Architecture & Design October_December 2023

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T H E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y I S S U E

2023 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS WINNERS SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS PREFAB & MODULAR BIOPHILIC DESIGN PRINT POST APPROVED 100028280

TOP END SUSTAINABILITY CONTROVERSY

Editor’s Letter

PHOTOGRAPHY: Tess Kelly, Joel Taylor & Christian Woodmansey.

BRANKO MILETIC ON THE COVER Enabled by HIP V. HYPE, designed in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects and built by Ironside.

Ferrars & York in South Melbourne presents best practice in climate resilient design and construction and is one of the most sustainable apartment buildings in Australia.

Contents PEOPLE

PRACTICAL

APPOINTMENTS

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DARWIN’S SUSTAINABILITY

BIOPHILIA

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SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

CONTROVERSY

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THE HOUSE HAS A

MATERIALS

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PRE-FABRICATED AND

SUSTAINABLE HEART

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AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

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SECTIONS2

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PODCAST CORNER

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SHOWCASE

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PROJECTS MT ELIZA SANCTUARY

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DEEPWATER HOUSE

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2023 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

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CONTENTS

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

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MODERN SLAVERY IN THE

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EDITOR

SENIOR CAMPAIGN MANAGER

ASSISTANT EDITOR

CAMPAIGN MANAGER

Branko Miletic branko.miletic@architectureanddesign.com.au Jarrod Reedie jarrod.reedie@architectureanddesign.com.au

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Our 17th annual Sustainability Awards were a sight to behold.

Given the urgent need for change both nationally and globally, it has never been more crucial to showcase pioneering design on a national platform, promoting the talent, innovation, and technology that will propel Australia towards achieving net-zero emissions.

It is true to say that this year, our 17th consecutive Sustainability Awards holds special significance in other ways. With COP29 taking place soon and a growing realization worldwide that we have been living unsustainably for far too long, the imperative to employ our design prowess, so deftly and lucidly on show here, to at least mitigate our carbon footprint has never been more apparent.

To the winner’s, especially the Best of the Best winners, HIP V. HYPE in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects for their Ferrars & York multi-residential project, I can honestly say you are the very best of a magnificent group of competitors, and for that, you deserve as much praise as can be given.

It is no coincidence the project was called “…one of the most sustainable apartment buildings in Australia.”

To all the other winners, well done and to all those who didn’t win, I’d also like to extend my thank you for putting in the time and effort to submit your entries.

Regarding the event itself, there are numerous individuals deserving gratitude for the success of this year’s Sustainability Awards, but personally, I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to the 2023 Jury, led by new Head Judge Jeremy Spencer, for the time and expertise they contributed not only to judging but also to guiding the program, ensuring its enduring status as Australia’s most esteemed awards in sustainable built design.

And let’s not forget the day programme-the Sustainability Summit, which this year for the first time ever, ran with 10 panels. It was an unmitigated success, which I’m sure now provides a template for the years moving forward.

Speaking of moving forward, astute readers will notice this issue as being somewhat heavier at 108 pages instead of the usual 100. This will now become the norm as it would be an understatement to say the amount of information out there on architecture, design and sustainability is almost endless, and as such, needs a large platform to ‘deliver the goods’ as it were.

Lastly, on behalf of the entire editorial team here at Architecture & Design, I’d like to wish all our readers and advertisers a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year and hope the new season will bring with it luck, fortune and also some well-deserved peace from what has been a crazy year.

See you in 2024.

Kim Ruth production@architectureanddesign.com.au Mallory Cullen production@architectureanddesign.com.au

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Appointments

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APPOINTMENTS

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SJB SYDNEY USHERS IN NEW ERA WITH THREE NEW DIRECTORS

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TIM NAPPER TAKES THE DEFENCE HELM AT HDR Following a strategic review, HDR has announced that Tim Napper will become the practices new Defence Principal, leading its defence team at a time of growth in the sector.

HDR’s innovative Regenerative Design Framework and Tool will become a major part of Napper’s design delivery, which assists in reaching carbon, water, air, biodiversity and social targets.

Napper will be tasked with leading the team on a number of key projects, including the $1.8 billion Riverina Redevelopment Program; Robertson Barracks Base Improvement Program; RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment Stage 6 and U.S. Force Posture Initiatives, Airfield Works and Associated Infrastructure Project.

ABOVE Tim Napper.

ABOVE Dua Green (left) and Duncan Corrigall (right).

AJC UNVEILS TWO NEW OWNERS IN LEADERSHIP SHAKE UP AJC has announced a change to its ownership team, with Dua Green (left) and Duncan Corrigall (right) becoming Directors alongside Michael Heenan, Brian Mariotti and John Whittingham.

Green has been the driving force behind AJC’s outstanding education projects, developing architectural responses for a number of institutions alongside staff, students and the community. Abbotsleigh Senior School Centre for Science & Art, Abbotsleigh Junior School Library & Innovation Centre and the Greenhalgh Centre for Music & Drama, Meriden School have all been shortlisted for local and international architecture or learning environment awards programs.

Duncan Corrigall has played a major role in the practice’s ability to provide master planning, project advocacy and rezoning services across NSW. Corrigall is additionally in charge of AJC’s urban design and architectural support services for early project proposals and business cases, contributing to $400 million of successful star and federal funding applications in the previous financial year.

SJB has announced that three new Directors will bolster its leadership team, with the trio to be based in Sydney.

The practice hopes that the promotions of Emily Wombwell, Francisco Layson and Jonathan Tondi will assist in its goals of evolving into a practice and leadership team that is nimble, diverse, innovative, and responsive.

Emily Wombwell has been with SJB since 2013. The practice regards her innate understanding of the importance of design excellence and the effect of design on the end users of a place as first-rate, making her a logical choice for Directorship.

Regarded as a passionate mentor and industry advocate, Wombwell is the co-founder of the speaker series Perspectives - a platform encouraging women in the design industry and is a speaker curator for TedX Sydney.

Francisco Layson began at SJB in 2012 as the second member of the Urban Design team and has played an instrumental role in supporting the growth and success of the studio. ‘Frankie’ is an expert at unlocking the complexities of a brief and balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders to deliver responsive design solutions.

Jonathan Tondi began working at SJB in 2006 and has become essential in the design and delivery of many of the studio’s largescale high-density projects. With a knack for problem solving, the practice says Tondi excels in navigating stakeholder expectations and delivering innovative solutions.

ABOVE Jonathan Tondi, Emily Wombwell and Francisco Layson.

CASSIDY CONFIRMED AS ACT AIA PRESIDENT-ELECT

ABOVE (left-right): Michael Pierens and Deon Cordie.

The Australian Institute of Architects has announced that current ACT Chapter President Jane Cassidy has been appointed to the role of National President-Elect.

A Director at GHD Woodhead, Cassidy has been a built environment professional for over 25 years, with experience across architecture, education and public infrastructure. Cassidy plans to be an inclusive and savvy President, identifying key issues and opportunities to further the architecture profession.

Cassidy will officially begin her role as National President Elect at the close of the 2023 Annual General Meeting on May 31 and will become National President in mid-2024. She will serve on the Institute’s Board until 2026.

ABOVE Janine Graves.

HAMES SHARLEY APPOINTS JANINE GRAVES AS DIRECTOR

practice’s future direction and Sydney Studio.

SCHNEIDER’S MONGER BECOMES MEMBER OF CEW

ABOVE Wendy Harris.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

With a distinguished 20-year career in architecture in England, Sydney and now 12 months with Hames Sharley, Janine Graves says she is excited about her most professional career highlight to date.

Graves says that she was looking forward to continuing her contribution across multiple portfolios while playing a senior role in the

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HOVANEC HEADS UP ACT AND SOUTHERN NSW OUTPUT FOR GHD GHD has announced that Lucy Hovanec will assume the role of Regional General Manager for ACT and Southern NSW, succeeding May Ngui.

Hovanec’s new role will see the 20-year built environment professional lead more than 200 people in Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Bega, Nowra and Wollongong, as well as GHD’s operations in Papua New Guinea.

Hovanec joined GHD in 2017, heading up its International Development Assistance team. Over her six-year tenure at the professional services outfit, she has worked in a number of roles, namely as the head of its Delivery Phase Services, an Australia-wide team providing procurement, construction and project management services for hydrogen, renewable energy, asset closure and mining clients, supporting them to make the energy transition.

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ABOVE Lucy Hovanec.

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An in-house graduate program set up by Hatch is helping to attract new talent, develop leaders and create career-long employees who are passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change.

The Hatch Engineering Equity Scholarship and Hatch Women in Engineering Scholarship are run in partnership with University of Queensland to support eligible students. The scholarship also awards applicants with a paid position at Hatch during their studies, offering on-site experience, mentorship, and exposure to a range of diverse, high-level projects.

Michael Pierens, Graduate Structural Engineer at Hatch, received a Hatch Scholarship, and is now a graduate on the PDP. Deon Cordie, Regional Manager for Mechanical & Piping, began his tenure at the company as a graduate engineer in 2005 and is now heavily involved in graduate recruitment and development for his division.

Wendy Harris, who also joined the 2005 cohort, is now Gas Handling and Ventilation Specialist and shares her memories as a Hatch graduate.

Energy management and automation entity Schneider Electric says it is delighted to announce that its Vice President Digital Buildings, Louise Monger, has been selected as a Member of the esteemed Chief Executive Women (CEW).

The company regards Monger’s membership as recognition of her contributions to the electrical industry. Monger will work alongside 1,000 influential women who hold leading roles in a number of public and private organisations.

CEW represents prominent and influential women leaders from the corporate, public service, academic, and not-for-profit sectors.

Each member has a shared vision of “Women Leaders Enabling Women Leaders” and works directly with CEW to create awareness of women’s business capabilities.

Joining Schneider in 2020, Monger’s role as Vice President Digital Buildings sees her oversee a team of 350 people who are responsible for energy management and automation solutions for the built environment.

The company regards her as an established thought leader in the property technology industry and is regularly sought out to share her career experience. She is also a change agent through her important role of Deputy Chair for Schneider’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

Within the CEW, Monger will play a key role in helping to remove the barriers to women’s economic participation and support equal opportunity through a range of advocacy, research, targeted programs, and scholarships.

APPOINTMENTS

IN-HOUSE GRADUATES HATCHED BY MULTIDISCIPLINARY FIRM’S NEW PROGRAM

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Darwin’s ‘sustainable’ Middle Arm project reveals Australia’s huge sustainability dilemma WORDS TIMOTHY NEALE, DEAKIN UNIVERSITY; KARI DAHLGREN, MONASH UNIVERSITY, AND MATTHEW KEARNES, UNSW SYDNEY

‘SUSTAINABLE’ CLAIMS CALLED INTO QUESTION

THE ‘CIRCULAR’ ECONOMY

The strategy doesn’t seek to reach net-zero simply by pumping less carbon into the atmosphere – for example, by deploying renewable energy. It also involves activities that remove, capture, store or use carbon, therefore “offsetting” or cancelling out emissions from other sources.

Proponents of the strategy characterise it as a simple matter of inputs (emissions) and outputs (offsets) cancelling each other out. But implementing the model is very messy, as a new paper shows.

We analysed how the federal and NT governments have sought to implement circular carbon policies, including through the Middle Arm development.

Due to its existing gas infrastructure and proximity to Darwin, this peninsula has long been the target of grand development plans. In July 2020, the NT government announced it would create an industrial petrochemical precinct there to use gas from the Beetaloo and offshore fields.

The following year, the hub was rebranded as a “sustainable development precinct”.

References to “petrochemicals” were abandoned. The NT government now frequently talks up the site’s potential for hydrogen and

Over the past two decades, international climate policy has increasingly shifted towards a circular model of managing carbon emissions. We’ve seen this happening not just in Australia, but places such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Saudi Arabia.

carbon-capture facilities, and says the precinct will be: largely powered by renewables, master-planned to achieve a circular economy approach of sustainable and responsible production and will use technology to achieve low-to-zero emissions.

The federal government has committed more than A$1.5 billion to the development.

For examples of this, we need only look to Chevron’s Gorgon gas project in Western Australia. The project was supposed to capture at least 80% of CO₂ from the gas it produces. After a three-year delay, carbon capture and storage began in 2019 but has consistently failed to reach its targets.

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There are serious doubts over Middle Arm’s environmental credentials.

For example, internal government documents make clear the precinct is “seen as a key enabler” of the gas industry.

One confirmed future tenant will be Tamboran Resources, which plans to frack and drill for gas in the Beetaloo Basin. Tamboran intends to build a gas plant in the precinct.

Federal crossbenchers, including Warringah MP Zali Steggall, have questioned why public money is being spent on infrastructure “for a private gas company to make record profits from exports”.

What’s more, low-emissions projects planned for the precinct rely on highly speculative technologies.

A carbon-capture and storage facility has been mooted at the site. Announcing the project in 2021, the NT government called it “a game-changer”. But it neglected to mention that the project relies on unproven technology and has no timeline or guarantee of delivery.

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Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles drew the ire of critics in a speech to the National Press Club where she insisted her government was “not for turning” on the project.

Fyles describes Middle Arm as a “sustainable development precinct”. But that claim is highly questionable. The site is already home to two gas facilities, and more are planned.

Meanwhile, the NT is pursuing a goal of net zero emissions by 2050 and has committed to “no net increase” in emissions from fracking.

So, what’s going on?

It comes down to a new buzz-term in policy making: “circular economy”. We’ve heard it applied to realms such as plastics and food waste. It’s increasingly being applied to carbon emissions, to describe an imagined scenario where carbon released from one source is used or stored by others to create a “closed loop” system.

But as our new research finds, this path is a massive gamble. Such offsetting relies on projects and technologies that do not yet exist or are not yet feasible at scale. In effect, the Middle Arm project, and others like it, are grand experiments with our climate.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Darwin’s controversial Middle Arm venture which critics say would benefit the gas industry has been thrust into the headlines of late.

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In effect, the Middle Arm project, and others like it, are grand experiments with our climate.

ICHTHYS LNG

SPITFIRE ESTATE KITTYHAWK ESTATE

STRATEGIC MINERALS CHANNEL ISLAND POWER STATION

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DARWIN LNG

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WEDDELL POWER STATION

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AMADEUS GAS PIPELINE

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MIDDLE ARM SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRECINCT

Claims that Middle Arm would substantially be powered by renewable energy are also in doubt. The Sun Cable solar project – once billed as the largest solar energy development in the southern hemisphere – was planning a battery at the site. But in 2023 the company went into administration and its future is unclear.

Questions also surround Middle Arm’s two proposed green hydrogen projects. Neither company involved has ever built a green hydrogen facility. One of the companies, Total Eren, intends to use solar energy from a facility that has not yet been assessed let alone approved for construction.

Carbon offsets are used by polluters to compensate for their emissions. It involves buying “carbon credits” from organisations that have undertaken activities to reduce emissions.

Carbon offsets are contentious because they allow companies to keep pumping out carbon.

And ensuring carbon credits represent genuine emissions reduction can be difficult.

We’ve seen this in Australia, where the integrity of certain carbon methods has been questioned. An independent review of the overall scheme concluded it was essentially sound, but critics say key questions remain.

Further, there are signs we do not have enough credits to meet market demand.

OFFSETS WON’T SAVE US, EITHER

LOOKING AHEAD

As part of its “decarbonisation” plan, the NT is set to grow its carbon offset industries.

And in 2021, the then Coalition government released a climate plan in which more than half the carbon savings would be achieved via carbon offsets, as well as unspecified “technology breakthroughs”.

The goal of Australian governments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 increasingly relies on gambits such as the Middle Arm precinct and speculative methods for offsetting and burying emissions.

Meanwhile, the world has just experienced its hottest month on record. And in temperate

Australia, a hot, dry El Nino summer is approaching.

At a time like this, we must focus on achieving genuine emissions reductions, rather than playing risky games with our climate.

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Timothy Neale, Senior Research Fellow, Deakin University; Kari Dahlgren, Research Fellow Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Monash University, and Matthew Kearnes, Professor, Environment & Society, School of Humanities and Languages, UNSW Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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DOWNLOAD THE WHITEPAPER bit.ly/Stormtech_ADQ4-23

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In addition, when you plan to exceed building codes, you reduce the chances that small errors or oversights lead to non-compliance, thus avoiding potential liabilities, penalties or delays.

Stormtech products are designed to exceed minimum requirements in both the Australian standards and the NCC. Typically, Stormtech drainage systems are installed above and separate to the waterproofing. Where products are designed to integrate with the waterproofing, Stormtech exceeds the minimums to ensure not only fit for purpose, but reliability and durability.

Designed according to best practice principles, a full set of installation instructions for each product is provided to ensure installers have a clear path to success.

Stormtech works proactively with industry stakeholders to ensure drainage remains fully compliant with the NCC regulations and Australian standards relating to plumbing and waterproofing, including AS 3740 and AS/NZS 3500 “Plumbing and drainage”. All Stormtech products are WaterMark™ certified.

A & D X S tor m te c h

the risks associated with designing and building to meet, rather than exceed, the minimum requirements set out by the NCC and the relevant Australian standards.

One of these risks is that stopping at the minimum may not even be the most cost-effective option. For example, completely waterproofing a bathroom might require more waterproofing material, but it is frequently quicker than strictly following the minimum requirements, which are more detailed and have varying levels of specification depending on the application. In this case, the extra material cost is offset by the time saved, and there is less chance of installation errors.

There are several compelling reasons for practitioners to try to exceed the code as a standard practice. One of the key reasons is that it results in higher performing buildings that are fit for purpose and have fewer defects.

The financial advantages of investing in better buildings include operational and maintenance savings as well as increased property values.

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Recently, the design and construction industry has become aware of defects and failures that are endemic in newly built residential complexes. A joint Deakin University and Griffith University study in 2019 found that among the 212 building reports that were examined across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, 85% had at least one defect. A similar New South Wales survey in 2021 found that 39% of strata buildings in the sample experienced serious defects, the majority of which related to waterproofing (23% of all buildings surveyed).

The increase in building defects across Australia indicates an excessive emphasis on achieving a minimum level of National Construction Code (NCC) compliance as opposed to a “good” level that is best for the project over the long-term. “Chasing the minimum” has become the default stance many architects, designers, and builders take when faced with the need to increase margins and deliver projects on schedule.

Beyond the Building Code: Perils of Stopping at the Minimum Standard examines

STORMTECH.COM.AU

Beyond the building code: Perils of stopping at the minimum standard

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The House has a Sustainable Heart

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WORDS PRUE MILLER

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The Sydney Opera House is a constant source of remarkable facts. More than 10 million people visit each year, inside the precinct are 1,000 rooms, the sails, (oh, those beautiful sails) are covered with over a million tiles, and beneath the water frolic a handful of rare white seahorses.

Another surprise? More than 60 years ago, architect Jorn Utzon, an ardent sailor, included an almost unheard of sea water cooling system, one that even today is seen as a benchmark in sustainable engineering practice.

“It is one of the many stories we are proud to talk about because importantly the design was inspired by nature – and it is a prime example of sustainability being embedded into the design of the House right from the start,” says Emma Bombonato, the SOH’s sustainability manager.

The heat exchange system has remained largely unchanged, and continues to be an efficient way of reducing carbon emissions.

One could argue that another benefit is that this important procedure is carried out below deck, with no mechanisms spoiling the iconic building profile with ugly, well-meaning, green accoutrements. (“There will never be a wind turbine on the sails of the Opera House – unless it’s see through,” adds Bombonato.)

Emission reduction and sustainability accountability have been a seriously considered

project at the Opera House since its first statement on the subject over a decade ago.

The quest then was for a 4-star energy rating, which was achieved and surpassed again and again, until the remarkable 6-star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia was attained this year.

The achievement is far from a single entity recognition, but rather a shared credit with their Global Goals Partner, Honeywell, who’s building management control system (BCMS) has made the green vision, possible.

Performing arts buildings are curious beasts, they heave with crowds, and sigh with the minutiae of artists and their specific, some might say demanding, needs. A great example is the requirement that the Concert Hall temperature must be maintained at not 22, not 23 but 22.5 degrees for optimal instrument performance. A big ask to manually control such issues in a fluctuating atmosphere.

After installing literally hundreds of meters (“You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” says Bombonato) greater ecological, and ‘live’

management of the House became possible – with remarkable results for all concerned.

For instance, the ticket booking system is monitored by the BMCS and alters HVAC needs according to the expected audience size.

The system also sucks in data from the Bureau of Meteorology and alerts the House of adverse weather which then sets a range of defensive measures in train, essentially reducing the need for more energy draining after-the-horse – has-bolted measures. Even bushfire smoke can be detected by the system, and venting altered to protect all inhabitants from poor air quality, for both comfort and safety.

But also, the system allows ‘live’ (immediate) reaction to more common issues such as water usage.

“We wanted to measure and understand where all our water was being used across the precinct, and there were some areas where there was water usage that we thought was probably higher than it should have been,” recalls Bombonato of one of the early projects.

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ABOVE Emission reduction and sustainability accountability have been a seriously considered project at the Opera House since its first statement on the subject over a decade ago.

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PEOPLE

Sustainability may be in the DNA of this building, but this building is part of Australia’s DNA.

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With the Honeywell BCMS building teams were able to pinpoint areas, immediately, where things needed to be corrected, and were then able make those corrections within 24 hours.

“We dropped our water usage by 30 percent just doing those things,” says Bombonato.

Of course, many new buildings have implemented management systems, and have achieved good results – but what is so impressive here is that this building is protected – you cannot make radical changes to the protected materials of this UNESCO World Heritage Building. That is what is so remarkable. Those early designers, and not just Utzon, could see into the future. Very often missed in articles regarding the Sydney Opera House completion are the many engineers who created solutions to what appeared at times to be unbeatable problems. The firm of structural engineers who fought the battle between imagination and fabrication.

In 1957 Arup Group Limited was appointed as consulting engineers for the Sydney Opera House, and founder (and some say philosopher) Sir Ove Arup opened his Australian practice and set about finding ways to make the dreams come true.

According to Kerryn Coker, Arup’s Australian Co-Chair, the work for the young company was challenging.

“The collaborative process stretched some of the world’s leading engineers to the limits of their skills, creating technical innovation and pioneering methodologies we still use today.

The building is widely considered a masterpiece of creative genius, an exemplar of sustainable design that has had an enduring influence on the architecture of the late 20th century and beyond.”

Not surprisingly, Arup has gone on become the go-to company for forward thinking design in the arena of performing arts – and in their own words “our team has helped bring to life celebrated and recognised cultural hubs that inspire audiences, contribute to broader

communities and bring people together over shared joy of the arts.”

A more difficult partnership however is the one we so often see between conservation, creativity and the conversion to better ways of doing things. It requires more than zoom meetings and bullet point emails. The only way the House has survived so well in this complex regime of needs, is the whole-hearted, support of everyone to see it ‘done right’.

For once everyone is on the same page. Not just Sydney siders but Australians as a whole have an emotional investment in the House. Perhaps it is a hangover from the many years of construction dramas, from public battles about money and design, and the slow-motion spectacle of the soaring sails rising up from the deck.

Sustainability may be in the DNA of this building, but this building is part of Australia’s DNA. We care about its longevity; we care that it will continue to be a beacon of progress and forward thinking. The term icon is overused, yet here it fits perfectly.

PROMOTION

CSR.COM.AU / A&D X CSR

Case Study: Logan Hospital Expansion

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Challenge The extension and refurbishment of Level 5 included the construction of a brand-new intensive care unit with 16 wards, all needing to be sealed on all edges and corners in line with the prevention of infectious disease control and to meet Rw45 and Rw50 acoustic specifications. Some parts of the project had the added complexity of having to be done in stages and sections as specific areas of the

hospital needed to remain safely accessible and operational.

CSR and Rondo worked together to provide a full design for internal walls and ceilings to meet all relevant codes and site-specific requirements. Other hurdles to overcome included some significant wall heights and high internal design pressures applied to those walls. Additional loads applied to the partition framing, including handrails, vanity basins, grab rails, and shelving, were also to be considered.

Solution Achieving the specified acoustic ratings and building the project in line with the construction program was made possible with Gyprock EC08 Complete plasterboard. With a ‘one-size-fits-all’ plasterboard solution, the team could order in bulk and deliver and store the plasterboard as needed without having to check which products needed to be delivered where.

“Using EC08 Complete was so convenient, as we didn’t have to worry about moisture in the

air when installing the plasterboard,” explained Conrad Cahill, Project Manager at PIWC. “We had no issue keeping up with the construction program and it was one less item to have to keep an eye on in a hospital that has more than 200 rooms per level with plenty of detail and specifications to follow.”

Gyprock Aquachek was also used for the ceilings in some areas, including the kitchens, hospital ward bathrooms and soffits. The product’s exceptional moisture resistance allowed it to satisfy the requirements for wet areas in the National Construction Code.

In conjunction with CSR’s Gyprock range, Rondo wall and ceiling systems were critical to the design of fire-rated walls that could accommodate the significant wall heights and internal pressure loads while maintaining the required acoustic performance. The innovative Smart-Wall® prefabricated solution was used to create stud ceiling frames for the ward and bedroom locations.

DOWNLOAD THE CASE STUDY bit.ly/GYPROCK_ADQ4-23

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Background The Logan Hospital Expansion is one of Queensland’s largest ever hospital expansions.

With a 48% increase on the existing bed capacity, it will significantly increase the size of the hospital to meet the needs of the region’s growing population.

Brisbane-based Precision Interior Walls and Ceilings (PIWC) were commissioned to complete the internal walls and ceilings, partnering with CSR and Rondo to deliver efficient, cost-effective wall and ceiling systems.

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They’re a weird mob suddenly got serious. Modern slavery in the Australian property is no joke.

WORDS PRUE MILLER

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

You will never see a CEO a victim of human trafficking, or a stockbroker being forced to hand over their passport, or a lawyer being expected to work without actually seeing a pay packet. These people, unlike hidden workforces all over the world, have a profile. They do not fall through the proverbial (and moral) cracks in the system. It’s called modern day slavery and it scoops up the invisible, the disadvantaged, the desperate and puts them to work where we just don’t see them.

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that this only reflects just those brave enough call and report. In fact, Walk Free estimates that in Australia, for every one report of abuse, four

dangerous than before. Think about it; if you can’t speak the language, you can’t understand safety instructions or operating manuals, or

bureaucratic bundle of ‘feel good’ words bound in red tape.

More open and very much more easily

go unreported.

When we contacted the AFP for comment they confirmed that they have indeed received several allegations in human trafficking within the construction industry.

It’s an easy area in which this kind of manpower can be utilised; labour intensive the industry is ideal for the placement of unskilled day labour.

computer programs. You can’t argue the terms of recruitment, or indeed any on-boarding procedures including pay scale, and per diems.

The beloved 1966 Walter Chiari character faced with such hurdles, would have jumped on the next boat home.

Today industry has several layers of personnel management including asset owners, suppliers,

understood, is the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery (2020-2025), the aim of which is not just to try and prevent the practice but also to empower those caught in the trap. Even more clear-cut is the plan to ‘disrupt, investigate and prosecute’ those behind the crime, with possible gaol terms of 25 years for those involved.

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and sub-contractors. The system lends itself to being able to turn the proverbial blind eye, or at least point the finger elsewhere.

One government initiative has been the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme, about which the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Bourke has explained is about improving workers’ conditions. A recognition of foul play in itself. The scheme, according to the Minister’s office, benefits the workers by offering ‘enhanced safeguards that support regular income that has pay parity with domestic workers and greater transparency around accommodation costs and other deductions’. In short, they’re trying to close the loopholes that have allowed employers to undercut workers, one way or another.

Then there’s the Protecting Worker Entitlements Bill, an amendment to the Fair Work Legislation - and already it feels like a

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It seems to be an open secret – there are committees and reports and plans emanating from a range of bodies on the subject. Everyone seems eager to at least be seen to care as modern slavery in various forms continues to rise.

The most vulnerable are migrant (both legal and illegal) workers who have arrived in the country with poor language skills, little knowledge of national employment standards, and no experience of Australian safety standards.

For those with a penchant for the ‘good old days’ the book and then movie “They’re a Weird Mob” (an upbeat tale of an immigrant Italian doctor whose language skills made him fit only for labouring), was how we saw (and perhaps also treated) migrant workers. The epitome of ‘give the bloke a fair go’ was once a mantra of our society. But that was 60 years ago, and our isolated ways has evaporated, and that corporate cheerful demeanour has soured over time.

The immigrant workers’ life is now more

PEOPLE

It is the fodder for TV shows and mystery novels, slavery, exploitation, indebted servitude.

Perhaps that is why when reality strikes, it seems impossible to believe. Modern day slavery is widespread, Walk Free (the leading international human rights group) estimates as many as 50 million people worldwide are being deprived of their human rights – and even more surprising is their estimate that in Australia there are as many as 41,000 people living in modern slavery. They are sex workers and cleaners, and machinists and nannies and yes, they include workers in the Australian construction industry.

This trade in human exploitation comes under the auspices of the Australian Federal Police and includes a range of crimes including deceptive recruiting and forced labour. Disturbingly over the past five years, and despite extra manpower and additional surveillance the bottom line is still too high, and everyone is more than aware

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Responsible companies, in all areas of the property industry from architects to plumbers, should have a set path where complaints or suspicions are to be investigated.

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Commercially action is also being taken to bring the trade into the light. The report Remediating Modern Slavery in Property and Construction (KPMG for the Property Council of Australia 2022) offers a clear and positive review of what is happening to remediate any practices in the arena of servitude and slavery, and concisely looks at the chain of production practices that can have unrecognised links to modern day slavery. The suggested methods for corporate remediation include serious internal investigation and action.

One example the report sites, is investigating the sourcing of materials in the supply chain of production.

‘For example, a construction company sources low cost floorboards from a supplier who uses raw timber from their overseas supplier. Timber from Brazil, North Korea, Peru and Russia are known to be at high risk of being produced by forced labour.’ So, okay, nix that supplier and look for a good alternative.

However, not every offence is so obvious – ‘expecting’ workers to do overtime without pay or deploying workers to distant locations without notice or reimbursement may seem paltry by comparison to million-dollar timber orders, but to the person, the individual, it is life changing.

If a company does discover exploitative practices, part of the remediation process is not just choosing an alternate supplier, but also sharing the uncovered truth.

(Worth noting here also is the previously produced report produced by KPMG Australia in association with the Australian Human Rights Commission, ‘Construction and Modern Slavery Guide’ which includes other valuable information.)

What to do? In all reports, recommendations, and legislations the fundamental truth is that we do have people working in the industry who are suffering. They might be in Sydney, they might be in Korea, they might be underage or overworked, but they are all part of the construction chain.

If this is important to you, take the time to see who is taking a standby reading through the Australian Governments Modern Slavery Register – it is heartening to see so many large corporations taking the issue seriously. There are 981 online voluntary statements of support, and the register has seen 2.8million searches.

There is also ‘do-able’ action to be taken by all entities. Responsible companies, in all

areas of the property industry from architects to plumbers, should have a set path where complaints or suspicions are to be investigated.

Offer anonymity to whistle-blowers and make all options available in multilingual form.

Make your corporate stance known to the whole industry, including all your suppliers, and appoint a human rights advocate. In essence, companies need to make it clear they are watching, they are seeing, and they will take immediate action to protect vulnerable people no matter where they are, and no matter where they fit in the chain, or indeed how small their contribution is, in this $170b industry.

2018/19 FY

2019/20 FY

2020/21FY

2021/22 FY

2022/23 FY

Forced Marriage

95

92

79

84

90

Sexual Servitude

31

40

42

54

73

Forced Labour

29

29

35

42

57

Child Trafficking

7

>5

12

21

22

Trafficking in Persons

20

>5

12

19

38

Exit Trafficking

13

24

16

37

30

Debt Bondage

9

>5

>5

6

18

Domestic Servitude

9

20

15

18

16

Slavery

>5

>5

6

8

>5

Deceptive Recruiting

>5

6

>5

5

6

Organ Trafficking

>5

0

>5

0

0

Harbouring

0

0

0

0

0

Other

0

0

0

0

0

Total

220

223

224

294

340

SOURCE Australian Federal Police.

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Improving building envelope performance for industrial builds The three main structural elements that make up a building—the walls, floor, and roof—combine

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Kingspan’s K-Clad is an insulated metal roof and wall system that outperforms traditional construction methods in terms of speed of build, thermal performance, air tightness, weather tightness and condensation control. As an alternative to built-up systems, K-Clad is ideal for large-scale facilities.

When it comes to roofing, K-Clad offers a measurable 40% reduction in heat gain compared to a traditional roof. This represents a decrease of 4.5°C or more, thus significantly improving comfort levels inside the building.

Kingspan’s KS1000RW Roof and Wall Panel system consists of Zincalume sheets that

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Industrial buildings of the past were characterised by large smokestacks, smog and challenging working conditions. Today, investors are staying away from high-risk structures that pollute, contribute to climate change, and create indoor conditions that impair employee health, wellbeing and productivity.

Keeping non-air-conditioned warehouses comfortable during the summer is an important workplace issue. According to SafeWork NSW, poor thermal comfort for prolonged periods may lead to fatigue, lower concentration, poor productivity, and absenteeism.

In air-conditioned buildings, poor thermal performance increases the energy load on mechanical heating and cooling, thus increasing the carbon emissions from building operations.

This issue is more important than ever, given rising temperatures across the country.

Major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, have experienced unseasonably hotter temperatures in recent months. Southern states are being baked by a record September heat wave, with temperatures up to 18°C above average.

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Mt Eliza Sanctuary

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WORDS SCOTT MCPHERSON PHOTOGRAPHY VICTOR VIEAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

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The parents of a young family of 5, were in desperate need for a separate area that they could retire to after busy days. It was important that it was not only spacious, but also provided space for a small home office to cater for both clients running their own businesses.

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IMAGES While modest in footprint, the extension was able to provide the family much needed amenity in the form of a master bedroom, lounge, ensuite, walk in robe and study.

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This project originally began life as a first-floor extension with views overlooking the coast, however, due to the global pandemic and rising interest rates, the proposal had to pivot and adjust to suit a new economic landscape.

The second iteration of the extension aimed to touch the existing fabric of the house as lightly as possible, not only minimising the impact on

the dwelling’s structure, but also the impact on the day-to-day life of the family during the construction period. The glazed link provided a light filled hallway between the old and the new.

While modest in footprint, the extension was able to provide the family much needed amenity in the form of a master bedroom, lounge, ensuite, walk in robe and study.

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BELOW The exterior materials of the building blend with the original form and reinterpret the painted brick plinth to the building by emphasising the depth of the reveals.

The exterior materials of the building blend with the original form and reinterpret the painted brick plinth to the building by emphasising the depth of the reveals. The form of the extension is exaggerated through stepping of the facade, and increased pitch of the roof.

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Architect Block Architecture Studio Builder Burmpro Construction Year Completed 2023

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ceiling’s acoustic properties. A unique locking bracket is used to hold the bespoke ceiling system panels securely in place, while making them easily accessible and removable for future maintenance purposes. The S7 carrier rails also required customised perforations to ensure the strict acoustic requirements were achieved.

Set to be unveiled in 2024, this aesthetic and functional ceiling system was made possible by durlum’s meticulous design process and their partnership with Network to provide a locally manufactured and designed subframe system.

Network Architectural are experts in transport infrastructure, delivering innovative and high-quality ceiling solutions to commercial clients in Australia and around the world. Their detailed design process and expert architectural team allow an efficient and seamless integration from concept to installation, no matter how complex the project.

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It all started with taking COX Architecture’s vision for the transport hub and crafting it into a 3D hand drawn sketch by the durlum design team. Hand samples with colour matching were also provided to further ensure greater accuracy in the design, making it clear from the start what the exact colour and product would be.

Once the sketches were approved, durlum produced detailed CAD drawings. After that, full-scale prototypes were made to make sure nothing was overlooked and everything was ready for the installation of the complex architectural ceiling system.

The design featured durlum’s S7 metal ceiling system, modified to suit the custom design requirements. Concealed by the precise grid layout, perforated service channels were also incorporated to accommodate the various necessary services, such as lighting, speakers, and sprinklers, while still maintaining the

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The Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Station project in North Sydney is an eye-catching and cutting-edge transportation hub that seamlessly combines functionality with urban architectural design principles. Due for completion in 2024, one of the project’s most impressive features is its bespoke ceiling system by durlum, whose commercial ceiling systems are exclusively distributed in Australia by Network Architectural.

Taking a customer-centred design approach, as they do for all their projects, durlum began creating a mesmerising bespoke ceiling engineered and designed for practicality in any busy railway station. For Network Architectural and durlum, working on such a significant public transportation project was made possible thanks to their combined experience and detailed ceiling design process – along with the help of Foxville’s design team working closely with COX Architecture.

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Inside the creation of Victoria Cross Metro’s Bespoke Architectural Ceiling

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Deepwater House

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WORDS ANDREW HAGEMANN PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT FRITH ACORN PHOTO

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Deepwater House is an atypical residence in a suburban locality for progressive thinking clients.

The elongated plan stretches thin over a single undulating level with vast garden spaces designed as urban parkland.

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Architect AHA Studio (Andrew Hagemann Architecture Studio) Location Mount Pleasant, Western Australia Year Completed 2022 2023 Sustainability Awards entrant

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The house encapsulates the principle of spatial equity between house and landscape. It was a decisive choice to equally proportion the linear site to both house and garden and embrace the northern aspect and expansive sky for both internal and external gain.

The undulating garden mirrors the internal transition of common and private spaces, ramping or sliding - depending on direction of travel - between common and private, passive, and active. The replication of movement patterns further celebrates equity between inside and out.

Embedded in the vision for the architecture and landscape is a respect for the climatic conditions and sense of place. Borrowing from the Swan riverbank location and surrounding manicured domestic gardens, the form and palette is local and ecologically matched.

Collaboration through design forms a key part of the spatial and programmatic resolution for the house. Local craftsman and designers were sought to provide a level of craft and detail to the material aspects of the architecture, as well as to lend a sense of regional responsiveness to climate and locality.

The house is only as big as it needs to be to meet the client’s need for function and flexibility.

Indonesian modernism meets Perth critical regionalism in this environmentally and socially responsive family home. Unity and structure, spiritual and complete.

IMAGES The house is only as big as it needs to be to meet the client’s need for function and flexibility.

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Embedded in the vision for the architecture and landscape is a respect for the climatic conditions and sense of place.

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Deepwater House utilizes site orientation and passive solar design principles to enhance the low life-cycle cost and functioning of the home.

The long plan employs a thermal mass heat sink concrete block wall to the full length of the southern side, insulated with rigid 60mm Kingspan insulation boards to the cavities. To the north a large over-sailing roof over the main living space controls summer and winter solar ingress. The bedroom wing utilizes angled breeze block screen walls and vented Breezway louvre bays to shield the oblique western summer sun whilst allowing site connection through views to the garden.

Operable Breezeway louvre bays to the living area and eastern and western ends are protected behind concrete breeze block screens that allow for cross ventilation. The main living space form is a split skillion roof system that permits high level venting of hot air through automated glazing hoppers.

Air flow through spaces is assisted by ceiling fans throughout. The house has a 6.5kW solar PV array that is linked to internal battery storage, with all lighting and electric systems controlled and monitored from an app-based program.

Rainwater collection in the form of a 3000L slimline water tank is coupled to a pump/shut-off valve that recharges all the WC cisterns.

Locally and ethically sourced Toodyay and Donnybrook stone was selected for formal and informal surfaces, retaining walls and garden. The stone is celebrated within predominantly native plantings which mitigates weeds and augments the site ecosystem and domesticity for humans, insects, and birdlife to coinhabit.

There was a deliberate design intent to keep most of the plan at one room depth with minimal circulation areas. The single room depth allows for year-round access to natural daylight, breezes, and visual connection to gardens. Energy running costs are kept at a minimum due to the use of solar passive thermal design principles in lieu of mechanical systems.

The standard Midland Brick Cored Concrete Blocks that were utilized are normally used as low-grade design elements in basements, sports facilities, and larger infrastructure projects.

They are usually core filled with concrete. Here they are laid end on (rotated 90 degrees) to form decorative and functional breeze walls.

These breeze walls shield louvred ventilation systems behind, so the intent is to protect the glass from direct solar ingress whilst also providing for the easy movement of air.

All electrical switches were installed with a neutral wire to ensure that as electrical systems and technology develops, the house can be adapted to suit. By providing a neutral wire at every switch, smart switches can eventually be installed where a neutral wire is required.

The lighting system was designed to allow for the usual manual control by switches, but smart bulbs were installed to most light fittings so that they could be linked to an app-based system.

The benefit of this is the ability to programme the lighting circuits for specific times of the day and times of the year.

This prevents the occurrence of lighting circuits being left on in rooms for extended periods without a user present. This simple system can be easily overridden by a user as they enter a room for an intended use.

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embedded technology to minimise exposed aluminium; the timber reveal is used as a natural insulating barrier between the interior and exterior building envelope for heavily reduced thermal transmission of heat and cold.

This clever design results in less aluminium being exposed to the elements. Not only is this great for energy efficiency, but it also provides an unhindered, sleek look. It is possible to create large-scale openings that increase outside views while maximising energy efficiency. ComfortEDGETM is also available in many stunning powder coat shades to further expand the opportunities for creating distinct and stylish builds.

These versatile, market-leading systems have been designed and tested to deliver exceptional performance for both residential and commercial sectors.

With today’s focus on energy efficiency, windows and doors must be specified with the utmost care. AWS’ team of architectural specifiers and fabricators cares about ensuring that you receive the right guidance and make the best decision the first time.

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Windows and doors can let in up to 87% of heat during summer and let out up to 40% of heat during winter. Standard windows and doors will not be enough for modern homes to comply with stricter building code requirements, it is critical to address the thermal performance of your windows and doors.

Architectural Window Systems (AWS) is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of aluminium window and door systems for residential and commercial applications. Their ThermalHEARTTM and ComfortEDGETM ranges include innovative features and materials that help architects and designers meet increasingly stringent energy requirements.

ThermalHEART™ window and door systems are thermally broken to deliver improved energy efficiency. The thermal break in ThermalHEART™ windows and doors is created using a polyamide strip between the aluminium exterior and interior profiles.

The thermal break minimises the transfer of heat and cold through the aluminium window frame minimising the need for artificial cooling and heating while combatting condensation.

The comprehensive ThermalHEART™ range includes commercial CentreGLAZE™ and FrontGLAZE™ framing in 100mm and 150mm platforms. The residential range includes sliding, hinged and bi-fold door systems along with awning and casement windows.

ThermalHEARTTM systems deliver a bold, clean aesthetic with design options to open up aesthetic possibilities. The unique ThermalHEART™ joining method allows for one finish on the outside and one on the inside, to complement both internal and external palettes.

ComfortEDGETM takes a different approach that is unique. This double-glazed system uses

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The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a widely used metric for evaluating a home’s energy efficiency in Australia, taking into account the building’s design and construction materials. Recent changes to the National Construction Code 2022 increased the minimum standard energy rating for new residential builds from a minimum NatHERS 6 star rating to 7 stars or its equivalent.

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O C T- D E C 2 0 2 3 / s u stainabilit y awards ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

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2023 Sustainability Awards Winners: Still surprising everyone 17 years on

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At the magnificent Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, a crowd of about 250 celebrated for the 17th time a range of remarkable individuals, projects, and products in the realm of sustainable built design, acknowledging their significant contributions to the continuous improvement of our environment.

Given the urgent need for widespread change both nationally and globally, it has never been more crucial to showcase pioneering design on a national platform, promoting the talent, innovation, and technology that will propel Australia towards achieving net-zero emissions.

For our 17th annual awards, we cannot overstate the importance of conducting them in a live format. Therefore, it’s evident that the winners were also greatly appreciative of returning to our ‘traditional’ format.

Throughout the evening, the 18 winners were bestowed with trophies designed and made by Axolotl and 14 Highly Commended awards presented, which is just a small example of the recognition and reward they so richly deserve.

It is indeed accurate to say that this year, our 17th consecutive one, holds special significance

in other ways. With COP29 taking place soon and a growing realization worldwide that we have been living unsustainably for far too long, the imperative to employ our design prowess, so deftly and lucidly on show here, to at least mitigate our carbon footprint has never been more apparent.

Regarding the event itself, there are numerous individuals deserving of gratitude for the success of this year’s Sustainability Awards, but to begin with, we would like to extend our thanks to the 2023 Jury, led by new Head Judge Jeremy Spencer, for their steadfast support of the event, and for the time and expertise they contribute not only to judging but also to guiding the program, ensuring its enduring status as Australia’s most esteemed awards in sustainable built design.

A substantial thank you is owed to our new Events team, who truly took the initiative and executed an unforgettable event. The sales, marketing, and editorial teams at Architecture & Design also merit recognition for their tireless efforts, and of course, all those who contributed to making the night the resounding success it was deserve a resounding pat on the back.

Then, of course, we have our numerous commercial partners. The 2023 Sustainability Awards, along with the Sustainability Summit (held immediately preceding the Awards at Allianz Stadium, Sydney and online), were made possible thanks to the official event sponsors who are all listed on page 51.

And the winners are….

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PHOTOGRAPHY Anson Smart and Tom Roe.

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Recognises the adaptive reuse of a building (heritage and/or new) that has minimal impact on the historical significance of the building and its setting, while also pursuing a design that is sympathetic to the building in order to give it a new purpose.

Built in the 1920s in the interwar Beaux Arts style, this beautiful building was first utilised as a gathering place for the First Church of Christ Scientists. In the 1980s it was purchased by a private developer and transformed into his own private residence. Private ownership limited public viewing and access to the structures and grand interiors of the past.

SJB sensitively adapted the building to offer flexible spaces to meet a range of functions - from a gallery and event space displaying indigenous artists work, to meeting rooms,

breastfeeding rooms and incubator hubs that would accommodate and support ethical start-ups. The site now accommodates everyone, with a focus on accessibility, public engagement, diversity and connecting to country.

Existing functions of the building are treated sensitively so they can be enjoyed by current and future generations, offering fascinating glimpses into the building’s past uses. Many presented challenges to modern ESD requirements and all are successfully resolved in the completed development.

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YIRRANMA PLACE SJB

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ADAPTIVE REUSE (ALTERATION / ADDITION)

s u stainabilit y awards

WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED DEMPSEY WAREHOUSE MARRA + YEH ARCHITECTS

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PROUDLY PARTNERED BY

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE (LARGE) A Class 5, 6, 7 or 8 building used for professional and / or commercial purposes of over 500sqm in floor size.

WINNER HERITAGE LANES, 80 ANN STREET MIRVAC WITH WOODS BAGOT Heritage Lanes at 80 Ann Street is a 35-storey, mixed-use commercial and retail development in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. A celebration of old and new, Heritage Lanes embraces its history through the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and materials, while being one of Australia’s most intelligent and sustainable buildings.

The former site of Brisbane’s Fruit and Produce Exchange, which stood until 1914, Heritage Lanes retains the original office building on Turbot Street as part of its new design but has also transformed the concept of the traditional workplace.

PHOTOGRAPHY Brett Boardman.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

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WINNER COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE (SMALL)

DELATITE CELLAR DOOR LUCY CLEMENGER ARCHITECTS

A Class 5, 6, 7 or 8 building used for professional and / or commercial purposes of under or equal to 500sqm in floor size.

With sweeping views across Taungurung Country, the Delatite Cellar Door provides a unique wine tasting and dining experience located in the foothills of the Victorian Alps.

The building utilises environmentally sustainable design principles and reflects the warmth and generosity of Delatite’s owners in a new commercial setting.

Delatite are committed to sustainability via their biodynamic farming and wine production practices and aim to minimise their impact on the natural environment. The project is designed to respond to their established core values and be sensitive to place and the natural environment.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN / s u stainabilit y awards

PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Swalwell.

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EDUCATION & RESEARCH A childcare centre, preschool, primary, secondary or tertiary educational facility or a facility where an educational institution is a partner.

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WINNER WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY BANKSTOWN CITY CAMPUS LYONS WITH HDR, WALKER CORPORATION AND WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Western Sydney University’s Bankstown City Campus (BCC) is a transformative and pivotal cornerstone propelling the progression of Bankstown CBD. The impressive 18-storey tower comprising nine levels for education and nine levels for industry exemplifies an innovative and sustainable approach to education and research, combining technology, design and the highest achievable green credentials to provide a range of long-term economic and social benefits for the region.

The project was recently certified with a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating – the result of meticulous planning and collaboration between Walker and Western Sydney University. The inclusion of innovative eco-friendly features that promote energy efficiency, reduce waste and enhance indoor air quality have put BCC on track to achieve Gold WELL core credentials while minimising the tower’s long-term environmental impact.

PHOTOGRAPHY WSU.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

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Open to architects / designers in their first five years of their career and recognises an outstanding achievement or development in the field of sustainable and / or environmental architecture planning or design across any of the building categories.

Passionate about the future of circular economy construction, William developed an award-winning circular architecture prototype for the Green Building Council of Australia’s 10 Year anniversary. He also co-founded a climate-tech startup that upcycles plastic waste into building materials in disadvantaged urban communities.

Chairing Sydney’s environment committee, William successfully introduced innovative Australian-first policies in government that create measurable, socio-economic change capturing environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact.

William gained unanimous support to pass urban planning controls that achieve net-zero operational buildings from 2026, incorporating performance standards, renewable energy targets and offsite renewables purchase for Greater Sydney and NSW, and Sydney’s Urban Forest policies to tackle urban heat by doubling green cover, while using geo-spatial technology to ensure species’ climate resilience for 2050.

Championing renters and social housing residents on behalf of 100 industry leaders,he played an influential role in successfully increasing the energy-efficiency of homes from 6 to 7-stars in the 2023 National Construction Code.

s u stainabilit y awards

HY WILLIAM CHAN CITY OF SYDNEY

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EMERGING SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECT / DESIGNER

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WINNER

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PHOTOGRAPHY Hasmukh Chand.

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GREEN BUILDING MATERIAL A building product that is renewable, environmentally responsible and where the impact is considered over the entire lifetime of the product.

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LOCAL LOWER CARBON ALUMINIUM CAPRAL ALUMINIUM

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Aluminium is strong, lightweight, and infinitely recyclable. But the average carbon emissions of primary aluminium produced globally is approximately 16.8kg CO2e/1kg Al. By choosing lower-carbon aluminium, CO2e emissions can be more than halved, providing a cleaner, greener choice for Australian building projects.

LocAl aluminium is supplied as standard on Capral locally extruded proprietary windows and doors making it very easy for architects to select and specify a Lower Carbon option for their project whilst maintaining well-known and recognised window and door systems.

The LocAl range is ASI certified and eligible for credit points. As an ASI-certified member, Capral can now contribute to Green Star credit points (under the ‘Green Star Building’ category: Responsible Structure, Responsible Envelope, Responsible Finishes, and Responsible Systems) for the structure of a project.

PHOTOGRAPHY Capral Aluminium.

HIGHLY COMMENDED DURRA PANEL DURRA PANEL (LEFT)

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LANES AUTEX ACOUSTICS (RIGHT)

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HOSPITALITY & TOURISM Examples of Hospitality & Tourism Design include projects that help create locally owned business and employment opportunities, environmentally friendly operations, education and awareness programs, energy and resource conservation, and waste & carbon dioxide reduction.

DELATITE CELLAR DOOR LUCY CLEMENGER ARCHITECTS and the natural environment. Sustainable design principles were employed in the design of the building, including the orientation of spaces, passive heating and cooling, ceiling fans, cross ventilation, sun shading to prevent heat gain, thermal mass to the south and west sides of the building, minimised plasterboard, maximised daylighting, rainwater collection, low VOC painting and local building material specification where possible.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

With sweeping views across Taungurung Country, the Delatite Cellar Door provides a unique wine tasting and dining experience located in the foothills of the Victorian Alps.

The building utilises environmentally sustainable design principles and reflects the warmth and generosity of Delatite’s owners in a new commercial setting.

The project is designed to respond to their established core values and be sensitive to place

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Photography Derek Swalwell.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Toby Peet.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Nicole England.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

70 GEORGE STREET COX SYDNEY STUDIO COX ARCHITECTURE

A renovation or fit-out of the interior of an existing building where the sustainable design is involved with such factors as determining the efficient Design firm and effective use of space, selecting construction materials that offer low environmental impact and lowering pollution, waste, and the lowering of the overall energy consumption.

Healthy materials with low toxicity were used including the meeting rooms joinery which is 100% PET and 100% recyclable with a global green tag certification of GreenRate Level A, platinum product and a health declaration of being Red-List free. On all plasterboard, solid core doors and non-heritage ceilings and walls, no VoC Dulux Envir02 paint was used with a Global Green Tag Certification. ReStart

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FRESH HOPE OFFICE BREATHE ARCHITECTURE

Ready vinyl flooring was Phthalate Free with a platinum certification in material health.

COX reduced embodied carbon and construction waste by prioritizing responsibly sourced materials for their global warming potential, recycled content, longevity, proximity to the site, and non-toxicity, and by designing systems for durability, deconstruct-ability, reuse, and recyclability.

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LANDSCAPE & URBAN Buildings or non-building projects at the intersection of architecture, landscape design and urban planning. Examples include parks, pedestrian bridges and walkways, pools, shelters, picnic facilities, toilet blocks and playgrounds. Can also include green roofs, green walls and other urban garden and similar installations.

THERMAL HAVEN NEST BOXES BIRD HABITATS

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There is currently a housing crisis in Australia for hollow dwelling animals. Mainly due to land clearing / development,and hollow bearing trees in urban and Peri urban areas being felled for safety.

Current nest box designs do not last very long (2-10 years), are made from inappropriate toxic materials (plywood and plastic), perform very poorly thermally.

NestBoxes are not easily repairable and usually need to be replaced. The main issue with Plastic and Plywood boxes apart from 1 and 2 is the thermal performance. Heat being the main issue. Both Plastic and Plywood boxes can be fatal to inhabitants or interfere with reproduction (approx. over 37 degrees for prolonged periods) Researching showed that both plastic and Plywood boxes can reach upwards of 50 degrees on a 40-degree day.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Chris McMahon.

HIGHLY COMMENDED BIN BYPASS BIN BYPASS

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MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DWELLING The design of a new townhouse, duplex or residential complex that contains multiple residential dwellings. Projects nominated under this category are classifiable as Class 2 or Class 3 buildings.

WINNER FERRARS & YORK HIP V. HYPE, DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH SIX DEGREES ARCHITECTS Ferrars & York comprises twenty-two 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments with an average energy rating of 8.6-stars and the highest performing apartment achieving 9.3-stars (out of 10). At ground level, a retail space is jointly occupied by HIP V. HYPE’s Ferrars & York Collective; a workshare space for sustainably minded businesses and Bike Gallery; a specialty bike store.

Embodied carbon neutral and setup to be carbon neutral in operation, apartments at Ferrars & York represent more comfort for residents due to consistent air temperatures, better acoustic performance, lower energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.

In an established suburb where families are increasingly priced out of standalone dwellings and supply is considerably short of demand, Ferrars & York provides families with housing choice.

PHOTOGRAPHY Tess Kelly, Joel Taylor & Christian Woodmansey.

HIGHLY COMMENDED ABORIGINAL HOUSING VICTORIA BREATHE ARCHITECTURE (LEFT)

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NIGHTINGALE VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE, AUSTIN MAYNARD ARCHITECTS, BREATHE, CLARE COUSINS ARCHITECTS, HAYBALL AND KENNEDY NOLAN (RIGHT)

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PUBLIC BUILDINGS A building or facility or artwork which primarily services, or is used by the public except educational facilities.

PIMPAMA SPORTS HUB LIQUID BLU Pimpama Sports Hub is Australia’s first sports and community precinct to be designed to be 100% energy self-sufficient, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in sports and leisure facilities.

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The project included the development of a 14-hectare integrated sports and community facility on the Northern Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The project is designed to support healthy lifestyles and community connection in a largely a suburban area within the fastest growing region of Queensland.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Christopher Frederick Jones.

HIGHLY COMMENDED NATIONAL THROWS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PHILLIPS SMITH CONWELL WITH FABRITECTURE AND XLA

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SINGLE DWELLING (ALTERATION) Extensions and/or alterations to at least 50 percent of a Class 1a building.

WINNER MUSIC ROOM ALEXANDER SYMES ARCHITECT This project is the first CLT Passive House project in Australia to use Australian sourced CLT (via XLam). It was additionally a ‘guinea pig’ for the use of XLam in a Passive House, as the air-permeability of the product has not yet been tested. The success of the blower test in the CLT extension proved CLT to have low air-permeability. This solidified the continuation of using CLT construction for Passive House design. Along with the additional benefit of being able to source CLT locally and reduce embodied energy associated with transport.

The project sits between the intersection of; fitting into this conservation zone; managing the air quality of its neighbour; managing acoustics of music production; being adaptable to be a multigenerational household; a place to “age-in-place”; and also be robust towards future climate scenarios.

PHOTOGRAPHY Barton Taylor.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

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COPA CAME IN FROM THE COLD ENVIROTECTURE

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SINGLE DWELLING (NEW) The design and construction of a single-residential building which is also a Class 1a Building category.

HUFF’N’PUFF HAUS ENVIROTECTURE This “strawbale home” soon led to the Passivhaus standard to ensure the home was healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient.

Connecting to the landscape from all sides of the home, to celebrate the different seasons, and appreciate daily rhythms (to gaze at vast skies and horizons) was a big part of the biophilic design ethos.

PHOTOGRAPHY Marnie Hawson.

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The brief was for an efficient and self-sufficient home on a remote site in Ruffy, Victoria (Taungurong Country) with a low carbon footprint as it was off grid. It would function as a weekender and become a permanent residence after retirement, including separate guest accommodation. It needed to be resilient and future-proof - secure and protected from bushfire, responsive to a changing climate, and able to adapt for aging in place.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED FARRIER LANE HOUSE MDC ARCHITECTS (LEFT) BINOWEE HEMPHAUS GRUEN ARCHITECTURE (RIGHT)

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SMART BUILDING IDEAS

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A building that uses smart design or a range of automated processes to automatically control the building’s operations in order to help improve asset reliability, performance, and energy use.

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Pocket Passiv is a small infill residential studio occupying the unused space of a spatially constrained inner-city terrace house corner block. The project achieves ambitious levels of amenity for its residents all whilst occupying the ‘pocket-sized’ footprint of 27sqm. Located in Glebe, a thriving inner-city suburb originally inhabited by the Gadigal people, Pocket Passiv sits within a relic of Sydney’s 19th century Victorian terrace house boom.

Pocket Passiv’s project aspirations were guided by an ethos of not only environmental sustainability but also social and economic.

The dwelling has been built to the esteemed Passivhaus Plus Standard for high performance and energy efficient buildings originating from Germany. Passivhaus Plus acknowledges the building’s ability to generate as much energy as it consumes – ultimately becoming a net zero energy building.

PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Fergusson.

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WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY BANKSTOWN CITY CAMPUS LYONS WITH HDR, WALKER CORPORATION AND WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

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SMALL SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE This award us open to all architecture and design firms with 10 or less staff and recognises their achievements including alignment with the UN 17 SDGs.

MAXA DESIGN MAXA DESIGN Maxa Design seamlessly integrates sustainability principles and practices across business activities and outcomes. With a strong commitment to Passivhaus design, the studio has been early adopters of this standard, which ensures a built environment of far greater longevity and a healthier indoor environment for the occupants.

For many years, Maxa Design have engaged with the wider community, educating, and presenting on sustainable design principles, including Passivhaus design and passive solar design.

To ensure a commitment to sustainability, they conducted an independent audit of all business operations.

PHOTOGRAPHY Maxa Design.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE (SOCIAL & COMMUNITY OUTCOMES)

ABORIGINAL HOUSING VICTORIA BREATHE ARCHITECTURE

Editor’s Choice is an award given by the Architecture & Design editorial team. All shortlisted projects are assessed for their suitability for this award on the basis of their contribution to and consultation with their local community.

This project is about housing First Nations people in safe, affordable and culturally sensitive homes. It’s about working through a participatory framework.

The project sets high standards in minimising operational, embodied and behavioural carbon.

An all-electric building with high efficiency fixtures and high performing thermal envelope

(8.2 NatHERs) sets a new standard in affordable housing. Solar panels, a high efficiency central heat pump, and green power contributes to a great story for AHV and the planet. Embodied carbon was minimised through smart material selection. Locally made bricks quarried 20km from site, natural cork and timber contributes to mitigating embodied carbon.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Wuttke.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Tess Kelly, Joel Taylor & Christian Woodmansey.

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2023 Best of the Best winner

Selected from among all the category winners on the basis of both sustainable outcomes and aesthetics and/or innovative design principles.

WINNER FERRARS & YORK HIP V. HYPE IN COLLABORATION WITH SIX DEGREES ARCHITECTS Enabled by HIP V. HYPE, designed in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects and built by Ironside. Ferrars & York in South Melbourne presents best practice in climate resilient design and construction and is one of the most sustainable apartment buildings in Australia.

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT A person who has over their career, shown exemplary efforts in advancing the progression of the sustainable built environment in Australia.

WINNER DAVID BAGGS David Baggs has provided leadership within the profession and industry for more than 45 years by engaging during most of this time in sustainability educational, advocacy and facilitation of professional outcomes and design excellence at a whole-of-profession level and with world leading project outcomes.

David has used his deep architectural, scientific and sustainability knowledge garnered in over 45 years of experience within the profession, to create useful industry-wide tools and educational content for green-design -focussed architects, designers, and other professionals, where the deep scientific ‘dive’

WINNER DICK CLARKE

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Dick Clarke has influenced sustainable design and construction across the nation for decades. Mostly widely known as an accredited building designer he has played many roles over the years.

Dick has been a regular judge on various industry design awards, such as the Sustainability Awards, BPN Sustainability Awards, AWA (Australian Window Association) Design Awards and the Clean Energy Council awards.

He was Director of Sustainability, and Past President of the NSW Chapter, of

Building Designers Australia (BDA). He is a Past President and Board Member of the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA). He has represented BDAA on the NatHERS to AccuRate upgrade (Technical Advisory) committee, and BASIX Reference Group in NSW. Dick is a founding author and editor of the acclaimed Your Home series, recently released in its sixth 20-year anniversary edition. He also edited the sort after book for designers, builders, and homeowners, How to Rethink Building Materials.

and assessment work on the full spectrum of sustainability issues are fully considered.

He has promoted the appreciation and advancement of sustainability in Australia by his teaching of UNSW Architecture students in annual addresses over 10 years, as well as lectures at Griffith University, Murdoch University, University of Technology Sydney, University of Western Sydney and hundreds of architects and designers in his CPD courses several hundred public talks, seminars, peer reviewed papers, and panel presentations at universities, conferences, expos and online presentations.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS We would like to say thank you to all partners of the 2023 Sustainability Awards Gala and Summit for making this year the most successful ever!

Platinum Carbon Neutral Partner & Best of the Best

Gold Partner & Interior Design

Adaptive Reuse (Alteration / Addition)

Commercial Architecture (Large)

Commercial Architecture (Small)

Editor’s Choice (Social & Community Outcomes)

Education & Research

Emerging Sustainable Architect / Designer

Green Building Material

Hospitality & Tourism

Landscape & Urban

Lifetime Achievement

Multi-Residential Dwelling

Public Building

Single Dwelling (Alteration)

Single Dwelling (New)

Small Sustainable Practice

Smart Building Ideas

Strategic Partners

sustainablebuildingawards.com.au

Strategic Partners

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IMAGE GH Commercial’s Lichen Community collections.

Why biophilic design is more than just a trend WORDS NATHALIE CRAIG

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Biophilic design aims to enhance our innate biological connection with nature by bringing natural elements into the built environment. This can be achieved by selecting natural materials such as wood and stone, using organic and biomorphic shapes and forms, incorporating plants, adding earthy textures and colours, and maximising natural lighting and ventilation. It can also take the form of indoor spaces being designed so they are connected to the outdoors and nature.

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Biophilic design is an ever-evolving concept that can extend beyond aesthetics and material choice to sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable materials.

Ultimately, a built environment that offers a connection to the earth and nature has been shown time and time again to have a positive impact on wellbeing.

A LA NATURAL Sustainable thermowood specialists Thermory see incorporating natural materials like thermally modified wood as one of the easiest ways to put biophilic design principles into practice. Thermory’s Content Marketing Specialist, Kerttu Raie, says humans evolved in the natural environment, not a humanengineered one, which is why we have an understandable inclination towards nature.

“To counterbalance, we have started using biophilic design principles in urban planning, architecture and interior design as a means to restore our connection with the natural environment,” she says.

Thermory uses thermal modification as a way of naturally enhancing wood. The chemical-free heat treatment makes the wood extremely durable and stable for both indoor and outdoor use, giving it a beautifully deep shade and bringing out its natural beauty.

Unlike chemical impregnation, Thermory’s thermal modification enhances the wood throughout, not just the outer surface.

When used for interior spaces the wood even enhances the acoustic properties of the room. Thermory’s Benchmark ash cladding was chosen for Maidla Nature Resort, a small luxury cabin inspired by wild nature, set in the middle of a forest near a manor house in Estonia.

Mari Hunt from b210 Architects designed the cabin in keeping with the natural environment surrounding it. No trees were felled, and the cabin is on stilts due to local floods in springtime. The form of the cladding and the overall look of the building was based on the character of the site.

The house is clad with durable thermally modified wooden cladding boards from Thermory, which are perfectly suited for houses exposed to rain, winds and falling leaves and preserve the intended look for a long time.

Thermory ash boards were selected as the architect liked its brownish shade, which was emphasised by treating the material with oil.

The facade of the building was clad with vertical boards, while the same material was also requested for use horizontally on the terrace.

This worked to create the feeling that the house was simply covered with decking.

Thermory wood has also been used for the interior, covering the floor of the bedroom and all the ceilings in the house. Using the same material for the ceilings and the facade ties the individual parts of the building together as a united whole, where the architecture and interior architecture are completely entwined.

CONNECTING WITH MOTHER NATURE Another leading producer of thermowood, Novawood, also recommends thermowood products as a perfect fit for biophilic design.

Novawood’s heat treated products originate from sustainably managed forests, emphasising their commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

Novathermowood products are sustainable, strong, long lasting, and environmentally friendly. The range includes exterior cladding

which helps the building fit in better with its natural surroundings, decking and flooring: The unique colours and patterns achieved through the thermal modification process can mimic the aesthetic of forest floors, creating a grounding and calming effect in the environment.

Novathermowood also comes as interior wall cladding, ceiling panels, doors, windows, partitions and screens. The use of heat-treated wood in interior spaces can complement the presence of indoor plants, reinforcing the connection to nature and creating a harmonious environment.

Timber manufacturer Big River Group also point to the warmth timber adds to biophilic design and the way it can bring a sense of nature and wellbeing into the built environment.

“The materials surrounding us on a daily basis that offer a deeper connection to earth and nature, such as the natural beauty and uniqueness of wood are being embraced by designers,” Sales and Marketing Manager, Panels, at Big River Group Stuart McGonagle says.

“According to a recent study, those in environments featuring natural wooden surfaces, reported higher personal mood, clarity, confidence and optimism on average”.

He says Big River Group has seen a rise in the use of decorative timbers on walls and ceilings.

“There’s a myriad of timbers with different textures and colours available, that can be utilised to improve the ambience of a venue.

What’s more, due to its natural insulation timber reduces internal heat gain in summer and loss of warmth in winter and can store and release moisture which helps to regulate humidity and air quality in an indoor environment”.

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A smart choice for cabinetry and joinery applications that achieves a natural aesthetic is Big River’s ArmourCab, a new generation of engineered Australian decorative wood panelling. Available in Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Hoop Pine timber finishes, each with its own natural colour and markings, ArmourCab adds harmonious design and plays an important role in marrying the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Big River’s decorative plywood known as Armourpanel is another popular choice for biophilic design thanks to its distinctly natural appeal.

“In maintaining the natural characteristics of the selected wood species, every Armourpanel sheet offers an individual and natural look, with the species’ unique grain structures being preserved so no two sheets look alike,” McGonagle notes.

Also available in a range of native species including Blackbutt, Flooded Gum, Spotted Gum and Sydney Blue Gum, its durability makes it ideal for use in hardwearing areas, including flooring, wall panelling, screening, cabinetry, ceiling linings and joinery.

Big River’s wood panels were specified for Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre in regional Victoria. Designed by Kosloff Architecture, the space aims to bring education, community, and the arts to the city in a warm and inviting environment.

The interior is punctuated by a dramatic timber staircase, which leads up the three levels through a circular void and has been clad in Big River Group’s premium plywood products ArmourPanel and Armourfloor in Blackbutt.

“The warmth of the Big River Blackbutt products with rich tones provides a sense of comfort and connection to nature within the interiors of the project,” Associate Director of Kosloff Architecture Lance Van Maanen says.

TOP Thermory’s Benchmark ash cladding was chosen for Maidla Nature Resort, a small luxury cabin inspired by wild nature, set in the middle of a forest near a manor house in Estonia.

BOTTOM Big River’s wood panels were specified for Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre in regional Victoria.

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BELOW Scultform’s Ash timber click-on battens and tongue and groove cladding.

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WOOD IN THE WORKPLACE High quality timber is recommended for biophillic design by click-on batten, cladding and screens specialists Sculptform. Scultpform says getting the quality right with timber is key for biophilic design as showing off the natural features of timber helps to improve the atmosphere within a space. Scultpform’s battens, screens and tongue and groove cladding can all be made from timber.

All can be applied on interiors and exteriors and are perfect to cover walls, and ceilings and create screening within spaces.

They offer three species of timber, Australian Ash, Spotted Gum and American Oak, and a range of profiles and coatings to enhance the look of the material. Scultform’s Ash timber click-on battens and tongue and groove cladding feature throughout the multilevel ceilings at The Workshop by Milligan Group, a campus-style business hub in Sydney’s Pyrmont. Designed by Bates Smart, The Workshop showcases a new era of workplace design with 19,000 square metres of office space, seven boutique offices and substantial onsite amenities including retail outlets, childcare, a gym with bike storage and an infrared sauna, a café and a restaurant.

A full-height atrium in the centre of the Workshop creates an open, light-filled environment and visual connectivity between floors Biophilic design is also incorporated with gleaming planter halos suspended at differing levels throughout the void, bringing a sensory element to the interior and emphasising the benefits of indoor/outdoor connections in the

design. The design achieved the highest-level Green Star Rating (6 Stars), through its careful choice of building materials.

Another way to bring biophilic design to life is by incorporating the architecturally designed timber wall and ceiling panels by SUPAWOOD. These can be produced in natural and concept woodgrains, as well as textured and natural-coloured finishes. The panels can also be customised and shaped to mimic natural elements like leaves.

THE FOOTAGE IS GRAINY SUPAWOOD’s custom-shaped and grooved SUPALINE panels, for example, brought a natural feel to levels 2 and 3 of the podium retail spaces at Castle Towers shopping centre in Sydney. The designer, Buchan, engaged SUPAWOOD to create a decorative but complex paved effect on the ceilings. The panels form a crazy paving design on the ceilings over the thoroughfares on each level.

The parts of the ceilings nearer the shop fronts are lined with SUPALINE in a neutral matt SUPACOLOUR finish. The areas on the outer edge are slightly raised and in a SUPALINE custom-grooved pattern reminiscent of the veins of leaves.

These outer areas are finished in a woodgrain laminate. Raw unfinished backing boards were used as a base under the shaped panels. To frame the inner perimeter, custom curved MAXI BEAM lightweight beams have been applied. These have been tastefully contrasted with the other finishes in a metallic brushed finish.

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Flooring specialists GH Commerical design many of their products with biophilia in mind, purposefully incorporating colours, textures and patterns found in the natural environment. Their Lichen 1.5 and Lichen Community collections exemplify biophilic design.

“Inspired by the idea of ‘nature’s carpet’, the design team looked at natural assemblages of rich multi-hued, multi-textured lichens from extreme climates as the foundation for the collection, particularly how they grew on rock and bark.

GH Commercial used their Pattern Perfect tufting technology to produce textures and forms on the surface of the carpet, which look authentic and capture nature’s impact on our senses and wellbeing.

When the team at New Zealand commercial interior design business, Outline, needed to create a learning space that was both beautiful and inspiring for Saint Kentigern Schools, they chose GH Commercial’s Lichen Community collections for the flooring. The brief for the project was to achieve an interior vision based on sustainability and the wellbeing benefits of biophilic design. The light-filled central atrium with its ‘social staircase’ links two floors of classrooms, collaborative learning zones, and a staff room that also serves as a professional development area and function space.

The Lichen 1.5 Collection of carpet planks presented ideal flooring to meet the brief, with the selection of Micro and Macro Bloom 1.5 in an array of colour offering a distinctive pattern with complementary pops of yellow, purple, blue, aqua, and white. Teamed with neutral

ABOVE GH Commercial’s Lichen Community Collection.

Groundcover 1.5 in 949 Rock face, the overall effect was cohesive while also creating wayfinding paths and distinguishing separate learning zones.

BIOPHILIA IN THE INTERIOR For interior specialists, Baresque, Wallcoverings play a central role in biophilic design as they can artfully replicate the textures, colours, and patterns found in natural materials like wood, stone, and water. These designs capture the gentle flow of fluid motions through deep texture, intricate patterns, and geometries.

Nature plays a central part in the design of the recently refurbished IDES restaurant, a cool and innovative fine dining venue in Melbourne.

The food and dishes at IDES take their cues from the local environment and seasons, with the fit out of the original restaurant also echoing this theme. It’s no surprise then that nature played a huge part in influencing the design vision for the new project, with earthly finishes such as wood, stone and linens all featuring. Like all bustling venues, addressing the acoustics of the space was also high on the priority list to ensure an intimate experience for diners.

In the private dining room, Baresque’s fabricated acoustic wallcovering Zintra Sticks was selected in Merbau, a colourway inspired by real woodgrain. The covering which features on the walls and ceilings complements the original timber elements and adds a sense of warmth and intimacy.

In keeping with the theme of natural finishes, Baresque’s Cork Cobra wallcovering which is inspired by snakeskin was installed on the adjacent walls. This decorative wallcovering

features gold highlights which are beautifully accented by the wall lights. Overall, the newly refurbished IDES is a moody, intimate space with elegance and connection to nature expressed in both the aesthetics and gastronomic experience.

Designers and manufacturers of facade systems, Fairview, say they have seen an increased focus on incorporating natural elements, materials, and patterns into designs to create spaces that foster wellbeing, productivity, and a sense of harmony with nature.

“We have also seen an increase in the integration and usage of nature analogues, certainly specific to woodgrain finishes. Powder on powder technology allows architects and designers a choice of finishes that mimic not only the natural patterns, but also textures of wood,” Head of Marketing at Fairview Kristy Welsh says.

She says Fairview see biophilic design as extending much more broadly beyond aesthetics and material choice.

“It is an area that is ever evolving as new sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials continue to emerge. It is an exciting space to be in, and for Fairview we are committed to contributing to biophilic design and ultimately the circular economy – not only in terms of how our products are manufactured and with what, but also in terms of their lifecycle and end-of-life use. It is a constant learning curve”.

Fairview collaborated with builder and installer, Northpoint Residential Projects to complete the exterior facade of 1 Pretoria Parade Hornsby. This project features more than 7,220 of Argeton’s Argelite terracotta tiles in Salmon Pastel and a large range of accessories.

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BIOPHILIC DESIGN BECOMES SOPHISTICATED Argeton’s Argelite panel is a product made of natural clay, preferred for its stylish simplicity and low weight. Argeton is a natural terracotta facade system, available in a wide range of colours, textures, profiles, and glaze options for exquisite and unique designs. With sunscreen and rainscreen properties, frost and moisture resistance, impact, weather, and UV resistance, Argeton is an eco-friendly option that allows for creativity while ensuring resilience to harsh environmental conditions.

Australia’s largest supplier of certified engineered bamboo and rattan House of Bamboo see biophilic design as much more than just a trend, but “an essential part of sustainable and emotionally resonant architecture”.

“In 2023, biophilic design has become more innovative, sophisticated and integrated into architectural practice. Thankfully it has become an essential element of sustainable architecture, as it not only enhances the quality of life for people but also aligns with the growing focus on environmental stewardship and holistic wellbeing in the design and construction industry,” House of Bamboo’s Marketing Manager Ash Guven says.

in categories like Health and Wellbeing, Materials, and Land Use and Ecology. House of Bamboo has a wide selection of products available to suit biophillic designs from stylish and sustainable Cross Laminated Bamboo panels to woven bamboo decking, featuring natural bamboo heat-treated for improved hardness and durability. Made without toxic glues or plastics and pre-oiled with premium Woca oil.

Ultimately, biophilic design isn’t just a trend but a timeless way of designing that taps into our innate connection to the natural world. It is about bringing the feel of mother nature into our built environments to create a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere evoking a sense of calmness to those that using the space

SUPPLIERS Thermory thermory.com Novawood architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/novawood Big River Group architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers / big-river-group Sculptform architectureanddesign.com.au/ suppliers/sculptform Supawood architectureanddesign.

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GH Commercial architectureanddesign.com.au/ suppliers/

The biophilic materials also play an important role in projects aiming for WELL Building Standard and can secure valuable credits for UK-based BREEAM certification, particularly

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centre in Sydney.

gh-commercial Baresque baresque.com.au Fairview Architectural architectureanddesign.com.au/ suppliers/ fairview-architectural House of Bamboo houseofbamboo.com.au

ABOVE SUPAWOOD’s custom-shaped and grooved SUPALINE panels, for example, brought a natural feel to levels 2 and 3 of the podium retail spaces at Castle Towers shopping

CARBON NEGATIVE PLYWOOD LEARN MORE

BUILDING SUSTAINABLY IN PLY

Monash University Chancellery

ANZ retail space | Breathe Architects | XFrame

Proven, durable and easy to work with. Ecoply® is efficiently manufactured from locally sourced, sustainably grown plantation pine and is carbon negative when calculating all manufacturing and transportation processes. Visit ecoply.com.au for more information • Available untreated, H2S glueline treated and H3 LOSP treated • Lowest formaldehyde emission classification, Super E0 • Independently certified by EWPAA • Available Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified • PEFC/Responsible Wood chain of custody certification • Achieves ‘Best Practise product’ credit criteria for Green Star Rating of Responsible Structure, Responsible Envelope, & Responsible Finishes Disclaimer: While the products in this document possess the characteristics described, no representation is made that the products will be effective in all locations and circumstances. Much depends upon building design, construction practices and the environment in which the products are used. Products must be installed in accordance with Carter Holt Harvey recommendations, industry accepted guidelines and good building practice.

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Understanding the Architectural Benefits of Novawood Technology

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Since 2005, Novawood has been at the forefront of the heat treatment process, continually refining and enhancing it to develop Novawood Technology, a set of specialised procedures that have been applied to various wood species. This innovative process offers an effective, environmentally sensitive solution to enhance wood performance for architectural applications.

In an era where ecological concerns are paramount, Novawood stands out as a durable, stylish, and sustainable choice for exterior applications, addressing many of the historical challenges associated with wood use. Below we examine the architectural benefits of Novawood in more detail.

What is Novawood Technology?

Novawood Technology is a perfect blend of nature and human innovation. This natural process includes a high-treatment methodology, carefully designed with specialised procedures, and employs special solutions customised for various types of both soft and hardwood.

The Novawood process can be summed up in three steps: • high temperature drying; • heat treatment; and • cooling.

As a result of the high temperature applied to the wood, the substances in the inner part of the wood that shorten the material’s life (e.g. glucose, resin, citric acid, and so on) are resolved and crystallised. This process enhances the physical properties of the wood and imbues it with an attractive colour.

Novawood Technology undergoes thorough evaluation, meticulous inspection, and rigorous scrutiny, ensuring unwavering adherence to stringent international criteria and sustainability standards. Through this process, wood’s inherent properties are elevated to remarkable levels, giving it unmatched strength and stability, and making it suitable for many different uses both outdoor and indoor.

Enhanced durability and stability Novawood is 95% more efficient than normal wood in outdoor weather conditions, making it ideal for exterior applications such as cladding. Its benefits include increased moisture resistance, decreased swelling and shrinkage from weather, temperature and humidity changes, and increased resistance to rot and fungi.

Due to their enhanced properties, Novawood products will last longer naturally than untreated timber. This means that less new wood is needed to replace or repair existing products.

With Novawood Technology, it is also possible to convert wood species that would otherwise rot quickly into high-performing products that can be used for external applications without additional chemical treatment.

Sourced from responsibly managed forests Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification guarantees that materials used in products come from plantations that are responsibly managed. The other widely used forest certification scheme is the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Novawood’s responsible sourcing of raw materials from managed forests adds an important layer of sustainability. This practice not only supports the preservation of vital ecosystems but also earns them one to two points in LEED certification and one to three points in BREEAM certification.

Promoting sustainability with Environmental Product Declarations Novawood takes a holistic approach to reducing its ecological footprint through the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for their heat-treated wood products. The focus on life cycle assessment, recyclability, and reliance on renewable forests underlines the company’s eco-friendliness.

The environmental profile of Novawood products helps building owners achieve certification under globally-recognised sustainable building schemes. Certification schemes such as LEED and BREEAM are

becoming more attractive to not only buyers, but prospective tenants and occupants.

Natural, eco-conscious materials like Novawood can provide a number of LEED contributing credits, including those for rapidly renewable materials, low-emitting materials, and innovation.

Fire resistance of Novawood products One of the biggest drawbacks of using wood for building is the potential for igniting and burning during a fire. Novawood addresses this issue by offering products treated with fire retardants, which ensure the material provides excellent fire resistance.

Fire retardants can be applied to wood through vacuum pressure impregnation, which is a long-lasting treatment as the preservative penetrates deep inside the wood, rather than just on its surface. The key advantage of pressure-treated wood is that weather does not affect its performance and maintenance requirements are minimal.

Harmonising nature and aesthetics Beyond its environmental benefits, Novawood is praised for its beautiful natural aesthetics.

The Novawood Process, which causes a caramelisation of the glucose in the wood, deepens the organic tones of the material, lending a timeless and natural beauty to buildings. It also provides a flexible surface for architects to display their creative ideas.

Learn more about Novawood Novawood is proud to contribute to the sustainability of forests and clean nature, which protects the future of our biosphere, ensures fresh air to breathe, meets the needs of the global wood economy, diverse forests and a healthy green environment.

The manufacturing of Novawood products is completely natural and chemical free which takes place after review, evaluation and approval by global administrations, with world-class facilities equipped with the latest technology and machinery in accordance with established international standards.

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IMAGES Top, Nova-Ayous Zm Yasa Architectural Photography. Bottom Left, Nova-Tulipwood Jsc “New Zealand” Architect: Cfg Team.

Bottom Right, Nova-Greyed Ash Mortlock Timber “Australia” Photographer: Ben Hosking Architect: Jeremy Anderson.

The products are available nationwide, enquire to nova@novawood.com.au

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IMAGE Rubner-Theca brings together European timber manufacturing and Australian design expertise / Marrickville Library.

The latest and greatest innovations in sustainable building materials WORDS STEPHANIE STEFANOVIC

With each passing year, there are new innovations in sustainable architecture and design, using cutting-edge technologies and materials. What was once considered specialised and niche is quickly becoming an industry standard, bringing with it a plethora of new products to consider when specifying a build. Selecting products for a sustainable design can be intimidating – especially when you’re being bombarded with jargon and technical specifications.

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ACOUSTICS

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When thinking about sustainable design, acoustics probably don’t come to mind, but depending on the build type, dampening noise pollution may be an important part of the brief. Taking this into consideration, Knauf has developed Stratopanel, an acoustic ceiling lining with built-in air purifying CLEANEO Technology. According to Knauf, used in the company’s perforated acoustic plasterboard range, the technology reduces both smells and airborne pollutants such as VOCs, improving overall air quality.

CLEANEO is derived from zeolite, which is a natural volcanic rock. When plasterboard containing zeolite is perforated, it purifies air as it filters through the perforations, and continues to improve air quality long after installation.

In terms of acoustic performance, Stratopanel ceiling systems have been tested to achieve a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) value of 0.9.

The benefits of this air purifying acoustic system can be seen at Nazareth Catholic College (NCC) in Adelaide. Designed by Russell & Yelland, NCC is an independent coeducational school that caters to both primary and secondary students throughout campuses in Findon, Flinders Park, and the new senior school at Kidman Park.

The brief was to design a new senior school campus that would look and feel like

a seamless extension of the existing campuses.

Having previously specified Stratopanel, the architects once again chose the acoustic lining for its sustainable design and superior acoustic performance.

“Stratopanel by Knauf has acoustic properties that are essential in a learning environment. With high-level noise absorption treatment, the Stratopanel by Knauf panels were the ideal choice for the Nazareth Catholic College expansion,” says Hariklia Pontikinas, associate architect at Russell & Yelland.

“Not only do they ensure that the open quiet space cancels out external noise, empowering students to focus on their studies, but they also ensure teachers don’t need to strain their voices for students to hear them.”

A total of 2,378sqm of 12/20/66R pattern Stratopanel was installed across 85 percent of the ceilings throughout the project, including foyers, corridors, learning areas and the principal’s office. For added effect, and to complement the campus’s high-end finishes, panels used throughout the project were painted white and dark green.

Still on the topic of acoustics, another good sustainable option is Lanes by Autex Acoustics.

According to Autex, Lanes is an industry-first battened-style acoustic treatment that marries functionality and elegant design. Inspired by the winding laneways of inner-city Melbourne,

Lanes was developed to meet the complex design parameters and acoustic requirements of adaptive reuse projects.

As noted by Autex, old warehouses, factories and heritage-protected buildings have a lot to offer in terms of adaptive reuse, but they weren’t designed to house people. Designers who work with these spaces need a way to effectively control noise, while also accommodating existing electrical and plumbing infrastructure so that it is hidden yet still accessible for inspection and maintenance.

According to Autex, Lanes is a modular, lightweight, and adhesive-free system, which allows it to accommodate the diverse requirements of retrofits and new builds alike.

Through the creation of 3D interior facades, it utilises an air gap to deliver low-frequency sound absorption, blocking up to 85 percent of reverberated noise in spaces it occupies.

In terms of sustainability, Lanes is an entirely carbon neutral product that is designed and manufactured in Australia. It is made from a minimum of 60 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a durable, lightweight, and easily mouldable material that is suited to a range of construction applications. Completely recyclable, the product can be used repeatedly, with many of its original properties easily recovered by mixing in additives or virgin plastic.

BELOW Lanes by Autex is an industry-first battened-style acoustic treatment that marries functionality and elegant design.

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ABOVE Nan Tien Temple reclad by Network Architectural.

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HEAT AND UV PROTECTION Heat and UV protection is a crucial part of any sustainable design, especially in the hot, sunny climate found throughout most of Australia. One way to achieve this is through window coverings, such as Verosol’s SilverScreen roller blind fabrics, which reflect up to 85 percent of solar heat and light, have the lowest emissivity rating and are Global GreenTag certified.

According to Verosol, unlike other alternatives on the market, SilverScreen fabrics provide an openness factor as low as 2 percent. This means customers can enjoy the benefits of heat, light and UV protection without having to compromise on views. Other benefits include the ability to reduce energy consumption by approximately 20 percent

in an air-conditioned building or 10 percent in a non-air-conditioned building.

This product has been used by Smart Design Studio, an architecture firm that designs everything from private homes to larger residential projects and public work – much of which incorporates environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles.

“Concern for the environment informs everything we do at Smart Design Studio.

It’s a top priority for all aspects of our operations, from design and material choice to how we handle our own office waste,” says Maggie Lum, a team leader and associate at SDS. “We’ve installed blinds from Verosol’s SilverScreen Performance range throughout [the office]. It’s a comfortable naturally lit environment, in which all the blinds

and windows are controlled by a building management system, which in turn, operates according to weather forecasting.

“Used in conjunction with passive design, hydronic underfloor cooling and fans, these blinds mean the studio is able to function comfortably throughout hot Sydney summers without air conditioning.”

SilverScreen performance fabrics have also been featured in some of Australia’s leading sustainable design projects. For example, 202 SilverScreen Performance semi-transparent metallised fabric was used in Sydney’s Green Square Library – a 3,000sqm glass-covered public facility.

205 SilverScreen Performance was also used in Sydney’s Barangaroo Tower 3, a 39-level glass facade building in the heart of Sydney Harbour.

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Flooring is another important component to consider when designing a sustainable build.

Timber tends to be a popular choice, but for residential applications in particular, some clients may opt for carpet. In this case, one option to investigate is Interface’s Embodied Beauty Collection, which features a range of carpet tile designs, including the company’s first carbon negative carpet tile.

According to Interface, after achieving carbon neutrality across the full life cycle of its carpet tile and resilient flooring products, the company decided to take things further by creating a carpet tile that is carbon negative when measured from cradle to gate (from raw materials through to manufacturing). The carbon negative materials in the CQuest BioX backing, in combination with specialty yarns and tufting processes, are what results in a carbon negative carpet tile, which according to the company, is the first of its kind.

For its latest CQuest carpet backings, Interface has also added new bio-based materials, including a bio-composite that stores carbon in materials that would otherwise have been released into the atmosphere. The overall result is a durable carpet tile that brings together sustainability, function, and style.

STONE Moving onto materials, stone is an example of a material that is aesthetically pleasing but can be problematic in terms of sustainability, with the presence of silica threatening the health of those who fabricate and install stone products.

One company who has sought to challenge this is Cosentino, with its Dekton Technical Ultracompact Stone.

According to Cosentino, the company offsets all CO2 emissions over the entire product life cycle, making Dekton the only cradle to grave carbon neutral and low silica surface on the market.

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CARPET TILE

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Flooring is another important component to consider when designing a sustainable build. Timber tends to be a popular choice, but for residential applications in particular, some clients may opt for carpet.

RIGHT Nikon HQ flooring by Interface.

“The Dekton range is of great interest due to the low silica, the pathways for recyclability in Europe and the new life cycle available with recyclers in Australia to help create products such as road bitumen,” says Karie Soehardi, director at Circular Design Thinking and a Cosentino customer.

“I liked that the fabricator who created the tabletops documented the importance of OHS, as well as there only being 2 percent wastage from creating the tops. This was then able to be recycled through contacts the fabricator had.”

Other key features include the ability to resist scratches and impact, while also being low porosity and extremely resistant to water and stains. And according to Cosentino, the stone product is versatile and suited to applications both indoors and outdoors, even in the most demanding applications such as facades or floors in commercial spaces that are subject to high activity.

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TIMBER

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One of the most popular materials in sustainable design, timber boasts several benefits including durability, natural insulation properties, wellbeing properties, cost-effectiveness and much more. To top things off, it’s an attractive material that can be highly versatile for use in a wide range of design applications.

There are many options to choose from, but one option to note is the range from EGGER. For example, EGGER’s Eurodekor panels are a decorative board with a negative carbon footprint at -13.8kg CO2/sqm. The panels also have 65 percent recycled content, which can lower carbon emissions and reduce carbon intensity (a measure of pollutants per unit of activity) by 39-60 percent, depending on the product and application.

The company also produces GreenTec Flooring, which according to supplier ForestOne, is the only laminate flooring that has no PVC, VOCs, or plasticisers, enabling a low carbon footprint. As an added benefit, the flooring is made from 69 percent renewable content with 55 percent post-industrial recycled content.

A good example of these products in use is in the Hettich Showroom in Melbourne, which specifies the EGGER Eurodekor panels in Tobacco Pacific Walnut and the GreenTec Flooring in Chromix Silver. According to Tanvi Patel, carbon & ESD consultant from The Footprint Company, by specifying Eurodekor, the showroom was able to minimise the carbon emissions associated with the joinery/cabinetry to 17kg CO2e/sqm. This is compared to 27kg CO2e/sqm for MDF for timber veneer and 37.8kg CO2e/sqm for virgin hardwood with varnish.

The showroom also specified a direct stick of the GreenTec Laminate Flooring, which has carbon emissions of 53kg CO2e/sqm.

This is nearly half the volume of carbon emitted by ceramic tiles (101kg CO2e/sqm), for example.

Beyond specific products, there are also companies like Rubner-Theca, which have an innovative partnership bringing together

European timber manufacturing and Australian design expertise – creating an all-encompassing timber system to be used for structures, substituting concrete or steel wherever it is feasible to do so. This has been made possible with the advent of Glulam (glue laminated timber) and CLT (cross laminated timber), engineered wood products that have become

across their aluminium supply from Capral, which DECO believes will help save up to 4,400 tonnes of carbon annually. The company is using this responsibly sourced lower-carbon aluminium across its range of architectural building products, which spans from cladding and battens to decking systems and more.

Specifically looking at cladding, it’s also worth

increasingly popular due to their sustainability, strength, and durability, including in multistorey buildings.

According to the companies, their timber elements, such as columns, beams, walls, and slabs come factory assembled with all connectors, requiring close to zero handling on site, allowing structures to be built quickly and easily. By doing things this way, it reduces installation time, equipment, and staff, making the erection of buildings cheaper, safer, and easier to manage.

noting that Mitsubishi produces a line called ALPOLIC (supplied by Network Architectural), which is fire-safe, compliant, aluminium composite cladding. It is composed of a noncombustible mineral core containing zero polyethylene, and has been successfully tested to Euroclass A1 13501-1, the most stringent component fire test in the world. To Mitsubishi’s knowledge, it is the only aluminium composite panel in the world that meets this standard.

One of the key benefits is its high durability, including a Lumiflon FEVE paint coating that is highly resistant to weathering, UV radiation, corrosion and colour fading. The panels also have strong rigidity, impact, and hail resistance, making them suited to a wide range of building applications. Importantly, the panels require less energy to produce than solid aluminium and save more energy through their insulating properties.

According to Mitsubishi, aluminium requires a substantial amount of energy to produce, but because ALPOLIC is more rigid than solid aluminium, it can serve the same function while requiring 300% less aluminium. The result is that it saves more than half the electricity needed to produce a solid aluminium panel of equivalent rigidity.

Post-installation, the sustainability benefits continue, as the panels’ thermal insulation properties help reduce the building’s energy consumption. This is because when the product is used for external or internal cladding, the air space between ALPOLIC and the backing wall forms a thermal insulation layer and increases the wall system’s energy conservation performance. In fact, compared to solid aluminium, it has more than 500 percent lower heat transfer, resulting in far less energy consumption.

ALUMINIUM When it comes to sustainable building materials, aluminium is a classic choice. Not only is it highly durable, but aluminium is 100 percent recyclable and can be reused again and again without degrading its inherent value. And according to The Aluminium Association, almost 75 percent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today.

Of course, the one clear issue is that aluminium is not a natural substance, which means it can be carbon-intensive to produce.

There are aluminium manufacturers and suppliers who are seeking to address this.

For example, in June 2023, DECO Australia partnered with Capral Aluminium to supply lower carbon aluminium building products to the Australian market.

Capral Aluminium produces LocAl Green, a lower-carbon aluminium product that is sourced exclusively from Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certified smelters. According to the company, it has 50 percent less carbon emissions than the global average for primary aluminium, at less than 8kg CO2e/kg Al. DECO Australia was the first building product manager to make the switch to LocAl Green

Weather Defence®

Any weather as long as it’s purple No matter the weather, Siniat’s got you covered with Weather Defence® Rigid Air Barrier Board. Weather Defence is used behind facade cladding systems to create a pressure equalised cavity. It is a gypsum-based board that is easy and safe to install.

Weather Defence is the quickest way to create weathertight buildings, allowing internal trades to start sooner. siniat.com.au

Stop the weather, not your progress.

RIGHT The Renzo Piano-designed One Sydney Harbour project is currently under construction in the Barangaroo precinct / Siniat Australia.

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PLASTERBOARD AND METAL Finally, if you’re searching for a sustainable supplier for plasterboard or metal products, it’s worth looking into Siniat Australia’s Opt2Act Carbon Neutral Program. Essentially, this means that for a large range of Siniat’s plasterboard and metal products, customers can opt-in for products that are certified by Climate Active as Carbon Neutral. This is especially useful if you need to reduce your building’s upfront carbon emissions to meet the requirements of the Positive category of Green Star ratings tools.

One good example of these products in use is in the Renzo Piano-designed One Sydney Harbour project, which is currently under construction in the Barangaroo precinct.

Upon its expected completion in 2024, the skyscraper complex will consist of three towers of 250m (72 floors), 235m (68 floors) and 107m (30 floors) tall, including a total of 849 apartments.

The developer, Lendlease, has chosen to use Siniat products to help meet its sustainability goals across all three towers. The project is currently on track to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating and will meet the requirements of the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX).

SUPPLIERS Autex architectureanddesign.com.au/ suppliers/autex Cosentino architectureanddesign.com. au/suppliers/cosentino Deco architectureanddesign. com.au/suppliers/deco-australia ForestOne (EGGER) architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/forestone Interface architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/ interface Knauf architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/ knauf-1 Network Architectural (Mitsubishi) architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/networkarchitectural Rubner-Theca architectureanddesign.com. au/suppliers/rubner-theca Siniat architectureanddesign. com.au/suppliers/siniat Verosol architectureanddesign.

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Product Declarations (EPDs), ecolabels and sustainable certification schemes assist architects and designers in evaluating and selecting environmentally preferable products.

Note also that the durability and maintenance requirements of materials will also be considered towards their embodied carbon.

Available from Network Architectural, Mitsubishi ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 (DtS NonCombustible) is a fire-safe, compliant, aluminium composite cladding. This product receives the tick of approval on sustainability, which is evident in Mitsubishi’s successful registration of its EPD, which has been produced by Good Environmental Choice Australia.

ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is a maintenance-free panel that comes standard with a 20-year full replacement warranty. In the case of other cladding products, the warranty is often directly connected to maintenance. It is this requirement for regular maintenance that can impact the embodied carbon of the building.

With ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, embodied carbon from a lifecycle and maintenance point of view is kept to an absolute minimum.

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maintenance and the eventual disposal of used materials. While operation carbon can be reduced throughout the building’s lifespan, embodied carbon cannot be altered once construction is complete. Carbon emissions released before built assets are used currently make up 11% of the global sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, but by 2050, they will account for half of all new construction’s carbon footprint.

Architects and designers must consider several factors when designing facades in order to reduce their embodied carbon. Firstly, the type of facade system will contribute to the structure’s overall sustainability. Second, durable and sustainable building materials should be identified and preferred. Finally, a well-designed facade incorporates sustainable materials efficiently with minimal waste.

Cladding materials are frequently chosen after being assessed for performance, aesthetic appeal, and cost. With “sustainable” facades, these criteria are widened to include both health and environmental impacts.

Life cycle assessments and Environmental

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A building’s facade sets the bar for its longterm sustainability, making it one of the most important design elements. In support of the built environment sector’s goal to reach net zero emissions, future facades will need to not only deliver iconic aesthetics and weather protection but also reduce the carbon footprint of the structure throughout its entire life cycle.

The facade can account for up to 30% of the building’s embodied carbon footprint based on a 2021 study by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. For this reason, reducing embodied carbon through informed design practices and material selection should be a priority for architects and facade designers.

In Facades for the Future: Sustainable Design Considerations and Material Selection, we take a close look at the role of facade design in sustainable development and approaches to evaluating and selecting sustainable cladding materials.

Embodied carbon emissions result from the extraction of raw materials, their manufacturing and refinement, transportation, installation,

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Facades for the future

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Harmonised distinctively with nature.

Intricate geometric roofing made from COLORBOND® steel envelopes Tasmania's nature-inspired Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Architects Cumulus Studio explain that the use of COLORBOND® steel allowed them the opportunity to create distinctive yet intricate roof forms, while providing the durability to withstand the location's harsh winter conditions.

Inspired by the surrounding dolerite rock, the colour choice of Basalt® elegantly harmonises the building's form with its alpine surroundings.

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

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COLORBOND®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2022 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058.

All rights reserved.

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OPPOSITE Fleetwood Australia has a long- standing commitment to progressing modular construction as a genuine alternative.

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The environmental benefits of pre-fabrication & modular construction

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WORDS MATTHEW MCDONALD

Pre-fabrication and modular construction are often highlighted as part of the solution to the housing crisis. While this is true, they also deliver benefits in terms of sustainability.

Australia is experiencing a housing crisis.

Beyond the issue of affordability, we have come to a point where we simply do not have enough homes to accommodate our ever-increasing population.

“To solve this shortage, we need to build houses faster – in the order of 200,000 per year – and more efficiently, just to keep up with demand from the population that is surging at historically high levels,” says Paolo Lavisci,

Manager of the Resilient Timber Homes Program at Woodsolutions, an independent provider of timber industry-related information.

“Considering how soaring construction costs, material shortages and a lack of skilled workers affect the building industry, the housing supply pipeline has decreased to alarming levels, with the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation predicting that the deficit may be in the

range of 100,000 units between 2023 and 2027.”

One way to address this challenge, according to Lavisci, is to increase the use of prefabrication and modular construction methods.

“Traditional onsite building methods take much longer to build, costs tend to blow out, and delays are quite common, which hurts both sides of the supply and demand chain, as we have recently experienced,” he says.

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SUSTAINABILITY

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Beyond cutting costs, this increased efficiency also means pre-fabrication and modular construction options tend to be more sustainable.

“In comparison to tradition building methods, prefabricated and modular construction provides an efficient design and build option, while still delivering the same high quality, architecturally designed outcomes. This is achieved through standardisation of materials, controlled construction environments, and cuttingedge technology,” says Christine McCorkell, Communications & Design Manager, Arkular.

“Prefabrication and modular construction methods also minimise waste production due to controlled environments and streamlining of resources, with off-site construction assisting in reducing noise and air pollution.”

According to McCorkell, the company is dedicated to designing sustainable and innovative modular spaces customized to individual properties and environments.

“We established Arkular to provide us the opportunity of partnering with selected high-quality modular manufacturers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT and South Australia,” she says.

These partnerships are intended to broaden the reach for the supplier’s volumetric modular approach and ensures it can design, manufacture, and deliver sustainable buildings with certainty throughout most parts of Australia.

“Our philosophy centres on designing projects where sustainability, efficiency, and innovative thinking merge to create smarter designs that are mindfully made for the Australian climate and landscape,” says McCorkell.

220.10 076.23

220.10 076.23

Cleaner, Greener.

Lower-carbon aluminium for your projects.

Choosing lower-carbon aluminium in your next project can reduce the embodied energy of your aluminium products by up to 75%*. LocAl® Green (8kg CO2e/1kg AL) and LocAl® SuperGreen (4kg CO2e/1kg AL) are the responsible choice for a locally extruded, lower-carbon option in your next project.

LocAL® Green now available as standard for locally manufactured Capral window and doors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

lowcarbonaluminium.com.au

* When compared with global average CO2e for primary aluminium production, Scope 1 and Scope 2 ex smelter.

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Beyond cutting costs, this increased efficiency also means pre-fabrication and modular construction options tend to be more sustainable.

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THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Though the environmental benefits of prefabrication and modular construction vary depending upon several factors including the nature of the individual project, materials used, methods and so forth, the potential is significant.

Pointing to what is possible, the Legacy Living Lab (L3), a modular circular economy building at Curtin University has been designed to cut carbon emissions by 88 per cent.

A partner with the university on the L3 project, Fleetwood Australia has a longstanding commitment to progressing modular construction as a genuine alternative. It has delivered tailored building solutions across several sectors, including community and social housing, retirement living, education, mining and resources, sport and recreation, defence, and government.

According to Bruce Nicholson, Fleetwood Australia Managing Director and CEO, the best way to understand the sustainability of the company’s solutions is to consider them at the scale in which they are delivered.

“If we are delivering 100-150 units for social housing or essential worker accommodation, for example, there are leftover materials from each that can be seamlessly moved on to be used on the next one we are building. Traditionally we recycle or reuse 90% of our materials,” he says.

“Unfortunately, that is something that is not as feasible with traditional construction.

“The other point worth noting is that our buildings can be reconfigured, relocated, and

reused as the needs of our community change.

Modular is a genuine product of a circular and sustainable economy.”

MANUFACTURING STANDARDS Of course, as is the case for building materials and systems of all types, evaluating the sustainability of prefabricated or modular buildings must extend to factors like embodied carbon, manufacturing processes and byproducts, and product stewardship.

Ausco Modular, a supplier of portable and modular buildings for various applications, including education, sports and recreation, mining, and government, ranks such considerations amongst its top priorities.

Constructed using premium materials, Ausco buildings adhere to stringent industry standards. Customisable and therefore able to meet the specific requirements of everything from single classrooms to multi-storey office buildings, these products are manufactured according to rigorous quality standards.

Beyond their energy-efficient designs, they are reusable and can be assigned to different applications within their lifecycles without compromising on quality or performance.

In addition, in projects involving remote or challenging locations, modular buildings represent an environmentally friendly option simply because transporting a complete structure is preferrable to the transportation of construction materials to the site over an extended period.

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IMAGE According to Fleetwood, modular is a genuine product of a circular and sustainable economy.

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Caroma has developed a suite of prefabricated in-wall framing systems called Caroma Modular Frame Installation Solution (Camfis), which allow plumbers to run their own prefabricated production lines.

A series of prefabricated in-wall frames that support Caroma bathroom fixtures behind the wall, the systems enable the reliable installation of products (including basins, tapware, showers, and toilet suites) in high-volume commercial projects.

Considering the many variables that plumbers face during most projects, another benefit of the frames is that they offer flexibility in their set-up to account for unplanned but necessary adjustments on site. They are recommended for projects in which high volumes of bathrooms with similar layouts are specified, such as those involving hospital or aged care facilities.

The frames are made up of galvanised steel supports and brackets, which allow for water pipe fittings to be pre-mounted and roughed in by plumbers offsite. Then, when attached to the on-site wall frames, they are immediately ready to be sealed, with front-of-wall components attached and commissioned following a quick connection to the hot and cold supply lines and waste drainage.

This avoids time-consuming and, in some cases, difficult rough-in works on-site, which can often be marred by difficulties in scheduling with other trades and quality assurance.

PRACTICAL

Moddex specialises in pre-engineered, modular balustrades, handrails, and various other access systems designed for efficient installation.

The company’s range, which includes Assistrail Disability Handrails, Conectabal Commercial Balustrades, Bikesafe Bikeway Barriers, Bridgerail Bridge Barriers, and Tuffrail Industrial Handrails are manufactured offsite to ensure precision, reduce waste, and enable rapid, hassle-free installation.

The Moddex mode of operation minimizes waste by removing the need for cutting and welding on site. On top of that, the manufacturer works to make use of every piece of material in its warehouse. Anything that can’t be used gets recycled.

For example, if it is no longer needed on one site the Ezibilt ramp system – a pre-engineered, offsite manufactured solution suitable for schools, commercial buildings, public spaces, and more – can easily be transported for use in another project.

Moddex designs and manufacture all material inhouse. This has the advantage of streamlining production process, reducing waste, and improving lead times; and leads to increased efficiency and overall cost savings.

Everything is designed to specification, minimizing cut-offs and excess materials.

Moreover, off-site manufacturing leads to a more controlled, streamlined construction process, reducing environmental footprints.

A MODULAR APPROACH TO BATHROOM FIXTURE INSTALLATION

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AFS Rediwall, a permanent formwork system intended as an alternative to traditional masonry and blockwork methods is another modular product making an impact. Made of prefabricated, panels and interconnecting components that snap or slide into place, it is suitable for both below and above ground wall applications.

Because it is a permanent system, there is no need to remove and dismantle the formwork, post construction. Instead, fluid concrete is simply poured directly into the formwork system, a permanent structure is complete, and time is saved.

The lightweight, easy-to-use design of permanent formwork systems of this type allows for speedy installation and construction, as well as reduced transport, labour, and equipment costs. In combination, these savings assist in reducing overall project costs.

On top of that, because permanent formwork systems like AFS Rediwall are typically prefabricated off-site and delivered ready for installation, the need for specialised trades is reduced. Depending on the system, specific project-based ‘shop drawings’ can be produced to aid with installation in conjunction with the system’s installation manual, while some systems are simple enough to allow their installation with the aid of the relevant installation manual and without the need of specific shop drawings.

In terms of sustainability, permanent formwork systems also involve significant waste reduction. Compared to traditional formwork, the self-contained prefabricated panelised modules require fewer on-site modifications and produce fewer off-cuts.

PRE-ENGINEERED, MODULAR BALUSTRADES, HANDRAILS, AND ACCESS SOLUTIONS

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ENGINEERED TIMBER PRODUCTS Over recent years, we have also seen increased use of engineered timber products, such as glue laminated timber (also known as Glulam or GLT) and cross laminated timber (CLT).

As pioneered in Australia by XLam, the attraction of these products includes aesthetic benefits as well as the fact that they are much lighter than alternatives and therefore very easy to work with.

Then of course, as a natural resource, timber is a more sustainable option than the more familiar materials it replaces. Sourced from sustainable forestry operations, engineered timber products like GLT and CLT are surely set to increase in popularity in coming years.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services North Coast Regional Headquarters and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station

project, which involved the construction of three new purpose-built buildings and alterations to an existing Art Deco Fire Station, is an example of what is possible when it comes to engineered timber products and sustainability.

The project makes extensive use of XLam CLT and Hyne GLT, along with the innovative XLam CLT ‘band beam’ system. The XLam CLT and Hyne GLT used was made from 500m³ of locally grown renewable plantation pine (PEFC/Responsible Wood certified). According to XLam, this choice translated to 1,742 tonnes less carbon being used than if it were built with conventional building materials.

Beyond this, the fact that XLam CLT and Hyne GLT enable prefabrication/DfMA means their use reduces waste, enables rapid construction, and helps improve efficiency and safety.

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Fleetwood Australia fleetwood.com.au Arkular arkular.com Caroma architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/

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moddex Ausco Modular ausco.com.au Woodsolutions architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/wood-solutions

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SUPPLIERS XLam architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/xlam Moddex architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/

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caroma AFS architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/afs

PROMOTION

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Prism Planks is GreenTag® GreenRate Level A certified for Green Star Projects and also contributes to points in the WELL Building Standard and Living Building Challenge.

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Signature Floors is certified carbon neutral

by Climate Active, having made changes to the way they do business to reduce their carbon emissions.

Signature Floors’ local carpet tile recycling initiative here in Australia further reaffirms the company’s ongoing commitment to closing the loop and creating a circular economy.

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imitate the play of light through reflection and refractive action.

Three soft flooring ranges—Facet, Refract, and Reflect—make up this collection.

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The colour schemes used for the Prism Planks collection have been carefully chosen to harmonise aesthetically with current Signature lines. Vivid 202 can add a splash of solid colour to carpeted areas, or it can be combined with 88 Planks luxury vinyl planks to clearly define activity zones. Personalise the floor with unique colours from Vivid 202, or select from 10 Shapes by Signature® and create your own design.

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New demands for interior design are being made by an emerging eco-conscious mindset.

Consumers are becoming more aware of the negative effects of single-use products and how they can pollute waterways and end up in ever-growing landfills.

After use, the majority of synthetic-fiber carpets suffer this fate, with alarming volumes of carpet being dumped daily into landfills year after year.

One of Australia’s leading flooring companies, Signature Floors, understands that there is a limit to the world’s resources.

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Sections2 WORDS KATE DONALDSON

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

ABOVE In the final stop on the journey, focus is shifted to the river and site of a former bridge. Previous buildings in this area were used for ‘storage awaiting destruction’, but in direct subversion of this, it is now ‘storage awaiting revival’ through an introduced material waste collection facility.

OPPOSITE From the place of arrival, the raised rotunda

THE PROJECT

is itself a machine, as if it’s been put together by parts from across the site and could be dismantled at any

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Strange encounters: Revealing the accident of the maribyrnong defence site and explosives factory

time, stimulating consciousness for where you are in this cautionary theme park.

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This project is one of ‘unconcealing’, of bringing visible and invisible tensions to the surface by choreographing anxious architectural encounters with contested histories and the ignored ecological catastrophes of big science.

The Maribyrnong Defence Site is a 128-hectare, disused defence facility nestled within the suburbs of West Melbourne. It is a site that bears the visible and invisible scars of weaponisation through its extensive contamination and now two decades long abandonment by the Department of Defence.

Strange Encounters draws upon the notion that learning from these tensions must start at the actual places and spaces of physical confrontation and therefore attempts to create precarious collisions, tense entanglements, and a fused awareness for the environmental consequences of a defensive program right in our backyard. This is achieved through a series of 6 interventions or stops along a journey across a connected network of raised ‘clean ways’ which bring together a leisure seeking public with discrete, localized geotechnical and material research. Each intervention references lost or remnant site conditions while fostering

new, democratised encounters with the existing landscape. Where built acts used to codify exclusion and secrecy, in this thesis they become collective portals and frames through which to encounter this forbidden wonderland.

The field condition should be read as distinct but connected parts that respond directly to the very different zones of the facility through which you are passing. If we can find new ways to approach the interdictory and repellent spaces around us, maybe their fates will change, and we can be shaken awake from apathy towards an affecting strange encounter.

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KATE DONALDSON is a recent graduate of the Master of Architecture program at the University of Melbourne passionate about the potential for architecture and design to navigate sensitive, layered environments and in drawing connections between place, nature, and discipline. Kate’s thesis project, ‘Strange Encounters’, manifests her consideration for the complex, forgotten and ‘in between’ built fabrics of our urban environment while her work throughout her studies has been repeatedly recognized as some of the top work from her cohort. Kate has been exhibited as part of Melbourne Design Week 2022 and is also interested in the intersection between architecture, media and design pedagogy, which she has explored through editorial roles with the AIA Award winning Melbourne School of Design’s Inflection Journal and as a freelance contributor for The Local Project.

OPPOSITE In 2018, a fire tore through some of the oldest laboratories on the site. Today the remains are filled with rubble and debris, but by utilising a tensegrity structural system, a testing facility can be suspended within these precarious walls.

LEFT At the former propellant production section, instead of resurfacing echoes of the demolished buildings’ form, the process itself has been reified and repositioned as a toxic testing and germination workshop.

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Talking Architecture & Design Launched in 2017 as part of the Architecture & Design publishing and news network, Talking Architecture & Design interviews industry leaders, innovators, personalities and a range of industry movers and shakers. With no subject that is off-limits, we talk to those that not only make change happen, but also those that turn that change into industry norms and trends. In this issue we are featuring our Sustainability Podcast Series, proudly partnered by AWS.

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Sustainability: As hosts of the 17th Sustainability Awards, we know a thing or two about the value and importance of sustainability in our urban environment.

EPISODE 182: JAMES COOPER FROM

EPISODE 175: DARREN PALMER FROM

SANCTUM DESIGN ABOUT THE WONDERS OF PASSIVE DESIGN, FAÇADE MATERIALS, SHADING, AND WINDOW GLAZING

THE BLOCK TALKS ABOUT NEW DESIGNS, BATHROOM IDEAS AND WHY DESIGNING WINDOWS PROPERLY IS CRUCIAL FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Based in Clontarf, NSW, James Cooper has been implementing the principles of sustainable design for over 25 years and brings his knowledge of passive solar and climate conscious design to his client base primarily in Sydney, but also in regional VIC, NSW and QLD – providing high end design solutions with a built-in focus on thermal performance maximisation.

Darren Palmer began his career designing beautiful and personalised homes for discerning clients. Today, Darren Palmer has evolved into a prestigious brand that stands for inspirational design, timeless appeal and accessible luxury.

In the exclusive interview, he talks about new designs, bathroom ideas and why designing windows properly is crucial for sustainability.

Virginia Wong See relaunched her practice as architecture@altitude in 2011 to focus on cool climate energy efficient building design and architect-designed kitchens from her new studio in Armidale in the New England Tablelands of NSW, 1000 metres above sea level.

She talks about how her projects are very much client and site driven with a focus on sustainability through design principles and appropriate material choices.

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EPISODE 173: VIRGINIA WONG SEE, CO-FOUNDER OF ARCHITECTURE@ALTITUDE ON SITE-SPECIFIC DESIGN SECTION J AND THE GETTING WINDOW DESIGN RIGHT

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Craig Baudin is a highly credentialed and experienced contemporary architect and a principal at Fender Katsalidis.

Craig has had an active role in the development of some of Australia’s most significant city-shaping projects that revitalise entire neighbourhoods – breathing new life into a forgotten or under-utilised area through new mixed-use precincts.

Hamid Samavi founded OROSI in 2010

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as an architectural company. He soon however found his passion lay in the sustainable development of real estate.

Through an acute realisation that he can control the outcome of a project by managing all aspects of the development process OROSI has become a true vertically integrated development company.

EPISODE 2: Talking with Helen Lochhead, president-elect of the Australian Institute of Architects - 2,691 EPISODE 52: Koichi Takada talks about sustainable design and how COVID-19 has forever changed how we work, live, and design our buildings - 2,666

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EPISODE 158: HAMAD SAMAVI AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

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EPISODE 169: CRAIG BAUDIN FROM FENDER KATSALIDIS EXPLAINS URBAN DESIGN, BIOPHILIA, WELLNESS AND HIS ROLE IN DESIGNING THE ICONIC CENTRAL PLACE SYDNEY PRECINCT

EPISODE 91: Stephen Choi talks about biophilic design and the opportunities it brings to architects - 2,713

TA L K I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E & D E S I G N P O D C A S T

EPISODE 97: My sustainability journey by 2021 Sustainability Awards Lifetime Achievement winner, Tone Wheeler - 2,808

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EPISODE 1: Talking with Robin Mellon, CEO of Australia’s Supply Chain Sustainability School - 6,849

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

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

Visit podcast.architectureanddesign.com.au for the full list of podcast episodes or search for us on your usual podcast platforms.

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

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have realised the best access to natural light possible and they’ve also made the best of every inch per square meterage”.

With window to wall ratio’s expanding to magnify the architecture and style of the home, Palmer says he can’t go past a fine profile stacker door which he has chosen in his own renovation, that also offers a completely flush bottom sill to connect the indoors with the outdoors, without any trip hazards combining this with sashless windows for a cleaner crisp look.

When looking at how sustainability plays into design, Palmer comments on just how accessible sustainable options are these days - from solar energy to water tanks to high-performing windows and doors.

“It’s actually quite simple to tap into the grid as little as possible these days. The solar rebate is really encouraging Australians to create their own energy”.

He says he also defines sustainability as “buy once buy well, make once make well and designing something beautiful that doesn’t need to be torn down in 10 years”.

“Sustainability isn’t just about the decisions made in construction but about the decisions made in design”.

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“It’s one thing to see and be inspired by what other people are doing and a very different thing to deny yourself the opportunity to be able to think creatively around that inspiration and interpret it through your own lens”.

When asked about the sexiest design trends right now Palmer was quick to answer “colourful natural stone” It is art. It is natural in its form and colour palette. You can get some very surprising and very interesting colour palettes in coloured natural stone”.

He says he has been seeing it used to great effect in joinery, coffee tabletops, console tops and furniture.

When Palmer is designing a project, regardless of the scale, he says he always considers two key things: designing around access to light and ensuring the floorplan flows well.

Interestingly, Palmer finds the natural constraints of smaller spaces makes them easier to design as opposed to large spaces which have fewer constraints. The need for transitional living between home and work is seeing more defined, separate spaces and hence a desire to make something more decorative from it. Darren suggests; “I really do think the best most successful spaces

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Renowned interior designer and time-honoured judge on The Block Darren Palmer says he is forever curious about the human psychology underpinning the latest in design trends.

When asked about ‘what is hot, in house design, Darren was quick to respond, “It’s always some sort of reaction to a psychological, political or economic stimulus,” he says. It is more interesting to delve into why people want what they do. He uses the example of COVID-19 which inspired the return of both early 2000s minimalism and cottagecore. Minimalism was an extension of the cleanliness required during the pandemic while cottagecore was about the comfort of nostalgia.

Two very different trends, both coming from a reaction to the sterility required from outside.

Palmer says while he pays attention to trends, he isn’t one to simply follow them.

“I’ve never really loved too much about adhering to trends. I would like to think my work is more classic, definitely Australian…

I think you fall into this really narrow trap if all you do is look at what everybody else is doing and try to do that too”.

His advice to contestants on The Block is to be careful not to copy and paste trends from Pinterest into their projects.

AWSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Darren Palmer on designing beyond trends

LISTEN TO PODCAST EPISODE 175 bit.ly/49c2dAk

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Which is why sustainability is at the heart of Dulux® envirO2™ - the only major paint brand in Australia with Global GreenTag™, EPD®, Declare® Red List Free certifications.

The LYSAGHT SUPABRIDGE® integrated bridging and insulation system provides a new way to achieve building insulation and energy efficiency outcomes to meet NCC 2019 Section J requirements without complication to structural design and roof sheet installation.

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ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

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The new DecoBatten® Circular batten is a game-changer. The innovative 32mm diameter aluminium batten cover comes pre-finished in a range of Super Durable™ DecoWood® timber-look finishes or a range of on-trend powder coat colours.

The cover easily clips onto the 25mm wide base for a seamless finish with no visible fixings.

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AUSTRALIAN MADE 2-IN-1 EZY-DRINK ® LEAD SAFE™ BUBBLER AND BOTTLE FILLER

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Introducing our latest innovation, the Ezy-Drink® 2-in-1 Bubbler and Bottle Filler. Keep the fun flowing at playgrounds, schoolyards, and public spaces with this Australian Made hydration solution. Crafted for lasting durability and hygiene, it's the perfect way to quench your thirst while on the go.

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Futurewood offers a huge range of stocked composite timber decking as well as limitless custom options from 86mm wide to 185mm wide in various thicknesses.

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EGGER GreenTec flooring by ForestOne is a sustainable laminate flooring free of PVC, VOC and plasticisers, with 55% post-industrial recycled content. It’s water resistant up to 72hr, anti-bacterial properties, and Class 33 wear rating make GreenTec a durable flooring that can withstand the stresses of everyday life.

FUTUREWOOD CLEVERDECK SOLID COMPOSITE TIMBER DECKING

PRODUCTS

EGGER GREENTEC FLOORING

BY FORESTONE

PENINSULA HOUSE NUMBERS – CUSTOM HOUSE NUMBERS AND LETTERS Create a striking impression and a timeless aesthetic to your project.

Customise numbers or letters by choosing from our range of heights, fonts and Dulux powder coat finishes, then install using a flush or floating mount.

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A MODERN LOOK WITH A DESIGNER TOUCH

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With the texture reminiscent of softly brushed concrete, the flowing lines of Hardie™️ Brushed Concrete Cladding are ideal for giving exteriors a warmth that’s both clean and uncluttered.

Hardie™️ Brushed Concrete Cladding is part of the Hardie™️ Architectural Collection, a range created in collaboration with the design community that takes versatility to a new level.

SLIMLINE TILE INSERT (STI): AN EXCEPTIONALLY VERSATILE DRAINAGE GRATE Our most popular line of the Lauxes Grates collection, the tile insert range offers a range of depths to suit most applications and tiles. Backed by a Lifetime Rustproof Warranty and available in lengths up to 5.6m (extendable with joiners) these grates are ideal for both indoor/outdoor projects.

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MAXI PANEL

GALINTEL METAL STAIR STRINGERS

Versatile, beautiful and durable, Maxi Panel is the ultimate all-rounder.

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For a pre-finished plywood panel that effortlessly excels in every area, it’s hard to go past Maxi Panel, our most popular product.

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Delivered ready to install, and available in a wide range of timbers and finishes, Maxi Panel will bring your interiors to life.

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PRODUCTS

Indoor or outdoor, the contemporary design of the Australian Made Mono Stringer from Galintel will elevate your next project. Providing a comfortable walking pitch, Mono Stringer can be finished in a variety of coatings including hot-dip galvanising or powder coating.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

DURLUM: BESPOKE METAL CEILINGS FOR EXTRAORDINARY PROJECTS durlum is a leading manufacturer of innovative, versatile metal ceilings and integrated lighting solutions.

From airports, railway stations and retail to office buildings, schools, sporting venues and outdoor structures, durlum ceilings can bring a sleek, modern finish to your project.

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NOVA-TULIPWOOD CLADDING: HARMONISING AESTHETICS AND SUSTAINABILITY Nova-Tulipwood cladding is a superior choice for exterior building applications, combining the natural elegance of tulipwood with the enhanced properties gained through a controlled heat treatment process.

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PEKA PINELLO BOARD

VIVENTE

Open the front pull-out for direct access to chopping boards and baking trays or the two to four levels of storage space. With its special tray holder, Pinello Board stows your boards and trays safely in the unit, without rattling. They are stored upright so you can easily access individual boards and trays.

Vivente’s clever design allows for customizable installation. Suited for small apartments to grand entertaining areas, the anti-reflective glass avoids unwanted reflections impacting the stunning flame effect.

The Revillusion flame removes the central mirror seen in traditional electric fires and increases the visible depth of the firebox.

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TRANSPARENT STAINLESS TENSILE MESH BARRIERS FROM RONSTAN

DISCOVER SCULPTFORM’S CUSTOMISED CLICK-ON BATTENS Click-on Battens are a concealed fix battening system for acoustic walls and ceilings. The system is crafted from profiled timber or aluminium battens and mounting tracks with factory fitted clips and acoustic backing.

Filigree, refined and elegant, the combination of the highest quality Ronstan cables and Carl Stahl® X-TEND® Tensile Mesh coalesce through good design to provide attractive and compliant barriers of unique transparency and strength.

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UNICOTE LUX

EXTERNAL VENETIAN BLINDS

UniCote® LUX is a premium prepainted steel product designed to suit Australian high-end architecture.

Combining the world’s best coil coating technology with rigorous testing to Australian Standards, it ensures not only superior performance in the harsh Australian environment but also a stunning patterned and textured finish. Maximise your architectural creativity and go beyond simple building materials.

Discover external venetian blinds

by Warema, exclusively distributed

by Shade Factor in Australia.

Meticulously crafted, these blinds epitomise architectural refinement and precision engineering.

Experience optimal light and thermal control, seamlessly integrated into your design.

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ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

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Precast concrete offers a durable, long-lasting solution for street and public furniture. Designers can choose from a range of preset designs, or work with SVC to bring their bespoke product ideas to life. Several options are available for customisation of product form, colour, surface texture or aggregate selection.

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NEXTIMBER® BY TIMBERLINK. AUSTRALIAN MADE GLUE LAMINATED TIMBER (GLT)

WOODSOLUTIONS PROJECT PORTAL - THE WORLD’S REFERENCE FOR TIMBER BUILDINGS

Timberlink’s NeXTimber facility will be Australia’s only combined radiata pine CLT and GLT facility, increasing Australia’s sovereign capability to manufacture Cross Laminated and Glue Laminated Timber products while reducing reliance on imports.

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Oakwood Collection is a tribute to the colours, the textures and forms found in nature and how we bring the outdoors into our spaces.

A premium engineered timber, Oakwood is designed with quality craftmanship in a beautiful and sustainable way.

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CONCRETE FURNITURE FOR COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY SPACES

PRODUCTS

OAKWOOD: A THOUGHTFULLY CURATED SELECTION OF ENGINEERED TIMBER OAKS

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Explore timber buildings worldwide, from residential to healthcare, using the WoodSolutions Project Portal.

Easily filter projects and discover the benefits of timber, from sustainability to cost savings. Users can even submit their own projects.

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CELSIUS PLUS ALL-IN-ONE PULL-OUT

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Utilising a highly corrosive resistant marine grade alloy, MondoClad® is ideal for installation in the harsh Australian environment. The superior PVDF architectural paint finish of this aluminium cladding system ensures UV stability, colour retention and a product that will stand the test of time.

CAROMA URBANE II BIDET SUITES

COMBINATION STEAM OVEN, 60CM, 23 FUNCTION

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.

With a subtle black glass finish, this Minimal style oven blends seamlessly, enhancing your kitchen design. With 23 functions including steam-only cooking, convectiononly, or a combination of both, this oven lets you enjoy the benefits of flavourful and healthy restaurant quality meals at home.

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PRODUCTS

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The Celsius Plus All-In-One Pull-Out is a beautifully designed system for instant pure-tasting filtered boiling, chilled or sparkling drinking water at the press of a button and unfiltered hot and cold water for washing up, including the artfully incorporated pull-out sprayer for convenience. Available in seven modern finishes to suit any kitchen aesthetic.

MONDOCLAD ®: NONCOMBUSTIBLE PREMIUM SOLID ALUMINIUM PANELS

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

DURADRAIN, EVERHARD’S NEW HEAVY-DUTY COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM

PROMATECT ®-XS: NEXT GENERATION STEEL PROTECTION PROMATECT®-XS is the next generation of innovative, high performing fire protection boards for structural steel protection from Promat Australia. PROMATECT® -XS second generation is highly durable and can be applied in internal semi-exposed external applications.

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.

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EURO JAMB SQUARE-SET

GET THE VERY BEST OUT OF YOUR NEW METAL ROOF, UPGRADE WITH ANTICON™ ROOF INSULATION If you’re building a new home or planning a major renovation with a new metal roof, upgrade your roof with Anticon to enhance your comfort and keep your home in top condition.

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Unlock the power of seamless design with Altro Building Systems' Euro Jamb. This cutting-edge aluminium door jamb allows you to achieve a frameless or "squareset" door frame, creating a clean and minimalist aesthetic where the door seamlessly blends into the wall. Elevate your interior spaces with Euro Jamb, where form meets function for a sleek, modern look.

Polestar 3 — The SUV for the electric age

WLTP: 20.1-23.1 kWh/100 km and CO₂: 0 g/km. Preliminary figures. Subject to final certification. Vehicle equipped with optional Performance pack.

We are carbon neutral in everything we do. Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the future.

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