Infolink | BPN Magazine September/October 2017

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2017 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FINALISTS

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CONTENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

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HE 2017 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FINALISTS HAVE BEEN PICKED (OR ‘ANOINTED’ IF YOU LIKE) AND AS THE SAYING GOES, ‘WHAT A FINE BUNCH THEY ARE.’

Without trying to be deliberately glib, there are some highly interesting and quite innovative entries at our 11th awards. It should make for a very interesting Gala Night on October 26.

Looking back, who knew in 2006 that we would be as successful as we have been with the Sustainability Awards.

However, while the move to a more sustainable focus in the built environment is now ‘par for the course’, there are a few things that are still being overlooked.

To put that into context, consider this statement from Ruth Steiner, associate professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Florida: “Planning for sustainability in the built environment requires us to go beyond our individual disciplines to consider the variety of economic, social, and environmental impacts of our decisions in the long-term.

The sustainability challenge in the built environment disciplines is to become multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary in our teaching and learning.”

It’s that last line that gets my attention, especially the words: ‘multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary.’

Robin Mellon, CEO of the Supply Chain School recently wrote: “Everyone involved in the building lifespan, even a small building tenancy, has a supply chain, from the landlord to the utilities to the people who carry out fit-out or minor works, to the suppliers of operational materials and services – if every single link in those supply chains were to be more sustainable, you’d have much, much more efficient, productive and buildings.

And that just makes better business, environmental and societal sense.”

INDUSTRY latest news on building 06 The product innovations and the profession with Elizabeth 09 Interview Watson Brown

DETAIL

In other words, ‘sustainability is not an island’.

roof transforms 12 Butterfly-shaped new Peters Ice Cream head office

Going through the 53 finalists, one thing was obvious: that a massive amount of work, thinking, innovating and designing goes into making even the simplest residential space more sustainable.

office for a builder that comes 18 An with more than just bricks 12

As for these awards, we don’t have to wait long until the winners of all the categories are announced.

Pencil in October 26 at Doltone House in Sydney, and I hope to see you there.

BRANKO MILETIC

EDITOR BRANKO MILETIC EDITOR@ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU

DESIGNERS JULIA GEE TRACEY HEIN

DEPUTY EDITOR KIRSTY SIER

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER ADRIAN WILSON PHONE: +61 (0)2 9018 2037 MOBILE: +61 (0)417 779 215 ADRIAN.WILSON@ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU

18 SPECIFY the benefits of 22 Illuminating optimised office lighting

39 Managing the office water supply 42 Fit for work takes 48 Baugruppen root in Australia Sustainability 50 2017 Awards preview

64 Product showcases

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER STUART GEACH PHONE: +61 (0)2 9018 2035 STUART.GEACH@ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU FOR SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE: 02 9018 2040 ISSN 1039-9704

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN LEVEL 1, 50 MARSHALL STREET, SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 PHONE: +61 (0)2 9368 0150 WWW.ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU © Copyright Architecture & Design 2016. All rights reserved. No part of the publication can be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Utmost care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial matter. Product specifications and claims are those of the manufacturers.

Opinions and viewpoints expressed by interviewees, writers and columnists in Infolink BPN do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher of the magazine.

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26 26 Breathe easy 30 Greening the workplace to work: leisure 35 Play in office design

Insofar as the future is concerned, the accepted definition of sustainability will start to change, which means we will have to look at how we will be judging and presenting the next awards.

A more holistic approach will be one obvious difference.

This also ties in with not only what some of this years’ judges have said but also what others in the industry have been writing about.

CONTENT PRODUCERS GERALDINE CHUA JASMINE O’DONOGHUE NICHOLAS RIDER BEN LAWRENCE PRUE MILLER

ON THE COVER: WHEN IT COMES TO SUSTAINABILITY, THIS YEAR’S FINALISTS ARE SOME OF THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN THE COUNTRY. WHILE WE HAVE YET TO PICK THE WINNERS, OUR 53 FINALISTS HAVE ALREADY HAD TO ENDURE MORE STRINGENT VETTING THAN EVER BEFORE. IMAGE: BVN (ARCHITECT) AND SCOTT BURROWS (PHOTOGRAPHER)

PRINTED BY BLUESTAR PRINT 83 DERBY STREET SILVERWATER, NSW 2128 PHONE: 02 9748 3411

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ADVERTISING FEATURE – CSR BRADFORD INSULATION

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case studies, calculators, design guides, technical downloads, specifications, building science insights and CPD presentations.

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INDUSTRY

“John Holland is looking forward to partnering with Qantas to ensure all our flights are offset and our chosen offset projects are delivering environmental benefits, as well as social and cultural change around the country,” he says.

NEW ZOO FOR WESTERN SYDNEY Western Sydney will soon be home to a $36-million zoo after receiving approval from the Planning Assessment Commission.

Designed by Aspect Studios and Misho and Associates, the “cage-free” zoo will occupy a 16.4-hectare site overlooking Bungarribee Park.

“The Sydney Zoo masterplan has been developed to provide spaces for the animals based on best practice in animal welfare, utilising landform and changes in topography to provide separation between animals and people whilst enhancing the experience for visitors,” says Kate Luckraft, director at Aspect Studios.

The zoo will feature over 30 exhibits showcasing animals from various regions around the world, as well as local native wildlife. Boardwalks will elevate over African grasslands home to animals such as lions, cheetahs and elephants.

STOCKLAND RECEIVES HIGH SUSTAINABILITY RATING FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT Stockland’s $125-million Waterlea mediumdensity housing project, also known as Stamford Park in Rowville, Victoria has recieved a 6-Star Green Star communities rating from Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

The development scored full credits for ‘Governance’ and rated highly across the rating areas of ‘Liveability’, ‘Economic Prosperity’, ‘Environment’ and ‘Innovation’.

JOHN HOLLAND IS THE FIRST COMPANY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO JOIN THE QANTAS FUTURE PLANET PROGRAM, OFFSETTING CARBON EMISSIONS FROM ALL FLIGHTS TAKEN BY THE BUSINESS.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable design which not only reduces the impact on the environment but also creates greater value for residents, decreasing energy usage and costs in the future,” he says.

All homes in the new Waterlea community will include a range of sustainability features as standard, including electric vehicle recharge points, solar panels and rainwater tanks plumbed for toilet and laundry usage.

“We estimate that the solar panel systems alone will save future residents between $1,000 and $2,000 in energy costs per annum in perpetuity,” says Scafidi.

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HASSELL PROPOSES HIGH-RISE TOWER TO REPLACE HERITAGELISTED WOOL STORE An 1872-built wool store in the Victorian town of Geelong is being eyed off as the potential site for a large-scale Hassell design. If approved, the plan would see the heritage-listed building converted into a high-rise office tower.

The former Denny Lascalles Wool Store in central Geelong was originally built in stages by local architect Jacob Pitman and Ballarat architect Jonathan Coulson.

According to Anthony Scafidi, senior development manager for Stockland, this development comes with its fair share of pride “We have worked closely with Knox City Council and the Green Building Council of Australia to design Waterlea as a model development for affordability and sustainability.”

An underwater glass viewing facility will be built to exhibit hippos, crocodiles and aquatic life.

JOHN HOLLAND LAUNCHES CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM John Holland is the first company in the construction industry to join the Qantas Future Planet program, offsetting carbon emissions from all flights taken by the business.

The Qantas Future Planet program partners with businesses to reduce their environmental impact through carbon offsetting and investment in projects such as the protection of wildlife habitats and rainforest preservation. Over the last ten years the program has offset more than three million tonnes of carbon emissions, or the equivalent of taking just over one million cars off the road.

According to John Holland Group CEO, Joe Barr, the environmental impact of air travel is a challenge facing all national businesses.

Although the structure was partially demolished in 1990, the Victorian heritage listing describes it as “a fine example of a bluestone wool store built both for the storage and marketing of wool. It is notable for its distinctive bluestone façade and its innovative and early use of a slate-covered saw-tooth roof.”

Hassell has released initial designs for their commercial proposal, which seem to leave much of the original building in-tact. On the lower levels, the heritage façade of the wool store is left largely untouched. The proposal reimagines the interiors of these lower levels as a cafe and retail space that would surround the entrance to the block. On top of this would be eight levels of office space, clad in a glass-heavy façade and topped with a rooftop terrace.

The timeline for this project’s approval is at this stage unclear.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE – PALRAM

SPECIFYING PRODUCTS FOR SECURITY APPLICATIONS: GLASS, ACRYLIC OR POLYCARBONATE?

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LASS-LAMINATED PRODUCTS, OFTEN INCORRECTLY REFERRED TO AS ‘BULLETPROOF’, ARE REGULARLY USED FOR SECURITY APPLICATIONS SUCH AS IN BANKS, JAILS AND POLICE STATIONS, AMONG OTHERS. IN PRACTICE, BULLETPROOF SCREENS ARE TECHNICALLY ONLY EVER BULLET-RESISTANT, WITH EXPOSURE TO PROLONGED CIRCUMSTANCES OR HIGHER CALIBRE BULLETS THAN A PRODUCT HAS BEEN RATED FOR EVENTUALLY LEADING TO FAILURE. HOWEVER, GLASS IS NOT THE ONLY MATERIAL USED IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, NOR IS IT NECESSARILY THE BEST CHOICE. DESPITE BEING REFERRED TO INTERCHANGEABLY AS “BULLETPROOF GLASS”, BULLET-RESISTANT SHEETS CAN BE MADE FROM GLASS, ACRYLIC OR POLYCARBONATE. EACH MATERIAL HAS ITS OWN DISTINCT MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND VARYING LEVELS OF RESISTANCE.

UNDERSTANDING LAMINATED GLASS True to its name, laminated glass is not made solely with sheets of glass. Glass can be manufactured with different properties, such as to make it thicker or less brittle, but these manufacturing decisions are often not practical when attempting to achieve the characteristics required for it to be bullet resistant and suitable for security applications.

In practice, glass is laminated with polycarbonate or layered up with acrylic in order to achieve the desired results. However, while common, this solution is still not as effective as alternatives.

Equivalently sized acrylic and polycarbonate sheets weigh less than half that of glass, subsequently requiring less intensive framing systems. When it comes to impact resistance, acrylic can be up to 17 times stronger, while polycarbonate can be up to 250 times stronger.

In most cases, bullet resistant glass cannot be cut once made, limiting alterations on site and the accessibility of customisation. This is unlike

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polycarbonate, which can be cut in most instances while onsite and with ordinary woodworking tools such as a power saw, and acrylic, which can also be cut given adequate precautions.

ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF GLASS, ACRYLIC AND POLYCARBONATE IN SECURITY APPLICATIONS By laminating glass sheets, any chance of spalling – where glass shatters outwards with the projectile, increasing the risk of injury and compromising the panel’s integrity – is meant to be eliminated.

However, the risk of spalling increases if a sheet is specified or installed incorrectly.

Polycarbonate’s unbeatable strength and flexibility allow it to absorb the energy of projectiles, while acrylic is designed to repel any projectiles. The majority of systems will often take advantage of a combination of materials across numerous layers, in order to increase the effective available characteristics.

PALRAM Palram’s range of polycarbonate products include intruder, ballistic and blast-rated products.

Palshield features an acrylic core laminated on both sides with polycarbonate, and has been tested and certified to meet Australian Standard AS2343 G0, G1 and G2 for simulated attack by handguns. Offering the beneficial characteristics of the two materials, along with UV resistance and flexibility in cutting, drilling and machining, Palshield is suitable for a variety of applications from embassies to banks and even windscreens for mining and logging machinery.

Palgard is an alternative product offered by Palram, designed to resist lower-grade threats such as vandalism, graffiti spray and physical attack. Its high abrasion resistance is available on one or both sides, and has a virtually unlimited resistance to impacts. Palgard can be glasslaminated for ballistic application purposes, and is ideal as safety, security and ballistic resistant glazing and anti-vandal glazing.

Download this free whitepaper to find out more about Palram’s product range and the properties of bullet resistant products.

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BUILDINGS THAT BREATHE AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH WATSON BROWN

evidence of culture really. Architecture was the best choice of those ‘A’ interests, as I love ‘doing’ rather than only researching and knowing.

Over the years, you have become a role model for women in the industry. Who were your role models and in what way did they influence you?

As someone that lives and works in Brisbane, what are the most obvious differences between building design in cities such as Sydney or Melbourne and those in Brisbane?

There were very few practicing women architects when I was studying, and certainly none that I had met. I do remember two terrific women landscape architects, Barbara van den Broek and Beth Wilson whose design I hugely respect, and who I witnessed running very successful professional practices, which no doubt helped give me the confidence to do so myself way back then.

Brisbane is a wonderful – and quite probably to some – a mysterious and misunderstood place.

We are very fortunate to be in a burgeoning city in a very good place in its history and future, as there is a developing understanding of the qualities and opportunities here. This is especially true if we understand the climate and landscape and design knowledgeably, responsively and responsibly.

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LIZABETH WATSON BROWN, WHO IS A JUDGE ON THIS YEAR’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS, JOINED ARCHITECTUS AS DESIGN DIRECTOR AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES RUNNING HER OWN FIRM, ELIZABETH WATSON BROWN ARCHITECT. Watson Brown is a well-known participant in architectural and urban design discourse in many roles, including as a member of the Queensland Board for Urban Places and as adjunct professor of architecture at the University of Queensland. She is also a life fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and has been Queensland State Awards Director and National Awards Juror, as well as jury chair of the Gold Coast Urban Design Awards.

Architecture & Design spoke to Watson Brown about her passions, her favourite designs and why she thinks Brisbane is underrated in terms of sustainability and innovation.

When did you first decide to become an architect, and what prompted you to pick the profession?

I have always been interested in design and in ancient history, archaeology, anthropology, art and architecture - the infrastructure and

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For example, the notion of ‘breathing architecture’, passive environmental design and the intense relationship with and integration of living landscape is the culmination of much thought and collective endeavour by our profession over the years, and it is heartening to see it now embedded in policy like the Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ initiative.

I like to think of our city as a biophilic continuum, and I believe that conception inspires the best design responses to our place. Generosity, welcome, openness, permeability to people, light, air and landscape, are the qualities that can, and in the best architecture, do set our place apart. This inspires a unique character in our city.

If you could pick three favourite building designs, what would they be, and why choose them?

I think I have favourite approaches and suites of ideas generated by architects. Peter Zumthor’s projects consistently appeal for their highly charged experiential power delivered with an element of sophistication.

Le Corbusier of course, particularly in the ‘social’ projects like Les Unites d’Habitation.

I very much love David Chipperfield’s Neues Museum in Berlin which I visited last year.

What a wonderful subtle and respectful repurposing of the ‘ruin’ so resonant with meaning. And of course, WOHA’s wonderful work truly founded in sensitive climatic and social understanding of the tropical realm so critical to the earth’s survival.

Where do you think the profession is heading, and what are your thoughts on the direction?

There are good and bad possibly scenarios for the profession and for the associated quality of the build environment. As I’ve said before, the big issue for us is the whole mad process of the enormous and so often wasted amount of time and human capital that goes into the competitive bidding process. This sets up an unhealthy bidding war culture which is capitalised upon to get ‘bargain basement’ fee structures and unsustainable build costs. It affects everyone across the industry, not just architects, and it obviously affects the quality of what we build. It will be a good scenario if this changes, but a bad scenario if it doesn’t.

What is your definition of sustainable design, and where do you think we are ‘getting it right’ when it comes to sustainability in the built environment?

The good design of our cities, where most of us live and where most energy is consumed, is critical to our very survival. I think some individual designs are getting it right, building by building, but we have a very long way to go to get the policy settings right, and to tune the political will, to achieve sustainability at the city-wide scale. Where is our ‘Minister for Cities’? Just how much influence do government architects wield in terms of influencing public policy? It is absolutely critical for us to be building the best and most appropriate affordable housing designed specifically for the different cultural and climatic conditions of our cities, and to be creating the right transport, cultural and green infrastructure. Unfortunately, the good efforts of a few are being dissipated by lack of will and direction at ‘the top’. n

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ADVERTISING FEATURE – CSR HIMMEL

SEEN BUT UNABLE TO BE HEARD: OPTIMISING THE ACOUSTICS OF EDUCATIONAL SPACES

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RCHITECTURE AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT: AN UNDENIABLE CONNECTION

The importance of early childhood development for later success, health and emotional wellbeing is undeniable, and furthermore linked specifically to beneficial environments during growth – including well-designed architecture. The connection between functionality and acoustics also signifies a necessity to engage with suitable methods, products and detailing in order to achieve optimal environments.

The consequence of failing to meet these needs in educational environments can compound everyday stressors and detract from early development among students, among other issues.

A REVIEW OF THE STANDARDS Standards for classroom acoustic design vary from body to body. The Australian Standards recommend 35-45dB, while the Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants recommends a peak of 35dB for standard classrooms and 30dB for those with hearing impaired students.

However, studies of classroom levels have demonstrated noise far exceeding any of the recommended levels, particularly within open-plan classrooms. Furthermore, younger children have been shown to be more susceptible to higher levels of noise.

THE IMPACTS OF NOISE IN THE CLASSROOM Excessive noise in the classroom is associated with numerous short and long-term problems.

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In the short-term, teachers working in classrooms with reverberation times of greater than 0.5 seconds have shown increased levels of stress, whilst increased noise has also been linked to greater stress among students, in addition to harming students’ ability to understand and retain information.

Over time, these same challenges can lead to more pronounced voice problems among teachers than experienced by the general population and even delay the reading age of younger students.

MANAGING NOISE IN THE CLASSROOM Managing noise in the classroom comes down to blocking intrusive noise from entering the space and reducing reverberation levels within.

Blocking intrusive noise requires the use of materials with a high R-value, separating structural elements that would otherwise allow vibrations to carry through the structure, and ensuring all potential gaps are sealed off.

Reducing reverberation improves the intelligibility of speech, and requires the installation of absorptive materials in a room’s interior, such as carpet or acoustic wall or ceiling panels, relying on the surface of the material and not the density or thickness, as is required to block sound.

Maximising the effectiveness of acoustic solutions demands logic applied at a variety of scales. Even the layout of an educational facility can impact individual classrooms, and similarly programmed spaces should ideally be placed together so that they are not

inhibited by adjacent spaces with no acoustic demands – such as canteens or gymnasiums.

Regardless of the final intended acoustic outcome, it is important to keep aesthetics in mind while specifying acoustic products. Colour is a simple way to engage children and enhance learning environments, with colour psychology capable of informing what behaviours or moods are encouraged by certain shades.

CSR HIMMEL CSR Himmel Interior Systems, an amalgamation of Ceilector Ceiling Solutions and Alsupply Aluminium & Hardware, is Australia’s leading brand in acoustic solutions. Himmel products have featured in a number of educational facilities around the world including Darwin in Australia, Portsmouth in the UK, a university in Spain and a primary school in Germany.

Himmel represents a complete interior systems offering, with products suitable for specification or customisation for any interior space. Backed up by the CSR group, customers can be assured of the high quality of Himmel’s products and services.

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BUTTERFLY-SHAPED ROOF TRANSFORMS NEW PETERS ICE CREAM HEAD OFFICE WORDS: NICHOLAS RIDER PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER BENNETTS ARCHITECT: GRAY PUKSAND

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THE NEW HEAD OFFICE FOR PETERS ICE CREAM, LOCATED IN THE MELBOURNE SUBURB OF MULGRAVE, MAKES THE MOST OF THE EXISTING LANDSCAPE. IT WAS ALSO DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE A MINIMUM 4.5-STAR NABERS ENERGY RATING.

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ith the rear elevation featuring a drop of approximately five metres, architects Gray Puksand designed a one-storey building for 180 staff. The most striking feature is a butterfly-shaped roof that floats over the carpark.

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site’s amenities – such as glass-fronted office pods. A series of clerestory windows become a feature thanks to lofty ceiling heights, which range between 2700mm and 4200mm.

“By using the existing topography, we lifted up the building to create a dramatic entry with the tilted butterfly roof and an [undercroft] carpark below the offices,” says Kelly Wellington, an associate at Gray Puksand.

The Peters HQ includes a number of features that link back to the design of the original office and factory. These include the recognisable Peters sign (which is formed into a precast concrete retaining wall) and textured glass panels that present a subtle homage to the honeycombpatterned façade of the original head office.

The butterfly roof – which also acts as a signpost for those driving through the site – contains wide Alucobond eaves that form a bullnose edge. Its three-degree rake houses a centrally-located mechanical plant, which sits below the perimeter line. Above this is the core of the building; the home to all of the

The new building takes additional inspiration from its natural surrounds. On the north side of the Peters offices, for instance, a collection of slender steel columns imitate a line of gum trees.

Perforated, anodised metal screens are suspended between these columns, and are coloured to match the shades of the surrounding trees. ■

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An An industry industry first first VRV VRV AHU AHU designed designed and and engineered by Daikin, creates new opportunities engineered by Daikin, creates new opportunities for for applying applying VRV VRV into into retail, retail, offices, offices, cinemas cinemas and and commercial applications with large open spaces. commercial applications with large open spaces.

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Available in two types, Standard Series or Outdoor Air Series Available in two types, Standard Series or Outdoor Air Series Daikin’s VRV AHU are paired with VRV IV Heat Pump outdoor Daikin’s VRV AHU are paired with VRV IV Heat Pump outdoor units for superior EER & COP performance units for superior EER & COP performance Harnesses all features of VRV IV Heat Pump including Variable Harnesses all features of VRV* IV Heat Pump including Variable Refrigerant Technology (VRT)*, Daikin’s Inverter Technology and Refrigerant Technology (VRT) , Daikin’s Inverter Technology and connection to BM systems connection to BM systems Optional EC Plug Fan for improved energy efficiency and Optional EC Plug Fan for improved energy efficiency and precise airflow control precise airflow control ESP of up to 500Pa enables flexible ductwork design and the ESP of up to 500Pa enables flexible ductwork design and the use of bag filters where appropriate use of bag filters where appropriate Ultimate installation flexibility Ultimate installation flexibility › Single skin or Double skin with either 25mm or 50mm thick › Single skin or Double skin with either 25mm or 50mm thick PU insulated panels and Thermal Break options. It is also PU insulated panels and Thermal Break options. It is also possible to enable outdoor installation of the VRV AHU possible to enable outdoor installation of the VRV AHU › Long pipe runs of up to 165m › Long pipe runs of up to 165m › Custom configurations possible to suit site constraints › Custom configurations possible to suit site constraints

*Applies only to Standard Series models *Applies only to Standard Series models

Visit Visit commercial.daikin.com.au commercial.daikin.com.au or call or call us us on on 1300 1300 368 368 300 300

STANDARD SERIES STANDARD SERIES CAPACITY RANGE CAPACITY RANGE

AIRFLOW RANGE AIRFLOW RANGE

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15.4kW 15.4kW

167 167.6kW .6kW

900L/S 900L/S

7 7,800L/S ,800L/S

OUTDOOR AIR SERIES OUTDOOR AIR SERIES CAPACITY RANGE CAPACITY RANGE

AIRFLOW RANGE AIRFLOW RANGE

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25.7kW 25.7kW 202.6kW 202.6kW

566L/S 566L/S

4,550L/S 4,550L/S

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ADVERTISING FEATURE ??????????? – DAIKIN AUSTRALIA

DAIKIN’S INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOCUS MEANS WE CAN BREATHE EASY

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USTRALIAN STANDARDS AND GREEN CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO DRIVE MASSIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ), ESPECIALLY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. FOR OFFICE BUILDINGS, IAQ CAN HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE BOTTOM LINE, THAT IS PROFITS AND PRODUCTIVITY.ACCORDING TO THE GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (GBCA), WHICH PROVIDES GREEN STAR RATING TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABILITY, GOOD VENTILATION AND PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT CAN BOOST PROFITS FOR DEVELOPERS AND BUILDING OWNERS, AND IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY FOR TENANTS.

GBCA CEO Romilly Madew cited research that shows green buildings command better rents, higher occupancy and reduced operating expenses for developers and landlords. “For tenants, this means significant health improvements leading to better worker productivity and employee retention,” she said. “The importance of IAQ is often underestimated due to the lack of knowledge about adequate ventilation in indoor environments and the related health effects associated with poor airflow.”

Indeed, the CSIRO estimates that poor IAQ is costing Australian business $12 billion in lost productivity per annum. It’s a massive figure that proves there is still a lot of work to do to improve air quality in the Australian workplace, according to Asthma Australia. The prevalence of asthma in Australia is higher than international standards with between 1,000 and 3,000 new cases of the respiratory condition diagnosed annually. It’s a problem that has highlighted the issue of workplace exposures.

A recent study undertaken by Perth’s Curtin University found there are 227 substances commonly found in the Australian workplace that can contribute to the onset of adult asthma.

Jointly commissioned by the National Health and Medical Research Council and SafeWork Australia, the study is the first comprehensive list of Australian occupationally-relevant asthmagens ever recorded. It was compiled to help “focus policy and preventative practices to reduce the burden of occupational asthma” and to assist regulators with standards to improve worker health.

The primary standard used to ensure the right level of ventilation or outside air in every occupied building is AS 1688.2 which has been adopted by the National Construction Code and the Building Code of Australia. It is government regulations and a growing awareness of health issues that is driving the IAQ market and the development of HVAC products, according to a new report by Allied Market Research.

This is certainly evident in new air conditioning products coming to market in early 2017. A prime example of a manufacturer that is serious about air quality is Daikin, one of the few companies in Australia today ratified to feature a Sensitive Choice logo on its range of split systems.

Approved by the National Asthma Council, the logo of a blue butterfly is used to help consumers identify products that can actually reduce asthma and allergy triggers.

Daikin Australia’s national product manager, Raj Singh, said regulations and standards such as AS1668.2 have actually contributed to the development of its new VRV Air Handling Unit. Available either as a Standard or an Outside Air series, the new models have the ability to condition large volumes of outside air. “Conditions like Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are a very real concern with occupants suffering a range of symptoms from headaches to throat irritations, fatigue and nausea,” Singh said. “This is why a wide range of air flow options is so important when creating products for large commercial environments.

“The VRV AHU Standard series can deliver airflows from 900-7,800L/s while the Outside Air series can deliver between 566-4,550L/s and both can provide ESP of up to 500Pa.” Available in nine models for each series, Singh said air handling units are tailor made for optimising air conditions throughout multiple spaces.

An industry first, the VRV AHU is a DX system paired with Daikin’s highly efficient VRV IV Heat Pump outdoor machines, equipped with Variable Refrigerant Technology (VRT) and constructed of either a 25mm or 50mm thick PU insulated panels, single or double skin with a thermal break option. “It can also be customised to your building as the unique modular design can be sized to a customer’s exact requirements; and extended pipe runs of up to 165m provide for even greater design flexibility,” Singh said. “The VRV AHU was created for conditioning large open areas including cinemas, shopping centres, auditoriums and office buildings. “Through the VRT feature, as the building load changes the system adapts by adjusting the supply air temperatures to better comfort levels and more efficient operations. It also has free cooling options and is available with an EC plug fan to provide even greater control over air flow.”

For more information on Daikin products visit. commercial.daikin.com.au

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MAKING LIGHT WORK OF BRICK ARCHITECT: WOODS BAGOT WORDS: KIRSTY SIER PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANNON MCGRATH

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ADCO’s head office challenges the conventions of two commonly used materials: brick and timber.

The design explores how the application of one can lead to a different perspective on the other.

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t only makes sense that a construction company should have a well-constructed workplace. When Woods Bagot was chosen to deliver a new workplace for the Melbourne headquarters of ADCO, it was necessary that the final design was demonstrative of a high level of craftsmanship and quality buildability.

But rather than trying to push boundaries unnecessarily, the architects saw to it that classical and reliable building products had their place at the heart of the design. A brick motif – arranged into a tapering, curved, permeable wall that begins at the entrance and weaves throughout the floorplan – is the defining feature of the new space. To complement this feature installation, a harmonising shade of timber is used repetitively throughout in-built furniture and wall structures.

From this classical base, Woods Bagot proceeds to demonstrate how well-known materials can be re-formed and re-interpreted through creative construction and assembly. The brick motif centrepiece is a prime example of this within the context of the ADCO offices.

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SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE BRICKS Form and massing studies led to the creation of what the architect calls “a unique screening element”.

Offering a new perspective to materiality, the “brick” motif was crafted out of timber formed into a repetitive pattern – an application traditionally reserved for brick.

The resulting feature wall demarcates the space while allowing sightlines to be maintained throughout.

According to Woods Bagot interior designer Brittany Pearce, the ADCO design challenged conventions of two commonly used materials and explored how the application of one can lead to a different perspective on the other.

“We devised a strong, singular expression that binds the space via a visually unique gesture, producing a continuous structure that forms a screen, reception desk and planter box.

While the lattice-form centrepiece effectively acts as a divider between workspaces, it also allows for a clear sightline all the way through the office. As permeable as it is, the distinctive design – which is visible from a number of points throughout the space – acts as a visual anchor, tying together the various other material elements that have been incorporated into the design.

“The ‘brick’ wall meanders through the arrival space, defining a series of open and collaborative workspaces,” says Pearce.

Ultimately, this flexible, open and cohesive design is a direct reference to both the function and philosophy of the company it was made for. By reinterpreting traditional materials via creative assembly, Woods Bagot references ADCO’s self-professed point of difference within the construction industry.

AN OFFICE ANCHOR

This ‘meandering’ brick wall includes a linking element to the central meeting pods, a permeable surface that is illuminated and used to reinforce the curved nature of the feature screen.

Visible from several points throughout the work floor, the screen serves as an anchor for the space, providing a cohesive narrative that reflects the approachable and cohesive culture of the business.

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According to Pearce, timber was chosen as the primary material as it is an “honest material that has correlation to the building and construction [industry]. The Blackbutt has a distinctive, visible character and is something we wanted to capture and celebrate.

“Blackbutt was chosen due to its characteristic features, and it being a [recycled] Australian timber, there is a connection to ADCO’s history as an Australian, family-owned company.”

CONNECTING SPACE AND PEOPLE Woods Bagot associate, Debra Longin, says the final design aims to connect people and foster relationships.

“The arrival experience offers an immediate view into the heart of the business and its people. The framed views expose the dynamics of the team as they work, share and socialise,” she says.

“Deliberately porous in nature, the reception blurs the line between public and private, with social and client spaces flowing into workspaces radiating from the central heart.

It’s [this] fluidity of circulation across the floorplate that brings the team together.”

ADCO Constructions senior design manager, Glen Blamey, says the design supports ADCO’s aspirations to create a workspace that embodies the organisation’s values and commitment to construction innovation.

“At ADCO, we are proud of how our service provides a point of difference, like our fit-out demonstrates,” he says. n

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ADCO FLOOR PLAN 1. Collaboration 2. Open Workspace 3. 6P Meeting Room PROJECT DETAILS: PROJECT ADCO, CONSTRUCTION

4. Quiet Room

LOCATION 75 DORCAS STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

5. 12P Meeting Room

AREA 1500SQM COMPLETION DATE JANUARY 2017 DESIGN

6. Utility

TEAM APRIL WALSH, BRITTANY PEARCE, DEBRA LONGIN

7. Kitchen Breakout

SUPPLIERS & CONTACTORS: METALWORKS METALWORKS.COM.AU, AUSTIMBER, AUSTIMBER.COM.AU, FETHERS FGS.COM.AU, LAMINEX LAMINEX.COM.AU, TRETFORD TRETFORD.COM, ARMSTRONG

8. Reception 9. Waiting Area 10. Boardroom

INDUSTRIES ARMSTRONGINDUSTRIES.COM.AU, MELBOURNE SAFETY

11. 8P Meeting Room

GLASS MSGLASS.COM.AU, WOVEN IMAGE WOVENIMAGE.COM

12. Server Room

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ILLUMINATING THE BENEFITS OF OPTIMISED OFFICE LIGHTING WORDS: BEN LAWRENCE

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ffice design has come a long way since the cubicle farms of the 1950s, where employees were generally treated like cogs in a machine, with little thought given to health and wellbeing.

Thankfully, an increasing amount of thought, research, and money is now being thrown into office spaces that nurture employee wellbeing.

A crucial factor in this paradigm shift has been the recognition of the pivotal role that office lighting plays in health and productivity. With the nine-to-five having become more like eightto-eight, we are spending more and more of our days with limited access to natural daylight. For better or worse, this means that our circadian rhythms are increasingly dependent on office lighting, and particularly in the winter months.

Vision is another major factor that must be considered when designing office lighting. Optimised lighting eases eye-strain and contributes to an employee’s health and motivation – two areas that directly influence productivity.

The choice of office lighting largely comes down to one of two considerations: natural or artificial light. Generally, natural light is accepted as the better choice. However, it is not enough to specify large-span glass windows that flood the interiors with sun.

Glass windows come with their own set of considerations to ensure a positive outcome.

GLASS AND NATURAL LIGHT The ideal office environment incorporates as much natural light as possible, as it benefits occupants’ health, eyesight, mental state, and work ethic. But access to natural light does have some drawbacks. With sunlight

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comes heat and glare, two factors that can seriously undermine the comfort of occupants.

While these negative side-effects need to be offset somehow, typical solutions such as air-conditioning can pose a serious threat to the sustainability of a space. Meanwhile, there’s still the issue of glare to contend with.

“Glass is often the first material on a project to be downgraded to a cheaper product due to budget [constraints],” says Paul Nipperess, sales & marketing manager at Architectural Glass & Cladding.

This creates an unfortunate paradox. To save money, cheaper glass is specified, but air-conditioning is subsequently required to negate heat gain. External blinds or shutters then need to be added to prevent excessive glare. Meanwhile, initial costs have risen, and the space is left to deal with the ongoing budgetary and environmental drawbacks of air-conditioning.

If adequate thought is given at the beginning of a project to specifying glass that allows for maximum natural light without the negative side effects, then costly add-ons and ongoing costs can be avoided.

There are numerous products on the market that negate the need for such supplementary systems. For example, the Okalux range of glass products – distributed by Architectural Glass & Cladding – are well-suited to office spaces as they allow an increase in natural light without increasing heat gain or glare in the workplace.

Similarly, Solar Responsive Thermochromic (SRT) glass from Glassworks features a thermochromic PVB interlayer that harnesses the sun’s rays to alter light transmission

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OPTIMISED LIGHTING EASES EYE-STRAIN AND CONTRIBUTES TO AN EMPLOYEE’S HEALTH AND MOTIVATION – TWO AREAS THAT DIRECTLY INFLUENCE PRODUCTIVITY.

properties. The degree to which the materials react is based on the amount of sunlight hitting external surfaces.

This essentially means that SRT glass can self-tint based on the amount of light it is exposed to, without the need for additional power sources. The result is an optimal amount of natural light penetrating the office space, without the addition of excessive heat or glare.

The benefits of optimised natural light for commercial buildings are extensive. According to BoscoLighting, increases of between 10 and 50 percent have been demonstrated in the realms of productivity, health, and mental wellbeing – not to mention the environmental benefits. Specifying the right type of glass in commercial projects is, therefore, one of the most significant steps one can make towards achieving energy efficiency, optimal lighting, thermal comfort, and occupant wellbeing.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AND BIOADAPTIVE LIGHTING Often, due to budget constraints, design requirements, or even project location, large-span glass windows are not viable.

In these cases, designers and architects must turn to artificial sources of light.

As with glass and natural light, artificial lighting comes with its own set of obstacles. While the saturation of LED lighting in the market bodes well for the environment (LEDs have a longer lifespan and are up to 80 percent more efficient than traditional lighting), the same principles of sustainability and wellbeing still apply. According to Gerard Lighting, human-centric lighting (HCL) is lighting that is designed to create the optimal environment for human health and wellbeing.

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This principle is commonly known as bioadaptive lighting. It refers to light that is biologically linked to humans.

Bioadaptive lighting relies on systems that allow the colour temperature of light to be altered throughout the day and optimised for our circadian rhythms.

POWER OVER ETHERNET LIGHTING

While this technology is relatively new, there has been much research done on its effects.

Findings from companies such as Zumtobel have been very much in favour of bioadaptive lighting’s benefits. In a comparative study of two identical office spaces, it was found that the office space with bioadaptive lighting had significant benefits for the health and wellbeing of occupants. Studies show that occupants whose offices incorporated bioadaptive lighting were 15.2 percent better at coping with stress than those in “commonly-lit” office spaces.

One of the benefits of PoE lighting is that it is easy to install. When combined with the principles of bioadaptive lighting and LED lighting technology, the result is an automated lighting system that is specifically designed to cater to the occupant’s psychophysiological health.

Another study by Zumtobel compared two identical office corridors. One corridor was equipped with conventional fluorescent lamps that were turned off by presence sensors after ten minutes of inactivity, while the other was converted to LED luminaires.

The switch-off delay of the presence sensors in the latter was reduced in stages to one minute. The study found that the corridor with LED luminaries and optimised presence sensors consumed 81 percent less power than the comparable corridor.

These two case studies clearly highlight the benefits of optimising an office space using the principles of bioadaptive lighting and modern LED technology. Obviously, these results have flow-on effects for productivity and staff engagement, making effective and optimised lighting a win-win for employees and employers alike.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting is one of the tangible results of the shift towards digitisation. While PoE is not a new technology, its compatibility with lighting has come about as a result of innovations in the area of LEDs.

With an increase in the amount of information available regarding the benefits of an optimised office space – for productivity, wellbeing, and sustainability for instance – there is a correspondent increase in the amount of market support.

By combining commercial lighting initiatives such as natural and artificial light, bioadaptive principles, and PoE technology, we create environments that benefit everyone involved – from occupants to employers to specifiers. In doing so, we prove that it is possible to cater to psychophysiological wellbeing, increased productivity, financial savings, and environmental gain. n

PROJECT CREDITS: SUPPLIERS BOSCOLIGHTING ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/BOSCOLIGHTINGPTY-LTD , GLASSWORKS AUSTRALIA ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN. COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/GLASSWORKS-AUSTRALIA, ARCHITECTURAL GLASS & CLADDING ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/ SUPPLIERS/ARCHITECTURAL-GLASS-CLADDING, ZUMTOBEL ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/ZUMTOBELLIGHTING, GERARD LIGHTING GERARDLIGHTING.COM.AU

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BREATHE EASY WORDS: GERALDINE CHUA

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POOR IAQ CAN CAUSE FATIGUE AND CONCENTRATION DIFFICULTIES. A 2015 STUDY FOUND THAT, “ON AVERAGE, A 400PPM INCREASE IN CO2 WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A 21 PERCENT DECREASE IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION SCORES”.

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n 2016, Newsweek released its June edition with a cover showing the Grim Reaper standing idly next to an office water cooler. The headline blared: “Your office is killing you”.

The story wasn’t about the perils of working overtime or rising stress levels.

Rather, it was concerned with the pollution levels of our buildings – also known as ‘indoor air quality’ (IAQ).

While the moniker is self-explanatory, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) notes there “is no single accepted definition” for IAQ, Raphael Siket, director of building biology company Ecolibria says you need to look at both IAQ with outdoor air quality.

“Because we spend so much of our time indoors (Australians spend 90 percent or more of their time inside buildings), IAQ is incredibly important,” he says. This is especially [worrisome] when you consider that the level of pollutants or contaminants within our buildings is often twice or more than outdoor levels.

Take carbon dioxide (CO2), for example.

Siket explains that the Building Biology Standard recommends 700 parts per million (ppm) on average of CO2 exposure indoors over an eight-hour period ( known as time-weighted average, or TWA).

THE DEAL WITH IAQ The repercussions of sub-optimal IAQ in office buildings have been well-known for some time. For decades, it’s been associated with health and comfort problems such as allergies, and skin, nose and throat irritation – or Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Poor IAQ can also cause fatigue and concentration difficulties.

A 2015 study found that cognitive function scores were “15 percent lower for the moderate CO2 day (~945ppm) and 50 percent lower on the day with CO2 concentrations around 1400ppm. On average, a 400ppm increase in CO2 was associated with a 21 percent decrease in cognitive function scores”.

This means that even if an office falls within Australian IAQ guidelines, it could still cause SBS and diminished productivity. Some of the major culprits behind these problems include: • B iological contaminants such as bacteria, moulds, pollen and viruses. “HVAC systems typically strip moisture from air to condition it. But when that happens, mould can grow on the heating or cooling coils,” Siket explains.

“This is approximately double the 350-450ppm levels typically found outdoors, and should not go any higher than that,” he says.

• C hemical contaminants, which may be emitted from occupants’ personal care products, such as aftershaves and perfumes. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are off-gassed from office furnishings and finishes (think paints, adhesives, carpets, upholstery, engineered wood products) are more sinister, causing acute health effects and even cancer.

Yet, the National Construction Code’s (NCC) exposure benchmark for CO2 is even higher, at 850ppm. Then there’s Safe Work Australia, which allows up to 5,000ppm of CO2 as a TWA over eight hours. In Siket’s words, “it’s not very good”.

• P articulates – such as dust – can also contribute to poor IAQ. Occupants regularly bring dust into buildings on their skin, clothes and shoes. However, a well-maintained and purified office should present no major problems.

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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER OFFICE IAQ Although indoor air pollution may present several comfort and safety issues, ensuring excellent IAQ in our workspaces is not difficult.

In fact, most Green Star-certified buildings will boast significantly better indoor air quality simply because they follow stricter guidelines.

BETTER VENTILATION For many offices in Australia that feature only fixed glazing, occupants are completely dependent on the building’s HVAC system for fresh air. However, this becomes a problem when air handling units draw in only 10 percent (or less) of outdoor air – a percentage that isn’t uncommon. This means any contaminants that are brought indoors often get recirculated rather than expelled. Investing in good HVAC systems that draw in significantly more outdoor air while filtering out any contaminants is one way to improve the office IAQ; and a worthwhile cost that will pay off in the long run.

Take for example Frasers Head Office, designed

by BVN in conjunction with Frasers Property’s commercial division. Completed in September 2016, the project features significant air conditioning upgrades to bring in more outdoor air and higher filtration. This is complemented by a design that sees open common areas spill out to two balconies–giving employees better access to fresh air and the outdoors.

Another way for architects to influence office IAQ and ventilation is by installing operable windows. The WWF Australian Headquarters in Sydney, designed by Intermain with ESD consultants DesignEco, combines a state-ofthe-art ventilation system that maximises the flow of outdoor air, with operable windows that allow workers to catch the breeze.

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FOR MANY OFFICES IN AUSTRALIA THAT FEATURE ONLY FIXED GLAZING, OCCUPANTS ARE COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON THE BUILDING’S HVAC SYSTEM FOR FRESH AIR.

SOURCE CONTROL According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most effective way to improve IAQ is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or contaminants. When it comes to VOCs, this means specifying low- or no-VOC products.

Two companies that are setting notable benchmarks for products that are typically high in VOCs are Tarkett Australia, whose floorings emit less than 100μg/m3 of VOCs (TVOC after 28 days); and Interface Australia, whose low-emitting VOC carpets are complemented by a glueless adhesive that further reduces indoor VOC levels.

Ecolour is another brand to keep an eye on.

Not only are its paints completely VOC-free, they also carry Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS) and Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certifications.

Indeed, choosing products that are certified by a recognised body such as GECA is a foolproof way to ensure low- or zero-VOC emissions, and Siket warns against selecting a product based purely on its odour.

to UTS researchers, the wall removes over 24 litres of carbon dioxide per hour – the highest recorded carbon dioxide removal rate recorded in scientific literature.

TOOLS FOR AWARENESS Generating awareness is another simple way to ensure consistently good IAQ. There are several tools on the market designed to measure and monitor the air quality in offices. One such system in Australia is SAMBA, a compact device developed by a group of researchers from the University of Sydney’s Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) lab. Using sensors, the unit measures the key factors shown to have the greatest impact on an office worker’s health and comfort: air temperature and speed, humidity, light, sound and air pollutants.

In 2016, hundreds of SAMBA units were rolled out across approximately 50 offices in Australia’s capital cities. The data captured was relayed back to a central computer for further analysis, and compared to IEQ performance standards set by Green Star and NABERS.

GOING GREEN

“This new technology offers an effective and user-friendly method of collecting accurate IEQ metrics and data that doesn’t require any major modifications to our building systems,” says Shaun Condon, general manager of Environment and Safety at Investa, one of the participating organisations.

According to the GBCA, plants are a great way to reduce airborne concentrations of VOCs. This, in addition to releasing moisture into the air, absorbing heat and noise, and even improving worker productivity.

“It will give us the evidence to pinpoint what IAQ data is important and how to best capture, analyse and effectively report this information back to our tenants to improve their workplace environments.” n

“Just because you can’t ‘smell’ the VOCs, doesn’t mean they are not there,” he says. “Certain companies may simply formulate or manufacture their products with an odour suppressant.”

Just look at Lendlease’s new global headquarters in Sydney’s Barangaroo South. The muchcelebrated project features a six-metre green wall by Junglefy, designed to accelerate the removal of CO2 and VOCs. According

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PROJECT CREDITS: SUPPLIERS & CONTRACTORS ECOLIBRIA ECOLIBRIA.COM.AU, INTERMAIN INTERMAIN. COM.AU, TARKETT AUSTRALIA TARKETT.COM.AU, JUNGLEFY JUNGLEFY.COM.AU, INVESTA INVESTA.COM.AU

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ADVERTISING FEATURE – CARTER HOLT HARVEY

ECOPLY PLYWOOD ADDING WARMTH TO THE ‘WOODEN BOX HOUSE’

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTINE FRANCIS

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FTER MEETING AT UNIVERSITY AND WORKING IN MELBOURNE FOR SOME TOP ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS ON BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS, MICK AND JULES MOLONEY TOOK A TREE-CHANGE AND SET UP THEIR OWN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE IN BALLARAT - MOLONEY ARCHITECTS.

“Sustainability is a critical factor that informs our material selections. We like using timber over more high-embodied-energy material as its production actually captures atmospheric carbon,”said Moloney.

With the busy practice taking up the front two rooms of their century old weatherboard home and three children and a dog, an extension quickly became necessary. And so architects become clients and the Wooden Box House is conceived.

Ecoply and Formrite are manufactured from sustainably grown Australian and New Zealand plantation pine. Environmental Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is recognised as the preferred cradle-to-grave basis for comparing the environmental impact of products, including building materials. On a limited LCA basis, building in wood sourced from sustainablymanaged plantations represents a net removal of carbon dioxide away from the atmosphere for at least the life of the structure. As such, building in wood sourced from sustainably managed plantations can therefore make a positive contribution to combating climate change.

Which is good news for the next generation.

The Moloneys knew they wanted to take advantage of the northern light, to open up the back of the house to the backyard and to create a livable but aesthetically pleasing space. As Mick Moloney explained, “We believe in the capacity of good design to greatly improve our day-today experience of life. The architecture that we inhabit is in many ways an extension of ourselves. As designers we want our spaces to be inviting, refined, warm and inspirational.”

Many clients comment that they are attracted to the warmth of Moloney’s interiors - a key element of that warmth, is the use of natural timbers such as unpainted Ecoply® plywood and blackfaced Formrite® with its plywood edges, both manufactured by Carter Holt Harvey. “We love Ecoply plywood and Formrite for their warmth and texture. We like using unpainted timber to suggest connections to

the landscape. There is a tactility to real timber that makes people want to run their hand over a surface. Timber appeals to everyone.”

Ecoply has been used throughout the extension, most evident in the ceiling of the kitchen and surrounding the window seat in the living room while Formrite is the predominant material in the kitchen cabinetry and custom-made light. “Ecoply and Formrite are attractive because they are affordable and offer a very durable finish for young kids who tend to beat up houses,”added Moloney.

But it’s not all about the kids. The builders loved using the Ecoply - it’s a hands-on material that doesn’t require much in the way of finishing.

On the ceiling they could see the finished product as soon as it went up. The joinery contractors weren’t experienced with using formply - so they were hesitant at first. Formrite is usually used for concrete formwork but its durability and smooth protective coating makes it suitable for cabinetry. By the end of the project the joiners were taking photos of it on their phones and saying they would use it in their own homes.

To download the ‘Wooden Box House’ Case Study visit Ecoply.com.au

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GREENING THE WORKPLACE WORDS: JASMINE O’DONOGHUE

GREEN WALLS ACT AS BIOFILTERS THAT CAPTURE AND DENATURE POLLUTANTS, SUCH AS VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS). THEY CAN ALSO PURIFY GREY WATER BY REMOVING HEAVY METALS.

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uge amounts of time, money and effort have been poured into perfecting green office design, off the back of growing recognition of the positive impact such environments have on workers’ wellbeing.

Trends come and go, but this one is underpinned by science. One recent study found that occupants of green-certified buildings have 26 percent higher cognitive function scores, sleep better, and report fewer health problems compared to those in uncertified buildings. As green roofs increase in popularity, it’s no surprise that architects are getting interested in green walls and their workplace potential.

“Vertical gardens are being used increasingly more in office design, and it’s easy to see why,” says Richard Woods, commercial director at Evergreen Walls.

“Gone are the days of the cramped and crowded office. Designers now are integrating flexible seating and group working zones, and greenery is being used to aid the efficiency and wellbeing of the working inhabitants.

“These offices have wall spaces [that are] often barren and overlooked. Vertical gardens can make great use of these empty [walls] and are loved by the employees,” he says.

GREEN WALLS IN THE OFFICE Green walls come with many of the benefits of green roofs, but with the added perk of using very little floor space. When used externally,

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they can protect a building from the harsh sun, as the cavity between the green wall and the host wall will remain at a relatively constant temperature. This translates to less energy consumption due to lower air conditioning use, acoustic benefits, and the potential mitigation of the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Landscape Architects, they are “extremely high maintenance, lower longevity, prone to failure and require larger quantities of water”.

Green walls act as biofilters that capture and denature pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can also purify grey water by removing heavy metals.

“The single most important thing for an architect to consider is the limits of their expertise. [If insufficient, they will need] to get an appropriately qualified and experienced consultant to provide assistance at the start of the project – not just once the wall has failed,” says King.

Green walls have an additional aesthetic appeal, lending a distinctive style to an office while creating a sense of wellbeing for its occupants.

There are many different types of green wall systems. They either use a growing substrate or are hydroponic, and their wall structures vary from modular to sheet- or board-based, with felt pockets to support the plants.

All types of green walls require irrigation, which often includes fertiliser. Green façades are created by growing plants on a building’s façade, either from base-level garden beds or from container planting installed at different levels of the building.

GETTING STARTED In Australia, many architects opt to use large climbers trained up cables. Another trend beginning to emerge is the use of tufting plants. Green walls that consist of plants in individual pots have also been popular, but according to Arno King, director at Arno King

The first step to approaching green walls is to consult a horticulturalist or landscape architecture consultant at the beginning of the project.

Compared to their popularity overseas, vertical gardens have had a slow uptake in Australia. King attributes this to “the failure of many initial installations, which did not draw on the many decades of overseas experience and tried to reinvent the wheel”.

It is important for architects to remember that plants require adequate soil volumes, appropriate media, drainage, irrigation, lighting and air movement for their root systems in order to remain healthy and stable. Realistic maintenance regimes for clients need to be designed into the project at an early stage.

Mark Paul, director at The Greenwall Company, says that despite the popularity of vertical gardens in office design, he still finds that clients opt to retrofit rather than include green walls in the original design.

“If the vertical garden was included in the original build, it would save the client time and money,” he says.

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ORIGIN’S MELBOURNE HEAD OFFICE HAS THE LARGEST GREEN WALL IN THE COUNTRY

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CHOOSING PLANTS

USEFUL GREEN WALLS

The success of green walls depends on selecting plants that are appropriate to the green wall structure and the conditions. An analysis must be conducted on the light; air movement; air quality and humidity; traffic and potential for physical damage; and available maintenance.

King says that while many plants in the Aroid family such as Philodendrons, Syngoniums, Epipremnums and Aglaonemas are popular and proven performers on green walls, they may not be suitable for many situations. Edible green walls are also growing in popularity, including those containing basil, chillies, chives, oregano, thyme, mint and sage.

In certain conditions, green walls can grow edible plants, but this can be a challenge as most plants prefer gentle slopes, not vertical.

Ian Lillington, owner of Living Permaculture and author of The Holistic Life – a Beginners’ Guide to Permaculture said the variation in sunlight of green walls is another issue for growing edible walls. East and west external faces of buildings experience very hot sun for at least three months of the year, south-facing walls in the southern hemisphere are very cold in winter and north-facing walls are extremely hot in summer. “There are very few plants that are naturally adapted to that environment,” Lillington explains.

ARTIFICIAL PLANTS Artificial plants are often much cheaper alternatives and come without the level of maintenance required for live plants. They are regularly touted as being more sustainable as they do not use resources such as water, they last longer, and some are made from recycled materials. Artificial plants may provide the cognitive benefits of natural plants but their main purpose is aesthetics, so they lack the benefits of air filtering, removal of CO2 from the office environment, and reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect.

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Although they can be useful, green walls don’t quite fit in with permaculture design principals. True permaculture should provide a harmonious integration of environment and people. Lillington says that ideas around living walls seem to “mostly be about trying to make a disaster into a slightly less bad disaster. Huge concrete offices, whether four or 40 storeys high, are not sustainable; and almost all living walls are quite out of proportion to the original problem (e.g. the concrete and steel mass that does not accord with ecological design principles).”

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1 Opposite, left: Origin’s head office in Melbourne is home to the tallest green wall in the country, spanning 22 floors. Each floor has its own unique planting makeup, designed to maximise lighting from various angles.

2 Opposite, right: The current Origin office is a refit of an existing building, which aims to utilise best practice in sustainability and energy-efficiency through the design and installation of a trigeneration plant.

3 Left: Axiom Workplaces’ client, eftpos, wanted to incorporate nature into their new head office space in a way that would represent a focus on sustainability, inspire their team and act as a unique branding tool, but did not need to be maintained.

CASE STUDIES EFTPOS HEAD OFFICE Axiom Workplaces’ client, eftpos, wanted to incorporate nature into their new Sydney head office in a way that would represent a focus on sustainability, inspire their team, and act as a unique branding tool. Whatever they installed, however, was not to require high levels of maintenance. The team was accustomed to working in a flexible environment but their culture had lost its collaborative elements. The client was eager to bring people together by incorporating natural design principles in the office.

Axiom Workplaces selected SMI National’s moss product, a preserved real moss specimen that comes in a range of colours and can be sculpted to suit design requirements. SMI National’s moss wall doesn’t need to be maintained or require lighting or water. Once selected, the moss designs were applied to the wall, fixed between natural timber panels and made to look as though they were growing naturally on the surface.

The moss wall achieves the aesthetic, cognitive and functional benefits that nature brings to a space, while also reducing sound vibration and absorbing pollutants. All this without the required maintenance of most green walls.

THE PROPERTY INVESTORS ALLIANCE (PIA) PIA was looking to bring nature into their new Olympic Park office space without breaking the bank and with limited scope for maintenance.

They wanted a solution which would make an impact on potential clients and make them feel at ease when they arrived at their office. PIA

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decided a green wall covering would complement the professional welcome given by the reception staff and chose to install over 25sqm of Evergreen Wall’s premium green wall panel, an artificial green wall solution. The Evergreen Panel was selected to add a natural look and feel and was chosen for its realism, variety and density.

ORIGIN HEAD OFFICE Origin’s head office in Melbourne is home to the tallest green wall in the country, spanning 22 floors. Each floor has its own unique planting makeup, designed to maximise lighting from various angles. The current Origin office is a refit of an existing building, which aims to utilise best practice in sustainability and energy-efficiency through the design and installation of a trigeneration plant. Mark Paul, horticulturalist and director of the Greenwall Company, says the green wall forms “a continuous green spine down the core of the building. [It is] a green lung and wild place to traverse while using the stairs between floors”.

GROUPGSA GroupGSA wanted a distinctive statement piece for the entrance to their Sydney office, which gave visitors the immediate impression of world-class design. They chose an internal 28sqm green wall for the entrance foyer of their offices, adjacent to an internal timber staircase. As well as being a “living” piece of artwork, this green wall provides acoustic benefits, reduces the energy consumption of their offices, assists with insulation and increases air quality. ■

PROJECT CREDITS: SUPPLIERS & CONTRACTORS EVERGREEN WALLS EVERGREENWALLS.COM.AU, THE GREENWALL COMPANY GREENWALL.COM.AU, SMI NATIONAL MOSS WALLS SMINATIONAL.COM.AU, ARNO KING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS HOUZZ.COM.AU/PRO/ ARNOKINGLANDSCAPE/ARNO-KING-LANDSCAPE-ARCHITECTS, LIVING PERMACULTURE PERMACULTUREPRINCIPLES.COM

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ADVERTISING FEATURE – INNOWOOD

IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY: HOW LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENTS HELP PRESERVE OUR FORESTS

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HEN SOURCED AND PRODUCED RESPONSIBLY, TIMBER IS AMONG THE MOST SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS, PROVIDING PROJECTS WITH ITS STRENGTH AND DURABILITY, SIMPLICITY OF CONSTRUCTION AND NATURAL INSULATION PROPERTIES. HOWEVER, THE ILLEGAL WOOD TRADE CAN REVERSE TIMBER’S POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, DESTROYING NATURAL HABITATS AND THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT DEPEND ON THE FORESTS FOR SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL WELLBEING. LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENTS (LCA) ARE AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED TOOL FOR ASSESSING A PRODUCT OR MATERIAL’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, PROVIDING PROFESSIONALS WITH THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO MAKE WELL-INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR SOURCING, COMPOSITION AND END-OF-LIFE POSSIBILITIES.

PROTECTING FORESTS Forests provide a massive role in preserving biodiversity and limiting the effects of climate change, in addition to being depended on my numerous communities globally economically, socially and culturally. An estimated 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihood and nearly half of the developing world is sustained with timber from forests, along with mushrooms, nuts, rubber and medicines.

Their economic importance cannot be understated, contributing US$468 billion to the global economy and more than 8 per cent of gross domestic product in some of the world’s poorest countries, in addition to employing 66,000 people here in Australia.

Timber and timber-based composites are most commonly used in construction, although the industry provides a broad range of products.

More than half of all terrestrial species live in forests, although maintaining this life is becoming increasingly difficult as a result of the dual impacts of climate change and deforestation.

Each exacerbates the other, limiting the resilience of ecosystems and their ability to adapt to or

recover from changing conditions. Forests typically act as giant carbon sinks, although as more trees are removed their overall ability to absorb global carbon emissions diminishes rapidly.

THE IMPACT Deforestation, particularly illegal felling, threatens the social and economic wellbeing of people, reduces terrestrial biodiversity and worsens climate change. Generally associated with poor forest management, illegal felling is particularly concerning given its undocumented nature, distorting sustainable efforts and undermining incentives.

INNOWOOD Innowood is an Australian specialist in the design, manufacture and supply of composite timber products such as InnoClad, InnoCeil, InnoScreen, InnoShade and InnoDeck.

Innowood’s products are an alternative to natural timber, manufactured predominately from natural wood waste. By relying on natural wood waste, Innowood can increase the value of any single tree, allowing its materials to go further in a practical manner.

Innowood’s products are 100 per cent recyclable and the company offers a take-back service, extending their lifespan even further. In doing so, customers are offered a simple method for disposing of products in an environmentally conscious manner, supporting the brand’s aim to offset the need for virgin materials, reducing pressure on landfill space and improving the amenity of the land.

For more information of sustainable timber development and LCA, download the free whitepaper.

LCA – ENCOURAGING SUSTAINABILITY LCAs help reduce deforestation by offering methods of production a level of transparency otherwise impossible for a building professional to obtain. Uncovering chain of custody allows companies to make informed decisions, and while an LCA is not a stamp of approval in itself, it does provide extra choice. The more people who invest in LCA, the more valuable it will become.

Download the full whitepaper here: goo.gl/Y97gij

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PLAY TO WORK: LEISURE IN OFFICE DESIGN WORDS: PRUE MILLER

OFFICES DESIGNED FOR COMFORT AND PLAYFULNESS MAKE THE IDEA OF GOING TO WORK ON MONDAY MORE ATTRACTIVE. PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY MAKE PEOPLE HAPPIER AND MORE PRODUCTIVE THROUGHOUT THE WORK WEEK.

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usiness is, by definition, geared towards the generation of profit. So how then to justify spending money on employee’s leisure zones?

Then comes the question: what defines ‘leisure’, and how does it contribute to wellbeing?

In fact, how do you measure happiness in a workplace? One easy way to gauge your workers’ happiness is whether or not they’re running out the door at the stroke of five. “[Good design] is a recruiting and retention tool,” says Andrew Waddle of Gensler. It’s a tried and true ‘build it and they will come’ strategy. And after they come, if it’s done well, they will stay.

OPEN SPACE AND HUMAN NEEDS The staff at Dropbox Sydney are beneficiaries of the Gensler touch. Their offices are open-plan, with windows that make the city skyline visible from their desks or from the break-out space at the heart of the office.

Timber batons line the ceiling, whitewashed brick profiles accent the hallway, bright relaxed soft furnishings deaden sound and provide spaces of repose. All of this warms the space and softens the hard edges of this hi-tech, hard-working environment.

In the briefing notes, Gensler refers to a strong focus on enhancing productivity by removing stress and pain from work.

As areas focused on more humanistic needs, community and fun should also be at the centre of break-out space design.

MAKING WORK MORE LIKE HOME Not that the world has become dull. One glimpse at UK firm Peldon Rose’s fun and free design of Google London can attest to that. The design incorporates everything from a big red bus that can be booked for meetings, to a bathtub table, to deck chairs in the outdoor atrium.

FLEXIBILITY FOR INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY There is evidence that psychological performance depends on a flexible environment.

However, this kind of liberty is the exception to the rule, and has more to do with branding than ergonomics. For Australia at least, restraint with imagination seems to be driving the current design agenda.

According to Alegado, the brain has capacity for only two to three hours of optimum performance in a block. It builds, peaks, plateaus and decreases in that time frame. In order to reset the brain, a person has to switch off regularly.

A twin agenda of comfort and playfulness, one assumes, would make the idea of going to work on Monday more attractive than it once was. Perhaps more importantly, it might make people happier and more productive throughout the work week.

“You might think companies are investing a lot in these spaces,”says Alegado. “But really they are investing in productivity.”

Why is that so important? Because absenteeism costs a bundle. An American Gallup report on the state of the American workplace quantified that losses are in the vicinity of $USD450 million per year in the US and a still eye-watering $AUD50 million in Australia. These losses include both ‘disengaged’ workers staying home, and workers underperforming (e.g. going on Facebook) because they are unhappy.

If employees become serially unhappy, they leave. This is another hard blow to the corporate budget, as recruitment and retraining are estimated to cost between 100 percent and 300 percent of the base salary of the lost worker.

Waddle, whose accent makes clear the many years he’s spent working in the United States, claims that a certain maturity has begun to emerge in break-out area design.

Open-plan and agile workspaces were initially hailed as some kind of magic solution. According to clinical psychologist, Dr Aileen Alegado, hot-desking isn’t the easy fix to office unhappiness.

“The tech industry has grown up in recent years,” Waddle summarises.

“People end up gravitating to the same spot,” she says. Do we need a new social hub, then?

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“That’s the premise, yes. But the culture is in the people,” she adds. And the people need a break.

They are perhaps also investing in the brand itself. Design director at The Bold Collective, Ali McShane, oversaw the creation of Sydney’s Airbnb office, an example of creating flexibility within constraints. Although it looks like a huge space in the pictures, according to McShane this is “not so”.

The brief was that the space had to fit into the global look of the brand: distinctly ‘homey’, and replete with simple finish choices.

“We used plywood surfaces rather than laminates. It adds to that feeling [of being] warmer,” says McShane. The choice has also resulted in a quieter space.

The line between leisure and work is similarly blurred in The Bold Collective’s Porter Davis project on Bourke Street in Melbourne. As a home designer company, they wanted the space to reflect their ‘World of Style’ core value, while still servicing the switch-off needs of 300 agile staff.

“The cultural aspect is important in these spaces,” adds McShane. In this instance, the large social space – lined with subway tiles,

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GOOGLE’S LONDON OFFICE INCORPORATES EVERYTHING FROM A BIG RED BUS THAT CAN BE BOOKED FOR MEETINGS, TO A BATHTUB TABLE, TO DECK CHAIRS IN THE OUTDOOR ATRIUM.

industrial lighting, and kitchen and games zone – had to serve several purposes.

“You can have functions there, make presentations, and of course staff can just relax,” says McShane. Having designed a fully flexible environment meant considering those who needed a space to concentrate uninterrupted.

“The planning methodology for Porter Davis was to have the central hub of the floorplate around the atrium to be the lively space where the break-out / café was planned. From there, we positioned the more highly collaborative areas out to the quieter wings of the floor, a ‘no phones’ [zone] and contemplative space,” says McShane.

KEEPING THINGS ON THE QUIET Noise is also an issue. Open-plan spaces are notoriously loud, representing a hindrance for those who prefer or indeed need quiet to perform optimally. This is no doubt the reason so many workers are now seen at their workspaces, plugged into their iPhones.

A report conducted in 2016 by Oxford Economics surveyed 1,200 workers and found what they craved most in their workspace was quiet. Surprising for some who may have assumed a window, a plant or a sit-to-stand desk would be their main concern. When asked about the most important factors in a healthy work environment, the top answer – at 29 percent – was “the ability to focus and work without interruptions”.

How hard is it, then, to create relaxed zones in large workplaces where noise and activity would appear overwhelming from a design perspective?

A look through Geyer’s large-scale design for Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct is a perfect example of how it can be done.

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A TWIN AGENDA OF COMFORT AND PLAYFULNESS, ONE ASSUMES, WOULD MAKE THE IDEA OF GOING TO WORK ON MONDAY MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN IT ONCE WAS.

EMPLOYEE’S CHOICE Westpac’s move into Barangaroo Tower Two in 2016 saw their 6,000-strong staff being spread over a staggering 28 levels. Despite the huge scope and size of the project, staff have been equipped with a wide range of options with regard to how they want to do their work – not to mention relax.

“It’s about offering choices,” says Cathy Jameson, who worked with Geyer on the design of the space. Jameson understands too well that one person’s sense of calm is different to another.

Staff here, bathed in the same muted palette that carries throughout Barangaroo, can opt in or out of social hubs. The biggest of these is a virtual village on the third floor where staff can relax, socialise and even get their personal banking done. These ‘booths’ are purposefully designed to offer peace, quiet and intimacy compared to traditional work typologies.

“They have high backs, and high ceilings – they are spaces that draw people in,” says Jameson.

No matter how leisurely it may seem to be outside, this doesn’t have to be at the expense of productivity. These spaces are also important hubs of inter-office connectivity. For instance, an outdoor terrace with real grass can be used and booked for staff BBQs and other office gatherings.

The inside retains some of the outdoors’ ambience, a need understood and met by Geyer through a biophilic design response. In total, 9,000 plants were installed throughout the space.

“It’s [about] recognising [that] we spend most of our time at work, and being supported in that work,” says Jameson.

The effect on Westpac’s bottom line was almost immediate. Westpac CEO, John Arthur, told the Sydney Morning Herald they had seen a 15 percent reduction in staff absenteeism in less than six months of occupation.

Without doubt, as our working lives extend, and retaining exceptional workers of all ages becomes even more of a priority, making the workplace feel more like a ‘home’ than a typical office will continue to grow as a central tenet of the design brief. n

The same concept can be seen applied throughout the building, including in a roofless space that hugs the edge of the floorplate, offering mesmerising city and harbour views.

Interestingly, the Barangaroo building offers occupants many chances to see the once-hidden horizon, which Jameson says is another important step towards healthy workplace design.

PROJECT CREDITS: SUPPLIERS GENSLER GENSLER.COM,

“It’s really good for wellbeing.”

THEBOLDCOLLECTIVE.COM.AU, GEYER GEYER.COM.AU

PELDON ROSE PELDONROSE.COM, THE BOLD COLLECTIVE

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MANAGING THE OFFICE WATER SUPPLY WORDS: NICHOLAS RIDER

THE PRODUCTION OF BOTTLED WATER HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. ACCORDING TO CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA, IT CAN TAKE UP TO THREE LITRES OF WATER TO PRODUCE A SINGLE LITRE OF BOTTLED WATER.

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W

hen designing a workplace, there are a number of facilities that, by law, need to be included.

One of these is access to clean drinking water.

While this may seem like an obvious and simple inclusion, there’s more to it than installing a tap. Safe Work Australia’s Managing the Work Environment and Facilities sets out a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration.

According to Safe Work’s code of conduct, “an adequate supply of clean drinking water must be provided free of charge for workers at all times”. This supply should be positioned where it can be easily accessed by workers, and close to where hot or strenuous work is being undertaken to reduce the likelihood of dehydration or heat stress. Additionally, the water should be at or below 24 degrees Celsius, and supplied in a hygienic manner.

For instance, workers cannot be forced to drink directly from a shared container.

Aside from legal obligations, there is the recommended water intake to consider.

US-based medical practice and medical research group, Mayo Clinic, suggests that men should drink roughly three litres of water per day. For women, the recommended daily intake comes in at just over two litres. But if research from Sodastream is anything to go by, the vast majority of people don’t achieve these hydration goals. According to their findings, approximately 80 percent of Australians suffer from symptoms typical of dehydration.

Though there are no shortage of options when it comes to providing adequate water to an office environment, the filtered water system – which achieves the magic trio of design, health and sustainability benefits – is becoming one of the more common solutions.

THE BENEFITS OF PLUMBED WATER Floorplans are often limited in an office environment, meaning design solutions must make the most of available space.

This is where filtered water systems come into play. Unlike a stored supply of bottled water, filtered water systems are often reasonably small. They can even be installed underneath or on top of benches.

Billi’s Gold GreenTag-certified Quadra range, for instance, has a small under-bench unit

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footprint and requires no ventilation. The product has been used extensively by the commercial fit-out and office interior design specialists at Concept Office Interiors – for instance, in their refurbishment of the United Energy office in Melbourne.

“To complement our cabinetwork detailing and aesthetic, Billi is able to achieve a functional advantage by providing a watercooled system, requiring no ventilation or clearance tolerance inside the joinery, nor grilles to the external,” says Grant Gifford, director at Concept Office Interiors.

A filtered water unit does not just allow for higher quality water. It also allows for a great quantity of it. As an example, Rheem’s Aqua 5L 743005F has the ability to produce up to 170 cups per hour. Aside from initial installation costs and the occasional maintenance check-up, this increased quantity also comes at a much lower cost compared to the regular purchase of bottled water.

CUTTING BACK ON PLASTIC BOTTLES But it’s the sustainability features of filtered water systems that really demonstrate their benefits.

The most obvious of these is the ability to reduce an office’s environmental footprint by eliminating an overreliance on bottled water.

This is particularly important when we take a look at the size of the bottled water industry, which the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI) estimates to be worth around $500 million per year. This equates to the sale of roughly 600 megalitres of water, 60 percent of which is sold in single-serve bottles.

The production of bottled water has a significant impact on the environment.

According to Clean Up Australia, it can take up to three litres of water to produce a single litre of bottled water. Most bottled water is packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles. For every PET bottle produced, three tons of carbon dioxide is released.

And then there is the issue of landfill.

Australian consumer advocacy group, Choice, says that “less than half of these PET plastic bottles are actually recycled, with the remaining 60 [percent] going straight to landfill”.

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1 Previous page: Zip Water’s HydroTap

OTHER SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES

2 Billi’s Gold GreenTag-certified Quadra range delivers both filtered boiled and chilled drinking water. The product features heat exchange technology and a standby mode.

The sustainability benefits of filtered water systems aren’t just limited to the above. Many of the systems available on the market are additionally equipped with energy- and water-saving features.

As an example, Billi’s patented heat exchange technology recovers waste heat energy generated by chilling water and reusing the energy to preheat the boiling water.

A standby mode also conserves power by powering down after two hours of non-use.

Likewise, Zip Industries’ PowerPulse technology maintains stored boiling water to within 0.2 degrees Celsius of set temperature, meaning no water is wasted during the heating phase. Additional power-saving features allow Zip’s HydroTap to be turned off completely for periods of time, and automatic power-down or power-off control the device after two hours of

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non-use. A hidden light sensor also sends the appliance to sleep when the room goes dark.

A filtered water system is one of several solutions to providing a workplace with clean drinking water. Beyond helping to meet the legal requirements for a commercial build, filtered water units come armed with a variety of features that assist in creating safer and more sustainable workplaces. These benefits are felt in the wider environment through less water wasted, and less plastic that is produced, used, and ultimately discarded as landfill. n

PROJECT CREDITS: SUPPLIERS ZIP INDUSTRIES ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/ZIP-INDUSTRIES, BILLI ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/BILLI-PTY-LTD, RHEEM ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/RHEEMAUSTRALIA, WHELAN INDUSTRIES ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN. COM.AU/SUPPLIERS/WHELAN-INDUSTRIES, CONCEPT OFFICE INTERIORS CONCEPTOFFICE.COM.AU

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FIT FOR WORK WORDS: KIRSTY SIER

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Foosball tables are all well and good for attracting younger talent, but it’s no longer enough to create ‘cool’ spaces. There’s an increasing demand for offices that accommodate the longer hours of our future workforce, and foster the mental and physical aspects of wellbeing that are otherwise at risk of being compromised.

F

or better or worse, work doesn’t look like it used to. Even from five years ago, a massive shift is evident not only in the way people work, but in where they work. Whether it’s specifically the product of a younger, more dynamic generation that’s sick to the teeth of hot-desking, there’s no saying. What can be quantified is that people are working longer hours, and they’re no longer necessarily doing it at their desks.

So, how does the age of agile work impact workplace design? How are architects possibly meant to respond to such a diaspora, outside of designing a series of non-defined spaces? The answer seems to lie somewhere between commercial, residential and public architecture; a response to the need of longworking employees for spaces that combine personal and professional fulfilment.

Although health is probably the most important facet of human life – both personal and professional, mental and physical – it is one that often succumbs to corporate needs.

Perhaps thinking that the addition of standing desks compensates for a more holistic fitness focus, much existing commercial architecture fails to push the envelope of employee wellbeing.

It seems obvious, but it bears repeating. Extensive research shows that, not only does the physical and mental wellbeing result in increased employee satisfaction and less sickness among the workforce, it also improves productivity; a win-win for employers and employees alike.

And as much as being desk-bound is bad for the physical wellbeing of an employee, there are several less visible factors – such as poor ventilation and lack of sunlight – that can impact negatively on the overall wellbeing of a workplace.

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Physical and mental wellbeing should not be treated separately in workplace design, but rather designed for as part of a singular concept. In the same way that non-physical design elements such as light and air improve the health of a building’s human occupants, so too do the more tangible and traversable elements that are expressed with an office’s floorplan and integrated technologies.

Whether it’s as simple as shower facilities to accommodate staff members who cycle to work, or flexible floorplans that encourage movement between workspaces, here are three home-grown commercial projects that lay out a roadmap for agitating traditional workplace typologies.

KU.BE BY MVRDV AND ADEPT Outside of rock-climbing studios, there aren’t too many offices that incorporate scalable walls. Particularly where they sit alongside indoor running tracks, fireman’s poles, vertical mazes, and multi-level mesh nets.

Ku.Be – House of Culture and Movement in Copenhagen, Denmark might just be the only building of its kind in the world. Designed

by MVRDV and ADEPT, this multi-purpose space provides a daily reminder to occupants that child’s play is not just for children.

The 3,200-square-metre space was commissioned by the Municipality of Frederiksberg, who asked for “an innovative and flexible community space focused on exploring and developing our most fundamental process”.

This “process” was movement, and its effect was to bring people together through culture, sports, health and movement.

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“In a sense, [Ku.Be] is a space that breaks down the barriers that [exist] between these usually separate activities, whether they are indoor or outdoor,” says Julius Kirchert, a project leader at MRVDV. “We wanted to create a space where people can come together, [and] interact and learn through movement.”

The resulting building is not just a novelty admixture of formal and informal space; it is a profound challenge to the way we understand and interact with buildings. Instead of taking the elevator to their required level, occupants ascend a vertical maze. To descend, they can shoot down the mirrored slide that runs from the first floor to the ground-level café. Rather than drink coffee in the café, a number of outdoor garden spaces give occupants the healthy alternative of fresh air and vitamin D. Each floor of Ku.Be is unique from the next.

The floorplan is spread across seven levels that interact with one another in a variety of surprising ways. According to Das, it’s within the in-between spaces such as corridors and stairwells that the most fun and unexpected encounters take place. In these spaces, “the users often themselves define the functions”.

1 Previous, top: Instead of taking the stairs, Ku.Be occupants can traverse levels via a giant, mirrored slide 2 Previous, below: A bold colour scheme has been conceived to differentiate between functions 3 Above: Ku.Be – House of Culture and Movement in Copenhagen, Denmark provides a daily reminder that child’s play is not just for children (Photography: Ossip van Duivenbode)

To avoid confusion, MVRDV conceived of a thematic colour scheme, with an ombré of colours creating what Das calls “affinities” between zones. The colours have been carefully chosen so as to complement one another — “essential in this building where so many surfaces of different kinds are merging”.

“It is more than just a space to drop in for a coffee and a chat, or work fixed to a desk all day,” says Kirchert. “Here in quite unexpected, interesting and at times challenging ways (wall climbing, for example) people engage in all sorts of activities whilst getting acquainted with themselves and one another. It is full of surprising visual contacts and spectacular shared spaces where rather unusual functions inspire movement both physically and mentally.

It is a new typology; Ku.Be challenges the regular and offers new ways to think about how we engage with and use buildings.”

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MY-HOUSE BY AUSTIN MAYNARD ARCHITECTS

that you could get away with things you wouldn’t usually get away with. “Our solution was to make the whole roof out of Lexan Thermoclick — a poly-carbonate plastic material — and let the light just flood in,” he says.

not just because of the light that floods in from every angle. The home is awash with warm yellow paint, a design decision that grew from the choice of tapware to become a defining theme of the office-slash-residence.

The existing terrace finished at a double-storey brick wall, behind which a garden space was created. Adjoining that is an open-plan living area, a kitchen and a bathroom.

This area now doubles as break-out space and amenity for Austin Maynard staff.

“We found these really nice Astra Walker fittings, and yellow was our colour of choice,” says Dinh. “Then we thought, ‘We should just make everything yellow.’ It adds that extra light and helps lift up the space, and we’ve found [that] the energy lifts as well.

The main concern with the existing build — a small, framed, inner-Melbourne terrace — was that it didn’t let any light in. Between this and an inward-looking floor plan, the result was a space that lacked any connection with the outside.

As big a gesture as a transparent roof is, it’s the small touches that really round out the identity of My-House as a ‘mental health house’. For instance, a mirrored splash back has been installed above the kitchen sink so that, even when facing the wall, the garden is still visible. “It was just about creating as many of those connections back to the outside as we could,” says Dinh.

The benefit of having an architect as a client, according to project architect Ray Dinh, was

What is hardest to miss when visiting My-House is the sheer brightness of the space — and

“Our approach to changing the house from a dark space to one where we’re trying to pull in as much light as possible, that’s a very good approach in terms of people’s mental and physical health,” he adds. “That access to light and fresh air and good views really helps productivity.

It’s really about sustainability in not just an environmental sense, but the sustainability of your own work day. Those eight or nine hours that you’re at work, you shouldn’t be locked away at a desk — and especially in the winter, when that time is essentially all of your daylight hours.”

Considering the client for My-House (The Mental Health House) by Austin Maynard Architects was the practice’s founder, Andrew Maynard, it wasn’t the typical project briefing — but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t challenging.

When Andrew Maynard set out to reimagine the Melbourne headquarters of Austin Maynard, he wanted “the biggest transformation of the space possible” on a tight budget. To complicate things, the office was also Maynard’s family home, meaning that any solution needed to tackle both residential and commercial needs.

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A BRIGHT YELLOW COLOUR SCHEME AUGMENTS THE SENSE OF LIGHT THAT PERMEATES AUSTIN MAYNARD ARCHITECTS’ HQ (PHOTOGRAPHY BY TESS KELLY)

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PETSURE BY THE BOLD COLLECTIVE It’s not only the human workforce that is impacted by longer working hours. One thing that is not often considered is the effect on the furry companions they leave at home.

For PetSure, a pet insurance company, there was, unsurprisingly, a larger push than usual to create a workplace that accommodated all shapes and sizes. Rather than simply allow pets in the office, PetSure engaged The Bold Collective to create a space that responded to the wellbeing needs of its staff and their sidekicks.

CONTRACTORS: KU.BE DESIGNERS MVRDV MVRDV. NL, ADEPT ADEPT.DK ENGINEER SOEREN JENSEN ENGINEERS SJ.DK LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT SLA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS SLA.DK SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT MAX FORDHAM LLP MAXFORDHAM.COM PHOTOGRAPHY OSSIP VAN DUIVENBODE OSSIP.NL

“Being a pet insurance company, they were trying to move towards staff being able to bring in their own pets, which was a really exciting transition for them,” says Monika Branagan, design director at The Bold Collective. “Being on the lower ground, they could just bring their pets up through the external fire stairs, so there was no OH&S issue, or any problem with pets in lifts.

PETSURE THE BOLD COLLECTIVE THEBOLDCOLLECTIVE.COM.AU BUILDER JDV PROJECTS JDVPROJECTS.COM.AU PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW WORSSAM WORSSAMPHOTOGRAPHY.COM MY-HOUSE AUSTIN MAYNARD ARCHITECTS MAYNARDARCHITECTS.COM BUILDER SARGANT CONSTRUCTIONS SARGANT.COM.AU ENGINEER R. BLIEM & ASSOCIATES RBLIEM.COM.AU PHOTOGRAPHY TESS KELLY TESSKELLY.NET

“This shift meant we just wanted to make it a really playful space. We have an area dedicated to dogs to hang out, and we designed some cat enclosures as well, which was definitely a first for us. We learnt a lot about designing for cat enclosures [laughs].”

A new emphasis on cross-team collaboration and activity-based working [ABW] was key to PetSure’s shift towards the mental and physical wellbeing of employees. An interconnecting stairway was designed to bridge the two floors of office space, and an amphitheatre with tiered seating was created around this central connection “so that people can just hang out for informal meetings or more formal presentations”. Even the less agile meeting spaces throughout PetSure were designed to what Branagan calls a “kennel aesthetic”, with pitched ceilings and bright colours evoking the sense of a large-scale kennel.

“We really wanted something that would improve the work lives of occupants; something that responded to both physical and mental wellbeing,” says Branagan. “A level of mobility for people to work away from their desks was important. We also incorporated a variety of sit-to-stand options, so people aren’t sitting in a chair all day. As well, just the benefits you get from having a pet in the workplace; how that takes the stress away. We find that in our own office, too.

“It’s been a huge success,” she concludes.

“We’re going back in there today to do work on some of [Hollard’s] other floors. Although these businesses aren’t pet companies, they want to take a lot of these aspects [that we used in PetSure], because they can see the benefits for staff. Particularly the informality and variety of meeting spaces. It really improves wellbeing and positivity, and that has a flow-on effect for productivity.” n

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HAS BAUGRUPPEN FINALLY TAKEN ROOT IN AUSTRALIA? WORDS: BRANKO MILETIC

W

hen translated from the original German, ‘baugruppen’ literally means ‘building group’. As a home-building concept, the baugruppen movement started in the German capital of Berlin, but now has found fertile ground in Australia, specifically in Western Australia.

Getting back to the concept, baugruppen is where a group of like-minded people get together to fund and build their own (usually) apartments, thereby deliberately cutting out the developers.

It’s a relatively simple idea with potentially revolutionary implications, whereby it’s not so much about cutting out the middle men as it is about plugging up an ultimately unnecessary profit sink.

Some have labelled it bulk buying houses at wholesale rates thereby allowing members to save significant amounts of money on their homes, with figures of up to 30 percent savings being quoted.

There is some merit in this idea - as mentioned, not only because the costs are lower, but also due to the fact that the focus on sustainability tends to be stronger and there is more potential for diversity in design.

There is also safety in numbers. If a member or members of the building group pull out, there are plenty of other candidates waiting in the wings to jump into the saddle.

In Western Australia, the concept has even managed to get government backing, with LandCorp and The University of Western Australia (UWA) recently announcing they are working together to deliver Australia’s first housing development project delivered via the ‘baugruppen’ process.

According to LandCorp, which has made a

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block of land available to purchase for what will eventually be a ‘building group’, the research project will be led by Geoffrey London, professor of Architecture at the UWA. If successful, this could be replicated nation-wide as a truly modular and low-cost alternative to the way we currently build homes.

For cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where housing affordability is a huge issue, baugruppen could well prove to be a positive development.

According to Greg Morrison, the CRCLCL’s Living Laboratories coordinator and professor in the Faculty of Humanities at the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), the concept of baugruppen will become increasingly valuable as Australian cities become more densified and as we move towards a shared economy.

“It provides an opportunity for people to own their apartment but also receive the benefits of shared and cooperative form of housing, including reducing the time they spend maintaining their property, enjoying a higher standard of modern housing, and social benefits and decreased isolation,” Morrison says.

There have also been other similar initiatives like Brunswick’s Nightingale project, where a group of architects banded together to design a sustainable and ultimately profitable urban development.

Meanwhile Sydney also seems to be catching the baugruppen bug with Allen Jack+Cottier currently working with 16 different owners of a waterfront site.

According to Michael Heenan, Allen Jack+Cottier CEO, to make this a successful process, is not for the faint-hearted. Herding cats comes to mind.

“A very tight contractual arrangement, a very clear financial plan, and the very best architectural planning and legal advice is essential. Although a focus on liveability

and sustainability is the goal, it must have a very clear profit objective to ensure comfort, stability and flexibility throughout the long process of delivery,” he says.

“The benefits for the city and apartment typologies are enormous. The involvement of Geoffrey London in researching this approach from an urban design, sustainability, liveability standpoint together with his intensely focussed understanding of the issues would seem to be a precursor to successful baugruppen framework,” says Heenan.

The head of market transformation for the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Jorge Chapa, says these types of concepts are a welcome addition to the push for more sustainability in the built environment.

“We are always on the lookout for interesting models of delivery that can improve amenity, affordability, and sustainability. Models like baugruppen, or the Nightingale model, are innovative mechanisms to involve the future community in their development,” says Chapa.

“These are exciting developments, and we are heartened by their initial take-up here in Australia,” he adds.

The concept of baugruppen promises not only cheaper and greener housing – ultimately, it’s all about providing control and ‘skin in the game’ for the members of the development group.

As an urban renewal concept, it looks on the surface as being quite disruptive and even revolutionary, but as a pathway to greater focus on sustainability in our build environment, it seems to be equally as promising.

“The attractiveness of a cooperative approach can encourage more people to invest in compact and high-quality housing, which has a lower demand for energy and greater energy efficiency,” noted Morrison. n

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PHOTO BY JUHA LAKANIEMI ON UNSPLASH

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Interior Architecture

A renovation or fitout of the interior of a building.

S’team Punk Blukube

Henry Street House Eugene Cheah Architects

Continuum Steffen Welsch

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Headquarters Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation

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Education

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A preschool, primary, secondary or tertiary educational facility and/or joint research facility in which an educational institution is the major partner.

Flinders University’s Bedford Park Campus Plaza & Student Hub Woods Bagot

Charles Sturt University, School of Engineering ThomsonAdsett

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Rockdale Library CK Design

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Interior Architecture

A renovation or fitout of the interior of a building.

S’team Punk Blukube

Henry Street House Eugene Cheah Architects

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The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Headquarters Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation

Continuum Steffen Welsch

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Single Dwelling - New

New construction of a Class 1a building.

Culvert House Maxa Design

Downsize Up(grade) House Positive Footprints

Ivan Street House Adapt Architecture

Lawson House Light House Architecture & Science

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True North Tandem Design Studio

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Multiple Dwelling

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Townhouses, duplexes and residential complexes (Class 2).

Richmond Green Edge Armsby Architects

Natura and Urbane Melbourne Design Studios

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The Gen Y Demonstration Housing Project David Barr Architects

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Building Product

The D900S series Brightgreen

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A new product or material (building, architectural or interior fixtures, finishes, furnishings) which helps advance progress in the sustainable built environment.

Weathertex Natural range Weathertex

EcoSoft post-consumer recycled PET tile backing system Carpets Inter

Arnhem lounge range Winya

Hemp Insulated Panel Cybannac

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Commercial

A project designed and built primarily for any commercial purpose (including retail, hospitality, offices, sport & lifestyle).

480 Queen Street BVN

International House Sydney Tzannes and Associates

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Brae Restaurant Accommodation Six Degrees Architects

The South-East Water project BVN

EY Centre Jones Lang LaSalle

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Heritage

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Any built conservation project developed in accordance with the Australian ICOMOS Burra Charter, or any adaptive reuse of a heritage structure.

Skipping Girl Vinegar Factory Conversion One20 Group

Lyndsay Street Stables Gervas Design

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Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub Six Degrees Architects

Ivan Street house Adapt Architecture

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Public

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A building which primarily services or is used by the public (except educational facilities).

The International Convention Centre Lendlease

The Classroom, Randwick Community Centre Archology

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McKenzie Street by K20 Architecture

Sunshine Coast University Hospital Lendlease, JV Architectus & Rice Daubney Architects

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Single Dwelling Alteration or Addition

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Extensions of Class 1a building or alterations to at least 50 percent of a Class 1a building.

The Black Mountain House Light House Architecture & Science

Kenzai The Design Commission

Smart Home Green Sheep Collective

The Cheese House Adapt Architecture

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Skipping Girl Vinegar Vats Repurpose One20 Group

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Landscape & Urban Design

Ring of Brogar COX Architects

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Buildings or non-building projects at the intersection of architecture, landscape design and urban planning.

Wynyard Walk Woods Bagot

Randwick Community Centre Steve Batley (Sydney Organic Gardens) & Terry Bail (Archology)

The Adelaide Botanic Gardens First Creek Wetland TCL

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Innovation or Application

10L Aqueous MK2 Hot Water System AusJ imports

Latrobe Integrated Stormwater Management CJ Arms & Associates

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A new service, resource, process or application which helps advance progress in the sustainable built environment.

Home Support System Columbus Group

RSPCA Passive Wastewater Recycling System CJ Arms & Associates

GeoSIP Wall Blocks GeoSIP

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Achievement of Merit

A person, design firm or building products company that has shown exemplary efforts in advancing the progression of the sustainable built environment in Australia over the past five years.

Cameron Rosen, Daphna Tal & Anthony Liebermann Tone Wheeler Australian Living Environa Studio

Jeremy McLeod from Breathe Architecture, and Architecture Architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, Clare Cousins Architects, MRTN Architects, Six Degrees Architects Wolveridge Architects and The Robin Boyd Foundation

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SEE Sustainable Experience

Sustainability Design Specialist (SDS) Masterclass

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CUSTOM MADE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS Stormtech provides a range of linear drainage systems from linear shower drains to threshold drains. For unusual building situations where standard sizes are unsuitable or to match a specific architectural aesthetic in shape and style, a dedicated custom fabrication team works closely with architects and builders.

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POSISTRUT CASSETTES ARE FLOORING CUSTOMERS Many builders and developers – especially those working on large, multi-storey projects are specifying MiTek PosiStrut Flooring Cassettes.

The floor includes allowances for deflections, reactions, plumbing locations, voids stacks, wastes and duct chases and recessed wet areas. Plus, MiTek PosiStrut Flooring Cassettes can utilise top chord support for ease of installation.This means they can be craned into position on-site and fixed in minutes! ‘Two men can do in a day what it takes three to four to do in 7 days – the results are that dramatic!

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Providing architects and builders with versatility, Morada includes four fresh, contemporary colours in three sizes: linear, split and standard.

• • • •

Blanco offers designers the pure freshness of contemporary white Ceniza complements the other shades in a subtle, raw, urban light grey Gris provides the elegant, earthy warmth of charcoal grey Nero black is robust, dynamic and striking.

The Morada collection delivers powerful exterior and statement interior designs and architectural features. The proportions of split and linear bricks enable designers to integrate slender, sleek lines within a residential or commercial project.

Design creativity is endless. The modular proportions of Morada reduce the need for brick cuts, while still enabling striking bond patterns and creative laying techniques. The colour through nature of the bricks allows for creative bricklaying including corbelling, and hit and miss brickwork.

The Morada colour palette encourages experimenting with mortar to create a seamless canvas or defined brickwork, or combine with other materials for features that inject personality and elegance into a building. www.pghbricks.com.au/morada

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SPECIFY BLUM’S NEW SOLUTIONS FOR UNIQUE DESIGN IDEAS FOR FURNITURE INTERIORS Blum offers fitting ideas that inspire both enthusiasts and advocates of special solutions alike. Blum’s CABLOXX locking system and CLIP top BLUMOTION in onyx black allow unique design ideas to be carried through to furniture interiors.

CABLOXX and CLIP top BLUMOTION can be harmoniously integrated into furniture providing greater scope and design freedom for high quality furniture in the kitchen and throughout the home.

CABLOXX extends the range of applications for Blum’s Box and Runner systems, offering an additional layer of security and freedom to individualise premium furniture that requires locking.

CABLOXX can be colour coordinated with the respective Box system. For opening ease and silent and effortless closing, CABLOXX is compatible with Blum’s motion technologies extending the possibilities for handle-less furniture design to lockable furniture.

Featuring built-in tip protection; CABLOXX guarantees a greater scope for planning and safety when using freestanding furniture.

Complementing Blum’s range of CLIP top BLUMOTION hinges, the addition of the new CLIP top BLUMOTION in onyx black to the product range supports the ever-increasing demands in terms of style and design for high quality furniture.

Supporting the trend towards darker furniture, the onyx black hinge variant integrates harmoniously into darker cabinets making it possible for a uniform colour consistency between the exterior and interior of the cabinet.

For more information, contact your local Blum representative or visit Blum.com

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TIMBER FLOORING FIT-FORPURPOSE AND FIT-FOR-BUDGET Choosing the right colour for your timber flooring is an important decision. Ensuring it is fit-for-purpose even more so. Havwoods Venture Plank is a premium-quality, highperformance engineered board characterised by a comprehensive spectrum of interesting shades and a variety of beautiful brushed, sanded, smoked and stained finishes. Produced in Europe, these hardwood engineered oak boards are amongst the very best in the world. Ideal for hard-wearing performance and durability across retail, hospitality, residential and commercial spaces as cladding, flooring or bespoke joinery.

Whether you are building a project from scratch, renovating an old home or space with new-love, or designing interiors for a client, you can be sure to find the colour, finish, size, and quality to realise your vision with Havwoods Venture Plank. Most importantly, at a price point that suits your budget, and with stock available for on-time delivery.

For more information or to request free samples visit www.havwoods.com.au or call us on 1300 428 966

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ULTIMA+™ BY ARMSTRONG IS A NEW AND IMPROVED CEILING WITH A SMOOTHER WHITE SURFACE AND INCREASED DURABILITY There is a range of three different acoustical performance options to suit diverse needs, ULTIMA+, ULTIMA+ OP and ULTIMA+ dB. The standard ULTIMA+ ceiling provides perfect total acoustical balance, ideal for working and learning environments. ULTIMA+ OP ceilings provide outstanding sound absorption (NRC 0.95), ideal for open plan spaces whereas ULTIMA+ dB ceilings offer an excellent level of sound attenuation (CAC 42-44), perfect for rooms that require privacy.

ULTIMA+ features a new scratch resistant DuraBrite™ finish with ‘Vacuum Painted – Hard Edge’ treatment for improved appearance, durability and easier handling.

The full range of ULTIMA+ ceilings are listed by Ecospecifier® and certified by Global GreenTag™ as “eco- and healthpreferable” and are able to contribute to Green Star™ credit.

ULTIMA+ Ceilings are also Cradle to Cradle Certified™, satisfying Section 26: Enhanced Materials Safety of the WELL Building Standard® v1.

For more information on ULTIMA+ contact your local Armstrong Ceilings representative. www.armstrongceilings.com.au (02) 9748 1588 | (03) 8706 4000 | (07 3809 5565)

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AFS REDIWALL® VERSATILITY FOR A RANGE OF APPLICATIONS. AFS Systems has introduced the first profile in its new versatile rediwall® pvc permanent formwork range, the 110mm SnapInTM Panel with an open backed Ezy-FitTM Corner which offers access to reinforcement placement.

Quick and easy to use, the rediwall® permanent PVC formwork system will be available in an extended range of snap-in panel sizes including a 110mm, 156mm and 200mm with a 256mm slide in profile rounding out the range. AFS Rediwall® is the perfect choice for applications such as basements, party walls, columns, lift shafts, stair wells, retaining walls, retention tanks, service & stormwater pits and landscaping walls.

• Lightweight panels offering ease of installation – minimal training required • Tough, rigid, durable panels • Precision-extruded components automatically interconnect for rapid assembly • Large holes for better concrete flow • Kidney shaped hole (200mm) for double, single or single offset reinforcement placement • Water resistant • UV-resistant featuring a surface that for many applications doesn’t require finishing • Cut to size option to reduce wastage Phone: 1300 727 237 afsformwork.com.au

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INTRODUCING NEW LEGGE MARINE SERIES BY ALLEGION The Legge Marine Series plate furniture has been developed to meet increasing demand for high performance ranges of hardware, designed to maintain quality finishes without deterioration from exposure to the elements. The range features the Alpha Series lever design, incorporating smooth, classic, refined tubular lines and is perfect for healthcare, catering, retail, education, government, and all other commercial applications.

Compliance This range has been designed to facilitate more accessibility by ensuring that it meets clearly defined guidelines outlined in Australian Standards (AS1428:1-2009). The design of the Alpha lever ensure both safety through a non-slip comfortable grip, along with ease of operation.

Finish The soft-earthy tones of satin stainless steel has firmly established itself as an enduring finish in many aspects of our lives. The warmth of this finish blends easily with all environments and complements most styles of architecture.

Compatibility and warranties The Legge Marine Series is compatible with a whole range of commercial products, specifically intended for use with our Legge 990 and 995 mortice locks. These products are purpose built and engineered to last, and backed by our industry leading 30 year warranty program to ensure peace of mind.

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ALU SELEKTA: CLAD WITH SKY-HIGH CONFIDENCE Urbanline’s new Alu Selekta cladding combines timber’s natural beauty with a solid aluminium extruded profile that complies with the NCC and the Australian Standard AS1530. It doesn’t burn or contribute to the spread of fire – and comes with lowmaintenance durability, built for Australian climates.

A truly realistic timber alternative, each panel boasts a random computer-generated pattern, ensuring a unique, natural appearance. Add the safety and strength of aluminium and you have the perfect choice for urban high rises and buildings in bushfire rated areas.

For cost-effective smarts, it’s also designed to pair with Urbanline’s popular timber composite, Euro Selekta. Match the colours of Dark Cedar, African Ebony or Silver Oak to their Euro Selekta counterpart for a seamless monochromatic style, or mix and match for eye-catching contrasts and patterns.

Lightweight and easy to work with, Alu Selekta is deceptively tough: resistant to fire, wind, hail and rain. Its reflective properties make it a natural energy efficient insulator, keeping buildings warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s a dream for designers, builders, installers, owners and occupiers – all wrapped up in one strong, stylish, safe package.

Order your free sample or find out more.

Phone 1300 658 638 Email sales@urbanline.com.au urbanline.com.au

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BLACK ACOUSTIC INSULATION Martini Absorb HD Black is a thermally-bonded polyester fibre insulation specifically engineered to provide high-performance sound absorption across a broad range of frequencies.

The special fine-fibre blend used in Martini Absorb will enhance the low frequency performance over standard materials that are made only to a thickness and density specification. Fibre diameter is significant for acoustic insulation products. Air trapped between fibres reacts with sound energy and is converted to heat. The more fibres per square metre of insulation, the greater the surface area for absorption, which translates into superior acoustic performance.

In addition to the acoustic performance of Martini Absorb HD Black, the products achieve a Group 1 fire rating under the new standard AS 5637.1 and achieves 0, 0, 0, 0-1 for early fire hazard testing in accordance with Australian Standards AS1530.3.

Martini Absorb is manufactured in Australia from thermally-bonded polyester fibre with up to 80% recycled fibre content from post-consumer PET packaging, such as empty drink bottles. Environmental benefits include: • • • • • •

No chemicals or resin binders are used in manufacture.

Odourless and contains no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC).

No waste is generated in manufacture.

No water or ozone-depleting gases are used in manufacture.

No chlorides are present in the product.

Suitable for use in Green Star™ projects.

For more information visit www.bradfordinsulation.com.au

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THE SIMPLEST & MOST EFFECTIVE FIRE STOPPING METHOD BOSS Fire’s latest generation of FyreBox provides 2hrs of fire protection for bundles of services in one integrated box.

• Guarantees compliance every time • Reduces 90% of installation costs • Unique innovative design The BOSS FyreBox offers major benefits to typical apartment projects or applications requiring multiple services to be fire rated in one confined space.

Suitable for: • Apartment inter-tenancy walls in high-rise residential projects • Hospitals and Aged-Care • Computer rooms and data centres • Corridors where services pass through multiple fire walls • Riser shaft walls to common areas • Studios and broadcasting where cables are changed regularly • Commercial or industrial buildings where services are bundled or require frequent changes The BOSS FyreBox is simple to install and offers a higher performance on more services than ever before.

BOSS’ own unique Brush Seal eliminates over 90% of the installation time. And with our advanced intumescent “FireMastic-HPE” sealant, the Australian-made BOSS FyreBox guarantees a fast-acting reaction to fire, closing rapidly around the penetrating services.

“We tried the BOSS FyreBox in our new apartment project in Brisbane because it was recommended to us.To be honest I didn’t realise how much it was going to save us, the installation time is extremely fast and our total fire stopping labour time has been slashed. It’s the simplest, most effective fire stopping method available.” Peter Haines, BPM Group

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EVER ART WOOD® SERIES – BATTENS AND SHEETS Where beauty and performance merge.

Covet’s aluminium battens and sheet cladding raises the bar in natural-look timber alternatives, colours, textures and installation options. Offering excellent weather resistance, the Ever Art Series lends itself to spaces that pose environmental challenges for real wood.

• • • • •

Fire rated.

Suitable for marine environments.

Variety of fixing systems to achieve your design aesthetic.

Prefabricated batten sections or timber-look sheets for fast installations.

Versatility of curves, cut-outs, corrugation etc.

COVET T +61 3 9398 8128 | E info@wecovet.com.au | W wecovet.com.au

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BUILD ON WITH ENDLESS COLOUR Colour is all around us, providing an infinite palette of inspiration for architects, designers and building owners.

With LYSAGHT YOURCOLOR™ custom colour you can turn this inspiration into reality on your next building project.

Working with BlueScope, the manufacturer of COLORBOND® steel, Lysaght is now able to supply its range of premium roofing and walling products in an almost limitless spectrum of custom designer colours.

These LYSAGHT® steel products are all manufactured from 100% Australia COLORBOND® steel.

In addition to a standard range of 22 pre-approved custom colours Lysaght can provide a colour matching service to almost any colour you choose to specify.

For information www.lysaght.com

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A MODERN, STYLISH SOLUTION TO REPLACE TRADITIONAL PLASTERBOARD FANTASY GLASS BY EUROGLASS. ADD AN ARTISTIC FRAMELESS GLASS ELEMENT TO YOUR NEXT INTERIOR PROJECT. Recently arrived from Europe is our new range of aesthetically pleasing, glass designs and patterns. Why settle for the plain old standard clear frameless glass system when you can add an extra element of design and intrigue into that space by installing Fantasy glass. Even if you have a custom etched design of your own, embedded onto the glass, you still have the issue of finger prints and grime marks eventually getting into the custom etching.

Fantasy glass is finger print and grime free by virtue of the non invasive way the glass is cleverly acid etched. Also, the actual glass that is etch, is ultra clear, with no green or blue tinge discolouration whatsoever. This makes the beautiful etched patterns really pop.

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Why stick to traditional plasterboard when you can use Easycraft panelling that will not only make a stylish statement in any space, but deliver a quicker, cleaner installation due to our easyjoin system and pre-primed panels.

• Total comparable cost—installation in less than half the time • Structural integrity—300% more impact resistant than plasterboard • Looks great smooth or grooved, with many profiles available To discover more visit easycraft.com.au

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INSPIRING CURVES TO WELCOME YOU Research shows curves are more attractive, soften the space and make an interior flow.

As innovative market leaders, SUPAWOOD have become specialists in the development and manufacture of pre-finished curved and curvable architectural linings systems. These include acoustic, smooth and slatted options in an adaptable range of decorative finishes.

SUPAWOOD will provide full technical guidance to ensure your project flows as smoothly as the curves you envisaged. www.supawood.com.au

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TENSILE ARCHITECTURE WIRE & HARDWARE Miami Stainless is proud to announce that we are the newly appointed distributor of the quality Blue Wave Rigging Hardware product range for Australia and New Zealand.

Blue Wave Wire Design System products are stainless steel and are manufactured to exacting tolerances and are specified worldwide for a variety of tensile architectural structures, including fabric structures, bracing, suspension bridges, catenary and green wall projects.

Manufactured in Denmark, Blue Wave has an 85 year history of delivering the highest standard of product quality and the ability to work with your engineers to custom design unique tensile structures. The Blue Wave in house product engineer can provide necessary test reports on request.

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THE SIGA PRINCIPLE: WARMTH STAYS WHERE IT BELONGS! AM-BOSS ACCESS LADDERS & FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS AM-BOSS Access Ladders are installed in all types of buildings: new and existing government buildings, factories, hospitals and residential properties.

The AM-BOSS system is the ideal way to create safe access to the ceiling space for a storage facility, or to a plant room and rooftop access. AM-BOSS raised the standard of workplace safety by being the first pull-down access ladder to both comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and receive CodeMark Certification.

AM-BOSS pioneered installations of access ladders into suspended ceilings and manufacture, supply and install access ladders to suit each individual environment.

AM-BOSS also offer a pull-down access ladder fire rated to AS1530.4-2005, with a -/90/90 rating. AM-BOSS supplies and installs fall arrest systems, anchor points, walkways, guard railings, fixed access ladders and more.

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Europe’s World Class Building Envelope Airtightness system for Passive House and High Performance super energy efficient structures. Since 1966, SIGA has been building its specialism and dominance in the Airtightness industry with VOC FREE tapes and vapour control membranes. Unique in the industry, we are the only supplier to research, develop and manufacture these products at our custom built wholly owned facilities in Ruswill and Schachen, Switzerland.

This allows us to closely control the quality of our products. Majrex® our world-first patented ‘Hygrobrid® technology’ vapour control membrane is the next platform in vapour control membrane technology and proven to significantly reduce moisture development in the structure, over existing available membranes. This is a quantum leap forward in Building Physics and consequently it’s the only Airtightness membrane to be approved by the Passive House Institute! To specify for commercial or residential projects simply notate “Builder must use the SIGA Airtightness System”. We will assist the builder to comply fully throught estimating and training.

T: 0468459659 E: info@sigazero.com.au www.zeroemissionsbuildingproducts.com.au

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Last chance!

Get your tickets today.

26 October 2017 | www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au Event Partner

Achievement of Merit

Building Product

Commercial

Education

Heritage

Single Dwelling – New

Innovation

Interior Architecture

Landscape & Urban Design

Multiple Dwelling

Public

Single Dwelling – Alteration or Addition

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Trophy Partner

9/26/17 7:40 PM

ONLY ZIP TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMS WATER INTO A FORM YOU’LL INSTANTLY LOVE.

As world leaders in instant drinking water appliances, Zip invented the innovative HydroTap, the smart and essential addition for every kitchen. Our integrated Australian-made appliance combines patented Power-Pulse™ boiling and Direct Dry-Chilling with MicroPurity filtration technologies to create pure-tasting boiling, chilled and sparkling water you will love in an instant.

When water is this convenient and irresistible you’ll love drinking more of it. We call this the Zip Effect.

To improve your hydration and your family’s well-being, discover more at zipwater.com

ZIP HYDROTAP | PURE TASTING | INSTANT | BOILING | CHILLED | SPARKLING

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SPECIFY PORCELAIN PAVING Robertson’s Building Products’ porcelain paving offers a versatile, high performance paving solution for indoor and outdoor applications.

It’s available in a range of colours, sizes, thicknesses, finishes and laying styles.

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ENWARE WELLBEING™ RANGE Enware’s Wellbeing™ range is a contemporary yet familiar lever tapware range designed specifically for aging users.

Traditional hot and cold handle controls provide long term recognition the user can relate to, especially those with dementia.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

BREAKING GROUND PLANK CARPET TILE WITH ECOSOFT

FLUSH FINISH DOOR JAMB SYSTEMS FROM EZYJAMB

Constructed of 100 percent Solution Dyed Nylon, the Breaking Ground range from Above Left offers premium soil-repellency, stain protectors and is backed with marketleading EcoSoft®.

EzyJamb’s door jamb system is the perfect answer to creating a clean line, flush finish door jamb. It can be adjusted to suit any wall.

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EZY FINISHING SECTIONS Ezy finishing sections Ezycap, Ezyreveal, Cavkit, Fastcap and Ezy Pelmet are designed to provide a quick and economical method for the finishing and capping of plasterboard.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

WOLFIN WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES FOR TIMBER, CONCRETE AND STEEL STRUCTURES FROM PROJEX GROUP Projex Group supply Wolfin waterproofing products for use in a range of commercial and residential waterproofing applications.

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HIDDEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR LAUNDRIES The Hideaway Soft Close Laundry Hamper is a highquality storage solution for use not just in laundries, but also in bathrooms and wardrobes.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

AIRMASTER® CLEARS THE AIR Desso AirMaster® is a carpet tile which marries great innovation and performance with strong design to boost health and wellbeing in offices, schools, healthcare environments and other public buildings.

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SPECIFY ARCHITECTURAL POWDER COATINGS FROM INTERPON Interpon’s Architectural Powder Coatings offer a near endless colour and finish range to suit the needs of any project.

The company is able to colour match virtually any colour and create a variety of unique finish options.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

NEOFLEX™ PREMIUM GYM TILES Ideal for use in all areas of a gym or fitness centre, the Neoflex premium gym tiles from Rephouse are a highly durable EPDM rubber surface with low abrasion properties.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

MAFI LIGHT TIMBERS Finished with an all-natural oil, Mafi Timber flooring is 100 percent free from chemicals and harmful substances such as VOC’s. The timber is suitable for domestic and commercial areas.

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COLORBOND® STEEL AND ALUMINIUM SLATTING, LOUVRES, LATTICE FROM SUPERIOR SCREENS Superior Screens offer an extensive range of products for privacy, sun control and security solutions. The company’s new modular and colonial awnings are so easy to install and can be freighted anywhere.

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INNOVA™ DURACOM™ STRIKINGLY MODERN EXPRESS JOINTED FAÇADE SYSTEM BGC Innova™ Duracom™ façade fibre cement sheet is ideal for creating exterior cladding systems in low-tomedium rise buildings.

Lightweight yet exceptionally resilient, the façade system is perfect for expressed jointing and a variety of finishes.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

TERRAZZO – VERSATILE, NATURAL CLADDING MATERIAL Architectural Terrazzo is a recomposed stone comprising three natural elements – marble chips, Portland cement and water. These elements are combined using a fully automated system that digitally transmits recipes for each terrazzo type, with stringent quality control.

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EQUITONE FIBRE CEMENT Equitone from CSP Architectural is a coloured fibre cement material designed by/for architects, builders and installers. Fibre cement is a cement composite material that consists of cement, cellulose and mineral materials reinforced by a visible matrix.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

POLYTEC DOORS, PANELS AND WARDROBES Polytec’s range of products includes doors and panels with hundreds of different profiles to suit all tastes from minimalist to traditional. The doors and panels range includes: Thermolaminated, Melamine, Evolution and Aluminium.

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SPECIFY PEEL AWAY 1 REMOVES OIL, ENAMEL AND LEAD PAINT Peel Away 1 is a standout product with its ability remove up to 30 layers of oil, enamel and paint in just one application.

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SMARTJOIST OFFERS THE LONGEST SPANS IN MARKET SmartJoists are an I-joist with the longest single span rating in Australia. Holes for services and plumbing can be pre-cut from the layout, providing accuracy and peace of mind for the builder.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

WALL AND CEILING ACCESS PANELS Rondo offer a range of PANTHER® access panels with their prime purpose being to provide access for maintenance and all necessary adjustments for the services within.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

ARCHITECTURAL CEILING AND WALL PANELS BY SCREENWOOD Screenwood Ceiling and Wall Panels can be applied in any ceiling or wall installation to create a style and look that is timeless and with the highest quality finish.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

DAVINCI CUSTOM FIREPLACES DaVinci Custom Fireplaces are a fusion of fire and iconic contemporary design making them the epitome of the perfect decorative, non-heating custom gas fireplace.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

SUPACOUSTIC – SUPERIOR ACOUSTICS, FLAWLESS CURVES, AS ADAPTABLE AS YOUR IMAGINATION Supacoustic lining solutions are pre-finished acoustic wall and ceiling panel systems which are favoured by architects and acoustic consultants for their excellent sound absorption, finish quality, proprietary fixings and details and service.

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ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGN.COM.AU/PRODUCTS

SOLAR CONTROL WINDOW FILMS

NATURAL FROM WEATHERTEX

Sunscreen Window Tinting’s 3M Prestige Series and 3M Night Vision window films are designed to protect homes and commercial interiors from the damaging effects of sunlight.

The Weathertex Natural range provides the look of organically textural timber showing all the knots, cracks and grooves.

It can be installed without staining, oiling or coating, leaving the product to ‘silver off’ and lighten over time.

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9/26/17 6:58 PM

ADVERTISING FEATURE – HP DESIGNJET

HOW PRINTING TECHNOLOGY ASSISTS ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

A

S THE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION (AEC) INDUSTRIES BECOME INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE, THE NEED FOR BETTER, MORE EFFICIENT PRINTING TOOLS HAS GROWN. THE INTERNATIONAL NATURE OF SUBMITTING TENDERS, ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS AND COMPLETING PROJECTS AT A HIGH TURNOVER MEAN THAT IMMEDIACY HAS BECOME A CRUCIAL FACTOR IN A CLIENT’S CHOICE OF ARCHITECT AND THE GENERAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. IN ORDER TO CUT THROUGH THE PACK AND SOLIDIFY ANY POINT OF DIFFERENCE, EFFECTIVE HIGH QUALITY PRINTING HAS ALSO BECOME ESSENTIAL FOR AN EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGY AND IN ORDER TO GUARANTEEING EFFICIENCY.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRINT IN ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION Despite the wide array of technological tools available for use, paper and print both remain vital features in offices today. Not only do statistics show more paper is used now than ever before, but the amount of paper used by the average company is also growing, by 25 percent annually. Rather than become obsolete as the growth in popularity of the paperless office concept suggested would happen, paper has become a complementary feature to new technologies, such as mobile phones and tablets.

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In AEC, the likelihood of paper becoming obsolete is even slimmer, as the hand remains as much a tool in the design process as the computer mouse. The practice of sketching – be that on yellow trace, a tablet, within a notebook or even a napkin – is a vital tool for design and build practices, used to communicate initial ideas and detailed visions. Being able to convert CAD drawings, blueprints and plans on to paper instantaneously, when needed, is crucial for a project’s development.

THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE The steady presence of printers in building, architecture and design offices can also be attributed to the legitimacy of printed materials in marketing strategies. Brand identity indisputably plays a key role in procuring jobs; print collateral still holds a sense of credibility that internet-based content cannot convey.

While webpages may be skimmed in less than 15 seconds, printed documents can stay with its owner for days or longer.

Having the ability to print and prepare those materials on demand is essential.

be converted to the physical can mean the difference between an efficient, productive workday, and frustrating long nights.

THE HP PAGEWIDE XL 5000 MULTIFUNCTION PRINTER The HP PageWide XL 5000, and the entire PageWide XL range, has been designed with the intent to improve upon existing industry standards of start-up, processing and large format printing speeds, allowing those within AEC to meet aggressive deadlines.

HP PageWide XL takes only 30 seconds to print out the first page from Ready Mode, and offers 50 percent faster production of mixed monochrome and colour sets, featuring crisp lines, fine details and smooth shading across maps, CAD drawings and GIS images. With fast-drying, low-density ink coverage, users can extend the lifespan of inks and print heads, cutting down on costs and energy usage.

Find out more about printing technology’s role in architecture and design by downloading this free whitepaper.

THERE IS A GOOD, BETTER AND BEST PRINTER While the presence of a printer in any AEC office is rarely a question, office managers and principal designers should be raising the matter of which printer is best. The speed and quality at which digital information can

For more info visit goo.gl/J6Adc4

9/26/17 6:47 PM

LUXURY WALL SOLUTIONS

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WHO IS HIMMEL? We are the evolution in interior systems, striving to create smart spaces for life with our global portfolio of ceiling tiles, wall panels, aluminium and architectural hardware products. Just like our namesake Himmel, which is translated as Sky in German, Swedish and Danish, our product portfolio is flexible and always evolving, with the ability to change the mood of individuals in spaces where they work and live.

WHAT IS ?

The H logo represents our main focuses with the top part of the H representing the ceiling, and the second half of the H representing the walls & partitions.

OUR BRAND VALUES Contemporary Sophisticated Confident Innovative Intelligent Global Understated

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AT WWW.HIMMEL.COM.AU

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