style flame pattern made possible with in-log burners and an LED glowing ember bed.

LUVIA WOOD: BALTIC WEATHERBOARD CLADDING PROVEN OVER GENERATIONS

Luvia Wood weatherboards are the modern, hassle-free alternative to traditional timber cladding. With no prep required, they are easy to install and perfect for commercial or domestic use. Engineered to last a lifetime, Luvia weatherboards are durable and ideal for weather-exposed situations.

50-BOTTLE SINGLE-ZONE BLACK GLASS WINE CABINET

Vintec climate-controlled wine cabinets are designed to suit the modern lifestyle. Vintec’s collection of Underbench Wine Cabinets, like the 50-Bottle SingleZone (VWS050SBB), present an optimum solution for protecting wine collections and serving at the perfect temperature, in-line with the 5 Pillars of Wine Storage.

ELTON GROUP WOODWALL

Authentic timber veneer walls and ceilings. Sustainably grown, expertly joined and prefinished, WoodWall sheets can be applied directly to walls, bulkheads and ceilings with no need for framing, making it materially efficient, cost effective and fast. Conveniently delivered to site in rolls, WoodWall achieves a Group 1 fire rating making it perfect for commercial interior projects.

The new Minimalist MK2 bathroom and kitchen collection by Methven is a fresh take on modern minimalism. With its ultra clean design, strict geometry and intersecting cylindrical shapes, these are pieces that will grace any room with their beautiful simplicity.

CORRASSURE: CORROSION PREVENTION IN COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-DWELLING CONSTRUCTION

If corrosion is not properly addressed in codes and standards, specifiers, certifiers, building contractors and owners can be left unprotected when things go wrong. Remedy Asset Protection are experts in assessment, specification and inspection of corrosion and corrosion protection systems.

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METHVEN MINIMALIST MK2

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SUPACOUSTIC PREFINISHED ACOUSTIC WALL AND CEILING PANELS

Create distinctive education spaces with SUPACOUSTIC – a panelling range that combines beautiful form and high function. We work with you to discover the best solution to meet your needs regarding acoustic performance, aesthetic and practicality.

THERMALINE M2M, MADE TO MEASURE COOKING SUITES

The Electrolux Professional premium cooking range. Swiss design since 1871. Production, precision and tradition for 150 years.

Made to Measure is an award winning modular cooking solution designed for heavy duty commercial use.

RECYCLING MADE EASY WITH NEW 4-BUCKET CONCELO®

Hideaway Bins are proud to introduce the new Concelo® CR600 models. Waste can be easily separated into four waste and recycling buckets in one convenient unit which fits into a 600mm wide kitchen cabinet. The Concelo CR600 features the Clip’n’Clean system and hands-free Active Lid to control odours.

NON-COMBUSTIBLE PINK® PARTITION FOR RELIABLE ACOUSTIC AND THERMAL DESIGN

Designed for use in commercial metal framed partitions, wall systems and ceilings, Pink Partition's insulation delivers exceptional acoustic and thermal acoustic performance, contributing to the effective construction of comfortable, energyefficient commercial buildings.

DURADRAIN,

EVERHARD’S

NEW HEAVY-DUTY COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM

DuraDRAIN is a heavy-duty commercial and residential drainage solution, suitable for carparks, driveways and commercial areas. With Class B and Class D grates in the range and two size channels to choose from, there is a drainage solution for any project.

YORK - A BLEND OF OLDE WORLD CHARM AND CONTEMPORARY STYLE

If you’re looking to specify a conversation piece, you need look no further than the York range of showers, taps, mixers and accessories. The application of PVD and Anti Fingerprint technology ensures a fresh look all the time.

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ENGINEERED AND SOLID TIMBER FLOORING

Engineered Timber inherits the aesthetic appeal of solid timber, whilst has increased stability with multi-layer construction. It is favoured by both residential and commercial customers. Herringbone timber floors, as you can see in our latest project in Castlecrag, are installed to achieve a stylish, but classical feel to any room of your choosing!

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VITRADUAL: DTS, BCA COMPLIANT, NONCOMBUSTIBLE CASSETTE CLADDING

Fairview products set the standard for performance, quality, compliance and innovation.

Whether your project requirements call for a solid aluminium solution or an engineered bonded laminate panel, Fairview’s Vitradual and Vitracore G2 products are stringently tested.

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EFAFLEX HIGH SPEED CARPARK DOORS BY DMF

From the German made Efaflex range of high speed doors, DMF can supply, install and service a fast action door for building and facility carparks. With speeds up to 2m/sec, and secure door blade materials in clear, solid or vented materials, these doors are ideal to enhance the efficiency and security of the carpark.

INTAFLO HYDRONICS

Packages are now available for the full range of Intaflo heat pumps which contain all the parts needed to install the heat pumps for either single or multi-zone systems systems. The packages ensure a technically competent installation and trouble free operation. Distributed by Comfort Heat.

CASSETTE PANEL SYSTEM

Alumate's cassette panel system provides a versatile and efficient solution for building facades and soffits. The system allows for quick and easy installation, reducing labour costs and construction time. With a variety of design options and customisations available, the cassette panel system can meet the specific requirements of any project.

DESSO ORIGIN’S RECHARGE AND RETRACE CARPET TILE COLLECTION

The Desso Origin Carpet Tile collection is 100% recyclable. ‘Made to be remade’, it is designed to be disassembled so its components can be recycled into raw material for new carpet tiles. The result: a collection that combines technical expertise with tactility and textural beauty.

ELECTROLUX GROUP BIM/ REVIT CONTENT LIBRARY

Electrolux Group introduces high quality BIM libraries for 200+ products across the Electrolux, Vintec, AEG and Westinghouse brands. Developed natively in Revit, incorporating a wide range of categories, these are available to download as individual families in multiple versions.

LOCAI®: LOWER CARBON ALUMINIUM

Capral is excited to introduce LocAI®, a lower-carbon primary aluminium option available across Capral’s window and door systems. Providing Australian architects and builders access to cleaner and more sustainable aluminium for their projects. The LocAl® offer includes two options: LocAl® Green with 8kg CO2e/kg Al* carbon emissions and LocAl® Super Green at 4kg CO2e/kg Al*.

WEATHERGROOVE

FUSION: ARCHITECTURAL PANEL

This exclusively designed architectural panel is available in two finishes, Natural and Smooth. Weathergroove Fusion combines the grooves from our popular profiles to create a unique style while retaining every measure of durability and safety.

INNOWOOD CEILING SYSTEM

Introducing Innowood's Clip-Fix Ceiling System, a high-performance ceiling solution that combines style and functionality. Designed for seamless installation and offering stunning colours and finishes, this low-maintenance, 100% recyclable material delivers top-notch acoustic performance and noise reduction.

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3D ONLINE CONFIGURATOR

Create your own customized IP video intercom with our planning tool! Specify dimensions, style and features and choose from more than 50 materials and finishes. Get your delivery time, price and a technical drawing instantly.

www.doorbird.com/configurator

www.doorbird.com

DoorBird combines exclusive design with the most innovative IP technology in the field of door communication.

www.doorbird.com

Design that's reflective of country.

In designing the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre in Northam, Western Australia, architects Iredale Pedersen Hook (IPH), consulted extensively with Nyoongar elders to create a space for local indigenous communities to share their unique wisdom and culture.

The building opens-out to face the Avon River, which is culturally tied to the people in the Ballardong region and is reflected in the building's form. The monochromatic use of COLORBOND® steel for the cladding in the muted tone of Monument® creates a sense of shadow that adds to the mystery of the building.

Be inspired by this and other award-winning steel designs by visiting SteelSelect.com/SteelProfi le