Award Magazine December 2009

$14.95

Volume 2 Number 8

Inside This Edition: Windows, Lighting & Doors • The Bendigo Centre • Audi Lighthouse • Goods Shed North

contents COVER IMAGE: The Bendigo Centre Image Courtesy of John Gollings

Feature SUPPLEMENTs

Volume 2 Number 8

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Windows: We Can See Clearly Now The Fenestration of the Future is Here

Publisher | Brandon Vigon 03 8844 5822 publisher@awardmagazine.com.au

8

Doors More than just Opening and Closing

18

Specifying Australian Building Specifiers Looking For Australian Made

Editor | Mark Kenfield editor@awardmagazine.com.au Contributing Writers | Sarah Bachmann, Brooke Barr, Jim Barrett, Rebecca Bartels, Jennifer Cunich, Jim Doyle, David Hart, Andrew Holder, Mark Kenfield, Romilly Madew, Shane McIntosh, Megan Motto, George Xinos Marketing | Matilde Ejlertsen Senior Designer | Annette Carlucci

AWARDWORTHY SHOWCASES

12 A Beacon For A Brand

The Audi Lighthouse, NSW

20

Through The Looking Glass The Bendigo Bank Centre, VIC

30

Boom Town Baby Goods Shed North, VIC

Production Manager Rachel Selbie Circulation | subscriptions@awardmagazine.com.au

How Did They Do That?

Award Magazine is published by:

24

The Qatar National Convention Centre’s Sidra Trees

Straight Talk MediaEdge Communication Australia PO Box 21081 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne Vic 8011 T: 03 8844 5822 F: 03 9824 1188 www.mediaedge.ca

28 Interview With Ross de la Motte

Director, HASSELL

President | Kevin Brown

PROFESSIONAL Columns

Subscription Rates: (includes gst) Aud: 1 year, $49.95; 2 years, $89.95

16

Accessibility Column Lighting for Safety and Function

27

Legal Column The Rise of Proactive Contract Management

34

Sustainability Column The Green Light on Lighting

Single Copy Sales: (includes gst) AUD: $14.95 New Zealand: $19.95 Reprints: For information on article reprints or reproductions, please contact the publisher at: publisher@awardmagazine.com.au Editorial suggestion/submission: Do you have a story idea, or would like to submit editorial for publishing consideration, please email: editor@awardmagazine.com.au Š Copyright 2009 Australia Post Publications Mail Pub. No. PP381712102392 Award Magazine is printed on Australian made paper, sourced from sustainable forests.

The inks are Soy vegetable based and the printing press uses 60% less energy than most comparable presses.

4 www.awardmagazine.com.au

36 Technology Column Technology the Power behind Darling Downs Power Station Project

MARKET Analysis

37

Construction Commencements State and Sector Breakdown

31

Association Matters

40

Green Building Council of Australia Let There Be Light

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Australian Constructors Association Time to Focus on the Future

41 Association of Consulting Engineers Australia Sydney Towards Tomorrow Report

41 Property Council of Australia PCA Persistence Ensures Privacy for Landlords and Tenants

42

20

National Precast Concrete Association Australia Education in 2010

Feature PRODUCT SHOWCASEs

38

Window Film Film Pacific

39

Textural Glass Cydonia The Glass Studio

editorial advisors and supporters

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Feature supplement

We Can See Clearly Now: The Fenestration of the Future is Here It may not look like it, but glass has gone green, a deep Daintree shade of green too. Gone are the days of building fenestration being the prime culprit in the sort of solar heat gain (and loss) that sends energy bills soaring. The trends in window design and manufacture are now moving towards energy efficiency and the management of internal environments.

The question is “How can we best harness natural energy?” says Paul Cocker, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Viridian. “There has been a tremendous increase in the uptake of double glazing units to increase/decrease the amount of light/heat entering buildings lately. Modern glass and glazing design allows us to control the amount of light/ heat each window lets in or lets out.” The impact the Green Building Council of Australia on this front, with its support for energy efficient, low emissivity (Low E) glass shouldn’t be underestimated, he adds.

This uptake has been driven by a number of factors, says Cocker, including; increased awareness of green building issues by both tenants and building operators and owners; as well as “an awareness in Australia about us being behind the rest of the world in regards to building efficiency and sustainable design.”

This relatively sudden change in attitudes does however bring with it a need for greater understanding of the factors that go into to providing a building with energy efficient fenestration.

For starters, where new buildings are concerned, orientation is very important. For example, windows with an East-West orientation offer massively increased heat/light levels over North-South orientated ones. And with eight distinct climate zones across the continent (as defined by the BCA) window solutions vary considerably across Australia.

“In Queensland,” Cocker explains, “you need to maximise light but minimise heat, so a lot of buildings use tones and painted glass to let light in while still controlling the heat.

Whereas in Victoria, where the climate is a lot cooler, you look to retain heat within the building; so you try to capture and maximise heat to avoid excessive heating bills.”

“It is also commonly misunderstood that you can just put darker glass in your windows to get a result,” Cocker adds. “but actually it’s the glass and the frame. The frame has A HUGE impact on the results you’ll get from your windows. Inefficient aluminium frames don’t work well, but darker glass and a decent frame combined have a lot to offer.”

“Designing the windows of a building can be critical to the success of your efficiency measures,” explains Chris Exner, an architect from Rotheloman, who recently incorporated a range of efficiency measures into the firm’s design studio in Southbank, Victoria, “For example, with a building orientation that has your windows facing due west, sunlight penetration is going to be considerable, so by designing your windows on an angle, you can deflect heat while ensuring your glass doesn’t act like a mirror when viewed from the inside.”

Other options include things like automated louvred blinds, that feature automated control systems to monitor the amount of sunlight hitting the windows and adjust the blinds accordingly.

As Exner explains, “as the sun hits the glass, the blinds close gradually, providing shade as needed throughout the course of the day.” These sorts of blinds also feature a manual override control so they can be opened or closed as required.

In current glass design the trend has been to focus on maximising the “clarity” of glass, whilst minimising solar-heat coming in. Which is made possible by hard-coating glass. Hard coated glass is particularly durable thanks to the special coatings which are applied whilst the glass is still semi-molten, precisely controlled coatings are bonded molecularly to the surface of the glass whilst it is still being manufactured. The durability of the coatings allows the glass to be handled, processed and stored easily, and once installed will offer consistent performance for the life of the window. Different performance properties are achieved with glass by changing the chemistry of the coatings.

Which is now allowing manufacturers to produce a range of energy efficient, Low E glass suitable for all of Australia’s climates.

Through the use of double glazing, Melbourne Grammar's latest building; a tri-level montage of steel, brick and glass that sits in striking contrast to the original 1854 Bluestone building; balances striking aesthetics with environmental sustainability.

Photo courtesy of Peter Hyatt

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Feature supplement

Doors: More than just Opening and Closing

Three frameless automatic sliding doors installed side by side with another three installed internally, create a complete airlock. In a building with over 5,000 workers, a passageway like this ensures that traffic flow, security and climate control requirements can all be met with aesthetics intact.

Doors. They’re pretty simple things really, they open and they close. Heck, even automatic doors are just a glorified method of that same, simple method of opening and closing. Right?

Wrong.

Sure that used to be the case up until about 1990, but since then, doors have been slowly evolving to the point that, now, they don’t just open and close – they do a whole lot more.

Now the first question that might be jumping into your head when read that is: ‘why?’ why do we even need doors to do anything more than open and close? And surely further complications to such basic and essential building componentry as doors is only going to drive up the costs of design on construction unnecessarily.

Well it would seem that the key factor behind these developments in doors, 8 www.awardmagazine.com.au/featuredsupplement

Photos courtesy of DORMA Automatics Pty Ltd

and automatic doors in particular, has been safety and access standards; which according to DORMA architectural consultant Greg Dell, “have entered heavily into the design both in and around doors”; as issues such as fair access and egress for people with physical disabilities and mandated safety requirements have come to the fore. In recent years, the biggest of these have been AS5007 ‘Powered Doors for Pedestrian Access and Egress’ and drafts of the soon-to-bereleased ‘Access to Premises’ Disability Standard.

So with this in mind, let’s have a look at where these developments in automatic doors have been leading.

First up are Safety and Access.

Nowadays, it’s not just the doors themselves, but the whole door surrounds that have to be designed to ensure that everyone is safe (i.e. there are now consider-

AS5007

Door Control

Automatic Doors

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In September 2007, Standards Australia released a new automatic door standard entitled AS5007 “Powered doors for pedestrian access and egress”. Replacing the 1992 Standard AS4085, the new Standard focuses on standardising the “design, installation, test and safety requirements of all automatic pedestrian door assemblies.”

The DORMA EL301 and HD operators are the first automatic sliding door operators compliant and accredited with AS5007.

EL301 & HD automatic operators are certified by an independent NATA accredited laboratory.

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NATA Certificate - AS5007

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1,000,000 continuous cycle test at maximum door weight

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2,000 cycles in a temperature controlled chamber (1,000 at -15IC and 1,000 at +50IC)

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Movable Walls

Service

Feature supplement

Frameless doors provide a clear visual connection between the inside and outside space of buildings.

They allow designers to treat frameless doors as a negative element; almost as if they're not there.

able minimum gaps incorporated into door designs to prevent potential dangers like head and finger traps). Other safety developments include things like presence sensors, which can detect whether anyone is standing in the doorway, and prevent the doors from closing in those instances; and smoke-sealing features that can now be built into even frameless automatic doors.

From an Access point of view, the use of automatic doors also offers solutions to some of the requirements laid out for manual doors by the AS1428 Part 1 Standard. As Blythe-Sanderson Access Consultant, George Xinos, explains, “With manual doors the Standards require both circulation space to ensure access for people with disabilities; and a maximum operating force of 20N, which in some instances – due to issues like wind force – aren’t possible to achieve. Automated doorways can allow you to circumvent both of these requirements.”

Secondly, there’s Sensor and Unit Operator technology; these are the ‘brains’ of the doors and have evolved to include features that include: analysing pedestrian flows and controlling how wide doors will open accordingly to those flows; this can help to minimise heating and cooling bills by reducing the amount of temperature change that occurs as a result of doors opening; and self-monitoring sensors, which monitor all of the operational

features of a door, and can send out alerts whenever they run into issues.

This self-monitoring capacity leads us into another big new area in door technology – the stringent new servicing requirements for automatic doors. Which now require automatic doors to be serviced a minimum of three times a year (with no longer than four months between servicing intervals); and require service technicians to be trained in accordance with the requirements of Appendix E of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards. As DORMA’s Product Marketing & National Sales Manager, Nicholas Flinos explains, “Previously, these sorts of levels of servicing simply weren’t considered”.

The new standards also now require both swing and sliding doors to complete 1,000,000 continuous cycles in testing, before they can be officially certified for installation.

Door security is another area that has come under quite intense change under the new standards. As Greg Dell explains, “You can’t put conventional locks on automatic doors now; they have to be selflocking.” So the doors now use Smart Locks, which, rather than requiring the door to be fully closed in order to lock, can be secured at any stage of closing now. Which, Dell adds, “can allow small gaps for overnight deliveries, and lock doors in ‘best possible’ positions during emergencies”.

10 www.awardmagazine.com.au/featuredsupplement

Doors can now also be incorporated into building management systems and monitored offsite; feature alarm systems that can alert attendants to people at the door after-hours; incorporate emergency locks that can close the doors at full speed (much faster than regular closing speeds) during emergencies, but will still stop and lock if they hit a barrier/obstacle, and if stopped, will attempt to continue closing after a short waiting period.

In addition, doors are now including Uninterruptible Power Supply systems, with battery backups that, in the event of a power outage, will take over the opening and closing of doors for up to about 100 cycles, before reverting to a safe ‘(i.e. open) position just before the battery power runs out entirely.

Design-wise, the biggest trend in doors at the moment is a move towards frameless doors, which do away with the conventional aluminium framework we’re all used to, in favour of much cleaner looking, all-glass construction.

As Architect Nik Tabain, of Gray Puksand explains, “One of the key drivers behind this is to provide a clear visual connection between the inside and outside space of buildings. It allows designers to treat frameless doors as a negative element; it’s almost as if they’re not there.”

So all-in-all, it’s a seriously exciting time in doors. And, for once, there’s nothing oxymoronic about that statement.

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AWARDWORTHY: The Audi Lighthouse

Photos by Product K

A Beacon For A Brand: The Audi Lighthouse

Main: The Lighthouse as seen at night from Dowling Street. The perforated cladding allows the building’s interior to be subtly rendered behind the façade, so that when people drive past, they can recognise a range of activities going on within.

If you’ve driven past an Audi dealership in the last couple of years, you probably remember it; a handsome monument to glass and steel, with broad open spaces, huge windows and a smooth, curvaceous roofline. Well what you saw, Audi calls a Hangar, and modern as it is, it has now been rendered obsolete.

Audi are one of the first prestige car brands to have identified architecture as a signature of their brand, and implemented a global design concept for their showrooms as a result, and the ‘Hangar’ is their previous model.

You see, as modern and spacious as the Hangars looked, their style was actually their biggest weakness as their traditional horizontal layout of showrooms, workshops and carparks required a broad site area. This limited opportunities to consider prime, high-density urban locations for their showrooms. As the Hangars required such large plots of land that balancing costs with appropriate locations became a real struggle.

Recognising this, Audi had Munich architects Allmann Sattler Wappner adapt their design concept from the horizontal layout of the Hangars into a vertical

12 www.awardmagazine.com.au/featuredprojects

layout that incorporated the necessary showrooms, workshops and carparks into a single multi-level building – and so, the ‘Terminal’ concept was born.

Now it’s one thing to say that a vertical layout works better for fitting showrooms, a service centre and a corporate headquarters into a limited plot of land; but it’s something else entirely to actually realise that concept. After all, showrooms and service centres have always had horizontal layouts for a reason, namely, that they constantly have cars being driven into, out of and around them. And cars tend to handle moving forwards and backwards far better than they do up and down.

All of which brings us to the new, $50 million dollar Audi ‘Lighthouse’; home to the new Audi Centre Sydney showroom and aftersales centre; the

new headquarters of Audi Australia; and, at 16,000m2, the largest of its kind in the world.

h

Ramping Up Construction With the basement slab in place, the project had its starting point van Ratingen says, “the building form is a 100m by 25m by 25m block encompassing a range of showrooms over a number of levels; offices; café; Audi Australia head office; car parking and a fully functioning workshop on the fifth floor; all of the 8 levels accessed from a single ramp coiling

h

Siting and Design Audi selected Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW) as the architects to adapt the ‘Terminal’ concept for Australia, and brought JPW Director Paul van Ratingen to Germany to show him what they were after conceptually. “We looked at the broad concept they had,” van Ratingen says, “which contrasted the curved forms of the car showrooms, as organic voids cutout of a simple orthogonal exterior; essentially a box. This gave visual priority to the showrooms; a perforated cladding over the rest of the building enable a secondary reading of subsidiary functions visible through the façade. We easily related to these conceptual ideas and saw great opportunity to further adapt it for Australia, to include things like natural ventilation and light that made use of Sydney’s climate.”

Quite a number of sites were considered for the project, and in the end Audi settled on South Dowling Street, which, due to its position between the city and the airport, makes the lighthouse visible to an estimated 45 million cars that drive past annually.

Although the location was deemed excellent, the site itself presented some significant challenges, primarily in that it was underlined by a swamp and sat roughly 35m above bedrock. Paul Davis of Paul Davis Rajalingam Smart

Structures was the structural consultant on the project, and explains that, “Due to the water table sitting at ground level and the foundations going down 35m we had to implement a ‘floating’ design. So we designed the basement as a hydrostatic slab to withstand the hydraulic pressures of the water. This meant we had to de-water the site and de-sure the area, with pumps running continuously to remove the water whilst we put the slab and the walls in, and then with the basement in place we raised the water level back up so that the slab was tied down.”

As Martin Mohapp, Southern Cross Constructions’ Project Manager on the Lighthouse explains it, “The challenge was to build the basement structure in water-charged ground, and to protect the equilibrium of the water table while we were dewatering whilst also ensuring that there was no surrounding ground settlement, especially along the eastern elevation of site, which sat in very close proximity to South Dowling Street, which is a major road.”

Left: Perforated cladding allowed the centre's workshop to be placed on the 5th floor, windows can be opened to allow full natural ventilation into the space, removing the need for costly mechanical ventilation.

up through the building. Natural Light and ventilation was crucial in achieving the volume and functions. For example, normally a large workshop like this would be located in a basement with artificial ventilation and lighting, but we were very keen to bring these up to the 5th floor.

It’s quite an extreme notion to put a large workshop 5 storeys in the air, but with Audi’s support we managed to make it function very successfully.”

In the end, the key to making the highly diverse and multi-level Lighthouse work was the ramp. The original concept called for the use of car lifts to move vehicles in, out and around the building’s various showrooms, facilities and levels; however on evaluation, it was determined that lifts would be expensive; prone to breaking down due to constant use; and inevitably, would affect the smooth operation of a busy showroom and workshop. However the decision to implement a ramp wasn’t made lightly, as van Ratingen explains, “When you have levels stacked on top of each other in these kinds of buildings, putting in ramps can take up a very significant amount of space.” To work in with these limitations, the final design implemented a ramp that wound up and down through the building, but wasn’t hidden away from the rest of the interior, so that when people are in the showrooms, they can actually see cars on their way up through the building.

Which helps add to the impression that the building is ‘alive’ with activity, so that even in quiet periods, customers don’t

Right: Large 7m columns, supported by 6m cantilevers provide the racetrack-inspired showrooms with a sense of space and light, but by dividing the space into four separate showrooms, the spaces are made comfortable rather than intimidating. | 13

AWARDWORTHY: The Audi Lighthouse

Left: Light entering the building is diffused by the perforations in the facade, which keeps daylight levels high, but keeps glare low. It extends out 100cm from the glazing on the eastern side of the building to provide sunshading to minimise heat gain.

feel like they are the only ones there.

“Structurally, the ramp, a post-tension structure, was tricky to coordinate,” Davis adds, but the coordination of the structure was aided by the use of 3D modelling software, BIM software and several analytical programs.

h h

Multi-Faceted Façade One of the building’s most distinctive features is the anodised, perforated and folded aluminium façade that covers most of its surface. The façade was part of the original conceptual idea from Allmann Sattler Wappner, was fabricated, produced to Audi’s specification and supplied by Craft Metals and installed by Architectural Roofing & Wall Cladding (ARC Roofing).

This type of façade made putting the workshop on the 5th floor possible by providing concealment, but still allowing full natural ventilation to the entire level.

As van Ratingen describes it, “At night, you can see the building’s interior subtly rendered behind the façade, so when

you drive past it you recognise a range of activities going on within.”

The façade used 5005 H34 Aluminium 2mm thick sheet material, which is lightweight and rigid, and makes it ideal for the large-spanning, recessed panel element design of the Lighthouse. The façade played into many of the building’s features. Aiding in the zoning of the showrooms, so that the used cars on display sit in zones that are pared back in comparison to the new ones; and assisting in sun-shading with the glazing line set in a metre on the eastern side to help cut heat gain during the day.

Which as van Ratingen explains, “also helps diffuse the daylight entering the building, so people’s work environments receive good natural light, and possess nice views but don’t feel like goldfish bowls. It also creates patterns inside that are interesting, and you get great sunlight without the heat loads.”

“The use of aluminium is quite important to Audi’s corporate identity,” JPW architect Brendan Murray adds, “it’s played a significant role in their cars, and it feeds into their corporate design as well.

The approach worked with the idea that everything from the façade down to the staplers should have an integrity to it.”

However getting the cladding on to the building was no mean feat, ARC Roofing received the brief for the cladding, and developed a sub-framing system to cope with the three different substrates – prefabricated steel, concrete and corefilled blockwork – that would be a part of it.

However, as Martin Mohapp explains, “In late December 2008, four months into the project, a challenge was offered by Audi, and subsequently taken up by the consultancy team and the builders, to complete the project in just 11 months.” Which as ARC Roofing Project Manager Juerg Wilk explains, “Basically meant that we had to start from level eight and work our way

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down with a system that is originally designed to go from bottom to top.”

“But our biggest challenge was that we had to cope with slab deflections of 10mm,” Wilk continues, “due to car traffic through the building and the weight of the cars, the concrete slabs move. So we had to divide the entire façade into three separate areas, and design a sub-structure to compensate for these movements.

All while ensuring that each of the individual 200cm x 50cm pre-profiled panels lined up precisely with the large glazed elements."

Outside-In The efficiency and functionality of the façade also flows into the interior, from the race-track inspired showrooms to the café and retail sections, through to the workshops and Audi Australia’s head office on the top floor. “There is a great consistency from outside to inside in the building,” Murray explains, “a consistency of material and detailing that covers everything from the furniture to the signing, and provides a neutral and natural finish,” All of which feeds into the presentation of the cars, “It’s very much a museum approach, a gallery for these highly engineered and beautiful cars.” van Ratingen concludes, “What we’ve tried to provide is a way to see these cars from a technology standpoint, so there are lifts that let you see the underside of a car and there’s a connection between the workshops and the head office, so everyone can see what everyone else is doing.” All of which allows the Lighthouse; which could easily have been a rather cold and intimidating proposition; to feel transparent and comfortable for both customers and the people who work there, and allows it to act as a beacon for Audi as a brand.

Which in the end, is exactly what you'd want a 'lighthouse' to do.

h

Building Animation This notion of using diversity of operation in the building to activate and animate the space played a large part in the design. “Audi were very keen that people should feel comfortable entering the building.” van Ratingen explains, “It’s a big building, so we could have had one massive showroom, but that can be intimidating, so we pursued four individual showrooms instead. Which means that, as a visitor, you enter a comfortable space, and experience different parts of the building through the various showrooms via an escalator or glazed lift. Each showroom is subtly different in its layout; outlook; and orientation, so each one gives you a different experience. Which helps make a diverse and interesting visitor experience to the Lighthouse, given its scale."

Right: A ramp runs up through the building providing access to all 8 floors, it is visually integrated into the building so that the movement of cars through the building remains visible, adding activity and animation to the interior.

Accessibility Column

Lighting for Safety and Function The intelligent use of lighting in buildings is an essential ingredient in providing a safe and functional environment.

Inadequate and inappropriate lighting can be detrimental to many people, increasing their risk of tripping, falling or sustaining injuries; either during general mobility, or during tasks involving the use of utensils.

Most people who are considered legally blind have some residual vision and can perceive some level of light. Low vision can be the result of a myriad of conditions, many of these associated with aging. The strong correlation of low vision and aging, coupled with the exponential growth of Australians in the 60+ age group, highlights the importance of providing environments with well designed lighting.

General lighting An inadequate or inconsistent level of general or ambient lighting in a space can present a formidable problem to many people with low vision. People with low or affected vision often require two to three times the amount of light to perform tasks and to facilitate general orientation and mobility.

Providing general lighting to an appropriate level is therefore essential. Lux levels for rooms of a variety of functions are outlined in Australian Standards AS1680 Interior lighting, and more specifically for people with low vision in AS1428.2 Design for access and mobility Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements – Buildings and facilities.

The lighting levels indicated in these standards can sometimes become problematic for designers, especially when they are also attempting to cut energy consumption to meet a building’s sustainability requirements. Even though these standards provide important guidance in designing lighting, a number of considerations can be incorporated to assist in improving the function and safety of an internal space.

Location of lighting Wall washers which use the walls and ceilings as reflectors, can assist in illuminating a space without causing glare, and can also help define a space more effectively. They can also assist with identifying rooms and therefore facilitate orientation.

Daylight is generally a source of light that most people (including people with low vision) find very useful. Maximising this through the use of windows and openings, while also considering their location and potential for causing glare issues is essential. Providing means for excluding low-elevation sunlight such as eaves, screens or blinds will assist in reducing glare.

Consideration of anticipated occupant sightlines within a space is also essential in the provision of both natural and artificial light sources in order to reduce direct glare and the associated silhouetting it causes.

Locating light switches to the latch side of a door and aligning them with the height of door hardware also provides consistency for users in locating them upon entering a potentially dark space.

Use of task focused lighting Providing focused illumination for particular activities in set locations improves contrast and visual clarity, and can offset fatigue. Task lighting should therefore be provided in areas where people are expected to perform specific tasks such as reading, writing, craftwork, preparing food etc. Task lighting should always be provided in conjunction with general lighting.

Selection of appropriate lighting and fittings Quality fluorescent light sources provide a diffused source of 16 www.awardmagazine.com.au

Photo courtesy of Tim Pearce

As a mass thoroughfare for train travel, Southern Cross Station has extensive lighting requirements to ensure its safety and accessibility to all passengers. Note the uniformity of lighting, contrasting strips at the platform edges, contrasting tactile ground surface indicators, and contrasting fixtures and street furnishings.

light which reduces the possibility of dark areas and provides a more consistent lighting level across a space. Triphosporus halogens should be selected when providing general lighting as they provide more natural lighting than other artificial light sources. Incandescent and halogen lighting produce narrower bands of light, and therefore require a larger number of fittings to provide uniform lighting across a space. Multiple light sources can produce confusing shadows which can be disorienting for people with low vision.

Diffusers should generally be used to reduce glare, and light fittings should not be mounted at or around eye level.

Up-lighting that projects into habitable spaces (especially along established paths of travel) should also be avoided.

Use of finishes Providing contrasting finishes between items such as walls and floors, as well as furniture and fitment items, assists in defining a space and a safe path through the building. Attention should also be given to the reflectivity of finishes. Matte finishes are preferred as they reduce potential for glare from reflected light sources.

It is important to ensure that the design and layout of rooms is based upon the specific activities performed within that space, logical layouts assist people with low vision to anticipate and search out appropriate routes for navigation.

For more information about this article, please visit www.awardmagazine.com.au/featured editorial

George Xinos Blythe-Sanderson Group

QANTAS VIP Lounge, Sydney Architect : Woods Bagot Door Controls

Automatic

Glass Fittings and accessories

Movable Walls

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The success of today’s modern interiors are characterised by the ability to successfully merge Function and Aesthetics. A functional operable wall system should also blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Variflex® from DORMA translates creative and artistic ideas into reality and counters the most challenging aesthetic needs.

Regardless of their characteristics and function, rooms can be effortlessly partitioned, made smaller, larger or re-proportioned to suit individual requirements. Any area, from a small conference room to a large exhibition hall, can be adapted to suit a varying numbers of uses.

Correctly setting up an operable wall is often an unenviable task. Variflex® makes the whole process easier through some very clever thinking. The unique 4-wheel multidirectional tracking system makes operation a breeze, with minimal effort required to turn panels through track intersections and corners.

Panels incorporate a full length magnetic strip in each interlocking edge that assists in providing a positive seal and correct mating.

Similar to the function of a high end refrigerator seal, the magnetic strip ensures any acoustic leakage at the panel junctions are addressed.

The technology behind Variflex® is what sets it apart from other conventional operable wall systems. Make sure you request Variflex® when designing your next operable wall.

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Service

Feature supplement

Building Specifiers Looking For Australian Made

By Rebecca Bartels

Now more than ever there is heightened awareness about the impact of purchase decisions on our economy.

Building suppliers are reporting that building specifiers are becoming more astute and concerned about the origin of the building products they buy. Prior to the global financial crisis Australia had experienced 17 years of economic expansion.

The economic downturn is seeing many Australians for the first time confront and understand the benefits of investing back into the community. With increasing unemployment rates, Australians are keen to keep their fellow Australians in jobs. Keeping Australian manufacturing alive and buying Australian products is a means Photo courtesy of Gerard Warrener to keeping our economy strong The beautiful and intricate glass facade of 30 The Esplande, made from Australian-designed and and resilient. manufacturered decorative safey glass from DigiGlass Australasia According to 2009 Roy Morgan research, the Australian Made logo is the single most the local industry,” says the company’s Marketing trusted symbol for Australian products: with 85% of people Coordinator, Sandy Vasovic. “With this in mind, we try to trusting the logo over other country of origin identifiers make it very clear to our clients that our timber products including flags, maps, pictures of animals and even the are indeed Australian made”.

“In international markets, Australia is known for its quality words ‘Made in Australia’. The logo is also recognised by products and its clean and green environment.” She adds, 94% of Australians.

In the current climate, the growing hunger for ‘things “At Verosol, we are about manufacturing premium quality Australian’ is presenting some unique opportunities for products with an environmentally responsible outlook, so savvy local building supply manufacturers to benefit by using the Australian Made logo for promoting our products effectively branding their products as Australian, and as Australian has been really effective for communicating working to spread market awareness of that fact. And to builders and building specifiers what our products are the most visible way to market products as Australian is all about.”

“In the 2008-2009 financial year our campaign experienced through the use of the Australian Made logo, a certification trademark which has been around for over 23 years now, a phenomenal 46% increase in the number of businesses and can be found on more than 10,000 products sold here registering to use the Australian Made logo,” explains Ian Harrison, the not-for-profit campaign’s Chief Executive, in Australia and exported to markets around the world.

The logo itself can only be used on products that are adding that, “This is clearly linked to increased interest registered with the Australian Made Campaign and meet in buying products that represent good value, meet high the strict country of origin criteria set out in the Trade safety and quality standards, support our economy and Practices Act and the Campaign’s own Code of Practice. keep jobs in Australia”.

“So I urge Australian window furnishing manufacturers A not-for-profit campaign, Australian Made receives both the support and trust of the construction industry and retailers, to boldly and aggressively market your and the government. The trade mark is protected from products as Australian,” Harrison says, adding that misuse through a rigorous certification, compliance and “especially at the moment; with a recessed global economy and the high-value of the Australian dollar, enforcement program.

One company that has seen success from marketing imports are looking extremely attractive to builders and their products as Australian Made has been Verosol, an specifiers. All of which makes for a particularly perilous international leader in the design and manufacture of market; so it is more important than ever that local premium window coverings. Their Australian branch’s manufacturers get out there and promote the fact that blind products are manufactured in Queensland, and use they are local. Doing so allows you to differentiate your products from imports and provides you with a real point their ‘Australianness’ as a key selling point.

“Australians in general are becoming more aware of of difference. It is a proactive way you can combat the purchasing Australian made products and supporting challenging market conditions.”

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AWARDWORTHY: The Bendigo centre

Through The Looking Glass: The Bendigo centre It’s no small challenge building a world-class commercial office building in a regional centre. Not only are you faced with the challenges of putting together a cutting-edge building well away from conventional urban centres; but also the inevitable issues and concerns that come with constructing large-scale modern architecture in a location that tends towards heritage buildings.

20 www.awardmagazine.com.au/featuredprojects

Photos by John Gollings

Main: The Bendigo Centre as seen from the approach through Lyric Square at twilight, showing the high-efficiency façade and coloured sunshades that control heat loads, also visible is the clear path along the boardwalk that reclaims Bendigo Creek.

Right: A view of the Centre’s main internal street, which contains collaboration spaces for members of staff. Daylight is plentiful, and plants assist in improving indoor air quality.

pedestrian traffic to the area and greatly bolstered retail, commerce and activity in the area, which was seen as the key revitalising the northern end of the CBD. Through The Looking Glass Obviously the most striking element of the building is its glass façade, which was largely informed by the bank’s corporate culture.

“Bendigo is a very transparent organisation,” Tabain says, “and they consider that very important. Which is why the building is all glass - they wanted their staff to be able to see their customers and vice versa. They didn't want to be seen as sitting in an ivory tower.”

However this proved to be one of the project’s most difficult challenges. as the longest boundary of the site faced due west; and, thanks to the direct sunlight that exposed the building to, didn’t really gel with the notion of having a green, sustainable and transparent building. "Normally you’d provide solid panels to stop those heat loads coming in." explains Bill Dowzer, BVN's Project Director on the Centre. "But that’s how the whole evolution of the sunshading system we used, began." The sunshades stopped the heat loads coming in on the western side of the building, whilst still allowing people to look in and out through the glass.

Key to providing the sort of transparency the Bank were looking for, was bringing daylight into every corner of the Centre, and the solution to this was to create a "single building, divided into four fingers and joined together by atriums," Dowzer explains, which means that between

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But it’s a challenge Bendigo Bank decided to take up with the design and construction of its new headquarters, the six-storey, $100 million dollar Bendigo Centre; the largest building in the regional centre; and the winner of the 2009 Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Commercial Architecture Award and Regional Prize , an RAIA National Award for Commercial Architecture, and National Commendation for Sustainable Architecture, and a High Commendation for Sustainable Developments in the Property Council of Australia’s Innovation and Excellence Awards 2009.

Accommodating 1,000 staff and incorporating a host of sustainable features, the Centre includes new retail stores, cafes and restaurants, and is one of the first 5 Star Green Star buildings to be built in a regional city.

As Len Holland, the Bank’s Manager of Corporate Real Estate, explains, “Our aim was essentially to build a worldclass working environment for our staff, whilst making sure that we had a strong sustainability and community focus; used ecologically sound principles in the construction; and displayed the bank’s ongoing commitment to the Bendigo community.”

A large part of this was siting the building appropriately. As Nik Tabain, Project Director from Gray Puksand architects; who designed the Centre in partnership with BVN; explains, “It was a new home for Bendigo Bank, we looked at a couple of sites, and even considered a greenfield site, but in the end, it was decided that the bank wanted to give back to the community and help reestablish the old heart of the city.”

The bank’s relocation of 1,000 people to the building added considerable

Staff talking in one of the many communal areas around the atrium. The arrangement of the levels around the atrium means that 85% of staff are no further than 8m from a source of natural light.

The main atrium works in tandem with the exterior façade to provide an abundance of natural daylight to the building. Colour is used on each of the levels to help provide workers with a sense of ownership for their space. Open-plan common spaces on the ground floor help to foster a sense of community.

| 21

AWARDWORTHY: The Bendigo centre the exterior glass facade, the atriums and the 100% open-plan layout of the office - 85% of all staff are within 8m of a natural light source. "Which means it’s always comfortable, and staff love it," Tabain says.

"This focus on natural light was very important to the project," Dowzer continues, "a lot of light modelling went into the design to calculate how much light penetration gets in to the building, and it has allowed us to radically reduce lighting levels in the building. Overhead lighting has been greatly reduced, and everyone has a task light for when daylight levels drop and they need additional light.” The success of the lighting arrangement has been phenomenal Len Holland says, “Our hope had been to achieve energy savings of up to 50% and the lighting implementation has been a big part of successfully achieving that.”

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Regional Sustainability From the outset of the project, back in 2003, the bank wanted an exceptionally sustainable building.

However, the bank’s intention was to sell the building under a sale and lease-back arrangement so it had to be built to a commercial rate and remain accountable to shareholders.

The biggest factors in achieving the Bank’s sustainability goal were environmental ones. As Dowzer explains, “Bendigo’s climate is very diverse – so it goes from incredibly hot in summer, to quite cold in winter.” To deal with this, the Centre implemented a host of high-level green innovations, including one of the very first implementations of under-floor air conditioning in Australia. “The under-

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A Cohesive Construction As it wasn’t possible to source all of the necessary suppliers, subcontractors and expertise for the project from Bendigo itself, the project looked to Melbourne for a builder. “The selection of a capable builder was critical,” explains Project Manager Ted Gallagher, from Gallagher Jeffs Consulting, “and fortunately we chose Melbourne-based Probuild, who developed good relationships with local contractors.”

This was particularly important as the bank wanted to have as much local involvement by suppliers and sub-contractors as possible. In many aspects of the construction Melbourne-based contractors went into joint ventures with local contractors to get the job done.

All of which leaves us with a building that; thanks to its sustainability features, high natural light levels and more liveable, community-focused work spaces; not only provides a superb working environment, but also proves that you can now build a leading sustainable workplace project in a regional city. And that’s quite something.

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but it doesn’t overwhelm, in scale, the immediate surrounds. It’s in a long strip of shops that are all quite thin and deep, so we tried to find a matching look, and be respectful to the surrounds.” Which was especially important as the site had historical significance with the remains of the heritage-listed Lyric Theatre, which had been gutted by fire in the late 60s. After discussions with the local council, the theatre was removed and replaced by an interpretive artwork that is representative of the old theatre.

A lot of work also went into the planning and development of the internal street that all staff had to travel through. There is only one point of entry for the 1,000 people who work in the Centre so a lot of work went into enhancing social communication in the space.

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Building Connections Increased staff productivity and wellbeing were high priorities in the project and another benefit to the Centre’s layout has been that it helps facilitate communication between the bank’s different departments.

Previously they were spread out all over Bendigo, so bringing everyone together in an open-plan setting with atriums that create community spaces has also helped in building connections between the staff.

The project was largely designed around the concepts of ‘connection’ and ‘communication’ and a large part of this revolved around breaking the building up into a series of neighbourhoods within the 4 fingers of the building, “the fingers of the building evolved from trying to replicate the narrow breakup of the Victorian design of the rest of the street,” Dowzer explains, “so we used the breaks between each finger to create a sense of intimacy, whilst still tying people in to an understanding that they’re part of a bigger organisation.”

Even the colours in the building were selected to respond to its connection with the surrounding area Dowzer says, “reds for the redbrick and terracotta of the Victorian buildings, and green for the park immediately opposite the building.” And these colours feed into the interior as well, “Each floor has its own colour, which helps to provide a sense of ownership and connection to the people on each floor.”

The concept of connection also played heavily into the scaling of the building, “I think that the building responds to its immediate surrounds,” Tabain explains, “it is a big building,

Colour, glass and steel combine in spectacular fashion in the glass box entrance to the building, providing the clear sense of transparency that the bank wanted to achieve.

floor system places vents at everyone’s desks, which allows individuals to control their own environment,” Dowzer explains, which makes it vastly more efficient than conventional systems as it uses displacement, rather than mechanical ventilation, to augment the return air. This massively reduces the energy required to deliver the building’s air conditioning.

Other features include movement sensors all over the building that help ensure lighting is only used where required to meet statutory and safety requirements; solar panels; the exterior sunshades on the façade to reduce heat loads; and a black water recycling system.

“The big thing that didn’t make sense financially was the black water recycling,” Tabain says, “but in light of the extreme importance of water in Bendigo, the bank decided to go ahead with it anyway.” The system supplies water for toilet flushing, and also supplies water to the gateway fountain in the city.

“Water use and reuse in the building was a major issue for us, given that Bendigo has been in drought for the last 10 years.” Holland adds. “But we’re very pleased that we’re producing Class A water from black water, it’s reduced our potable water consumption from just over 5 million litres, down to just under 1 million.”

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How Did They Do That?

The Qatar National Convention Centre’s Sidra Trees Trees. We tend not to give them much thought as we go about our daily lives, but they have tremendous cultural significance the world over. As sources of shade from the sun, shelter from the elements, meeting points and even as natural playgrounds – people have always been drawn around their trunks and under their branches.

In the Arab Emirate of Qatar, the hardy sidra tree occupies a special place in the heart of the people. A symbol of perseverance, nourishment, learning and comfort in the harsh desert environment, the trees have long been treasured by poets, scholars and the Bedouin, all of whom would gather in the shade of the tree’s branches to exchange knowledge and opinions. The tree's fruit, flowers and leaves even form the ingredients of many traditional medicines.

All of which makes it a fitting match for the wonderful façade design of Japanese architect Arata Isozaki’s entrance to the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), a $1.3 billion dollar project that will feature: 40,000m2 of exhibition space spread out over nine halls and able to seat up to 10,000 people for a conference or banquet; a multi-purpose conference hall that can seat up to 4,000 people in a theatre arrangement and 3,200 in a banquet arrangement; a three-tiered, 2,300 seat, lyric-style auditorium along with two additional tiered auditoriums; and 57 customisable meetings rooms. All of which has been designed, and is being built, to meet Gold-level certification under the American Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Groundwork has commenced on the second stage of

The sidra tree occupies a special place in Qatari culture. For thousands of years it has been a symbol of perseverance, nourishment, learning and comfort in the harsh desert environment of the Emirate, the shade of its branches a place to exchange knowledge and opinions - all of which renders it ideal for entrance to the QNCC.

24 | www.awardmagazine.com.au/featurededitorial

Rendering courtesy of 3DA Animation & Design

How Did They Do That?

Topology optimisation software allowed the architect to essentially "carve" the form of trees in the same way you would a block of clay, with the software calculating the optimum load-bearing capacity of the structure as each section of material was removed.

Rendering courtesy of 3DA Animation & Design

construction; and the centre is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2011.

Isozaki’s design resembles two beautifully intertwined sidra trees holding up the building's exterior canopy.

The 250m long, curved steel structure is already completed, and forms the signature architectural feature of the convention centre.

But how do you execute such a design? The roof of the structure is a quarter of a kilometre long and 30m wide, and has to be supported entirely by the two steel ‘trees’. The geometry of these ‘trees’ is freeform, and they are constructed of fabricated box girders clad in both singularly and doublycurved steel plates – so engineering the structural support for the roof was an incredibly complex task.

Isozaki used a topology optimisation program to design the trees. The software was essentially used in the same way you would a block of clay – as the form of the trees was carved out on the computer, the software calculated the optimum load-bearing capacity of the structure, and removed material from unstressed sections accordingly, the remaining material forming the final shape of the trees.

The software however, couldn’t account for the engineering and fabrication challenges that are inherent to a structure so large and complicated; so the challenge was taken up by British engineering firm Buro Happold, who modelled, analysed, and optimised the design before sending it through to the Belgium-based contractor, Victor Buyck Construction, and the fabricators in Malaysia. As Buro Happold technical director, Dr. Shrikant Sharma, explains, the firm’s role on the project was, "resolving the geometry and the structure inside to make sure it will keep its organic form while being structurally efficient and buildable."

There are two main components to the structure. The first is a structural core

of octagonal tubes; and the second, the complex, curved exterior skin of the trees.

Each of the structural tubes is composed of flat steel plates, kept as close to the exterior skin of the trees as possible. This two-part design allowed the structural engineering team to create the detailed design of the interior structure using conventional design codes.

The complexity of the design made 3D-modelling essential, with the relationship between the interior structure and exterior skin requiring a parametric model to allow each of the components to be individually identified and assessed by the software. Digital modelling also allowed the design to be transmitted and interpreted easily, which was vital given the geographical distances between the design and engineering team, the contractor and the fabricator.

The 3D models were also used to produce conventional 2D engineering drawings for the interior structure of the trees, but with the exception of some general overview drawings, 2D drawings weren’t used for the skin of the trees.

According to Sharma, one of the project’s biggest challenges was minimising the number of double-curved panels in the structure. Because although it was possible for some parts of the structure; like the straight sections of a branch; to be made from cylinders or conical barrels that only required steel plates to be bent or rolled in a single direction; other parts of the trees required plates with two curvatures.

And the process for fabricating doublecurved steel plates is considerably more expensive and time-consuming than single-curved ones.

This meant that maximising the use of the simpler panels became a key priority in the design; for which one of the major challenges was constructing a steel structure with geometry that not only had to appear smooth, but would change direction constantly. So focussing on implementing the simpler

26 http://www.awardmagazine.com.au/template/qatar_national_convention.asp

panels became essential to maximising the efficiency of fabrication.

The freeform nature of the trees meant that being able to identify each individual plate; and the individual strips that connected them; was a major hurdle in understanding and communicating exactly how all of the pieces were connected throughout every stage of the design, fabrication and installation. This was because every plate had to be cut with a clear idea of exactly where it would go during the erection of the structure.

The complex system of labelling involved each backing strip having notches and edge markings that explained the specific direction in which they should be installed. And this was coupled with an identification and numbering system that described exactly how each piece fit into the overall structural system.

In all, the engineering and construction of the trees was a mammoth task for a highly complex, and exciting unique design. But it is one that detailed planning, highend software and good old fashioned brainpower managed to overcome.

Legal COlumn

PCM vs. CPM: The Rise of Proactive Contract Management There is an emerging school of thought in the construction industry that the Critical Path Method of analysing programs and delays (CPM), may have significant shortcomings and a reducing application to contemporary construction projects.

Proactive contract management (PCM) is a new school of thought that puts more emphasis on proper contract management than slavish dedication to the critical path method. Some say that CPM has built up in the industry a mindset of delay and excuses arising from its usual application in traditional forms of construction contracts. The basic assumption implicit in any CPM programmed project is that the impact of delays in some events can cause cascading and further extended delays in subsequent events (generally resources and program logic are assumed fixed).

With a standard form contract, a contractor has to ensure that he discovers and documents any reasons/excuses for a delay - so the focus is on justifying delay rather than accelerating the completion of the works, notwithstanding the lip service paid to the contractual duty to “mitigate” the delay.

Some commentators point out that time is of prime importance in almost all commercial projects because; 1. Costs increase in proportion to time taken in respect to many of the inputs in a project 2. The interest cost of a development explodes with time, with compounding interest the norm 3. Community expectations and market perceptions change with time, and the difficulties of meeting either is increased if there are delays in the project delivery 4. The longer a project is in the construction phase, the more exposed it is to risks from a variety of causes The PCM school of thought proposes that the discipline of time management, and the requirement of time recovery without cost penalties, is a more efficient and effective method of delivering results to all stakeholders in a project.

Contract management in this new perspective proposes a new approach to controlling, by contracts, a project or program of projects. It replaces the dominance of the usually technically qualified project manager with a more equal weighting between technical and commercial managers. So as the technical challenges become more conventional and the projects become, effectively, repeats of previous ones, the commercial challenges of bringing such projects in on time and budget become more pronounced and more determinative of ultimate success.

Further, the programmer is freed from the constraints of CPM and directed to producing rolling program locked on the target of meeting the stakeholders time objectives.

The PCM philosophy is one of constructing contracts so there are a range of management tools and strategies avail-

able to ensure that the contract manager can deliver the project in an orderly and managed fashion.

The approach also adheres to the philosophy that the project can achieve its time, cost and quality objectives in spite of the difficulties of potential costs, delays and consequential risk experienced along the way.

PCM exponents also adopt a more rational approach, sharing responsibility between provider and principal; this requires the provider to provide certification for the delivery of each step of his input into the project.

This certification is then verified by independent observation, and in this way on a comprehensive and detailed certification on quality and performance is maintained on a continuous, real-time scale.

PCM also proposes a more rational resource-based approach to timely performance by increasing resources to areas that are falling behind their planned completion. PCM proposes that, rather than putting pressure on explanations for the delays, pressure is instead applied to removing those delays. PCM offers far less dependence on artificial CPM linkages, critical paths, lags and leads; and considerably more focus on contingency planning and mobilisation-of-resources, to address slippage as it occurs.

The PCM places less importance on the logical and technical arguments, which in CPM can justify a small delay on the critical path causing ripples of further delays, resulting in untimely completion to the contract.

Instead, importance is placed on return on investment, and the economic assessment of a project’s engineering procurement and construction management. Which helps to emphasise minimising the costs of time recovery, rather than simply accepting the industry’s traditional excuses for delay.

It places emphasis on good procurement leading, which can lead to better design and construction, and places more emphasis on the selection of providers with the appropriate contingency planning and program performance.

PCM offers stakeholders a new and an innovative approach to project delivery and is recommended for careful consideration early in the procurement stage; as the benefits that can come from its ability to minimise risk, are considerable and increasing in a risk prone world.

For more information about this article, please visit www.awardmagazine.com.au/featurededitorial

Jim Doyle Doyles Construction Lawyers | 27

straight talk

straight talk With Ross de la Motte Director, HASSELL

AWARD: With the competing forces of the worst financial downturn since the great depression, and the greatest financial stimulus program in Australian history – how are things fairing in the design and architectural field? Are your work levels up? Down? Relatively unchanged? And where do you see the industry moving with respect to new project starts over the next 18 months?

ROSS: The profound changes in business activity in late 2008 and early 2009 were a real challenge for the architectural profession. All firms suffered and the impact on some individuals and families was very hard. The Federal Government’s stimulus packages were very welcome and have helped many practices through a tough period.

Our practice has weathered this period well even though our order book has contracted significantly from the heady levels of 2007/2008. The diversity of the practice has made a big difference and we have been able to capitalise on our expertise in education, health, research, and transport to make up for the decline in private commercial and residential work.

I am anxious about the next 12-18 months. While the current economic indicators suggest a normalisation of the economic cycle, I really hope that credit begins to move more freely in the second and third quarters of next year, when the effects of the Federal intervention will wane. After that we are going to be very reliant on private investment decisions to push the economy along, and I think that’s just cause to be anxious.

I would say our mood is cautiously optimistic. Australia has proven to be well governed and financially prudent. We have a wonderful abundance of natural resources and ingenious people. So the challenge for the country is not to sit back and watch, but to drive forward and create new opportunities with far less reliance on the resource sector. If we are still so dependent on iron ore, copper and coal to balance our exports and import ledger in 10 years time then the Government will have failed its primary obligation to safeguard our future.

Perhaps this was the recession Australia

really needed to have, forcing the nation to curb excesses and wanton expense, and to focus on a more responsible and balanced approach to personal lifestyles and business practices. I hope we will look back on this troubled time as a new beginning, a time when we learnt something profound about our society, that we embraced ethical and prudent business practices and that we created a new ‘intelligent’ economy founded upon sustainable values and real creativity.

AWARD: Do you think there is anything firms could have done differently to avoid being as ‘at risk’ as they were this time around?

ROSS: In nature, ecological diversity is the foundation of robust and enduring ecosystems. The premise for business and architecture is no different. If you want to survive the highs and lows of economic cycles you need a resilient and diverse structure. Thus putting all your eggs in say, the Sydney residential market, means that you have high exposure when the residential market contracts as it does on a 5-7 year rotation.

Beyond this pragmatic assessment, enjoyment in design comes from being able to apply your intellect and creativity to a wide range of problems for many different clients. So it makes sense to broaden your skills and apply your design talents in other sectors and geographic locations.

Diversity is a real strength in any enterprise.

AWARD: What are the latest architectural trends driving design concepts forward in Australia?

ROSS: We are seeing a very strong push for knowledge based design, design not driven by fad or style but by thorough analysis and intellectual rigour, design based on natural systems and by scientific method. It is refreshing and long overdue.

In laboratory design and the health industry generally government, universities and the private sector are looking to invest in services and facilities that deal with profoundly important social and public health challenges such

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as researching treatments and cures for diabetes. Architects who are at the leading edge of this phenomena are working hand in hand with clinicians and scientists to understand the needs of their new workplace, to challenge old and redundant work practices and to design new typologies for offices, laboratories and research infrastructure. This is knowledge based design.

AWARD: How have ‘green’ design elements changed the way you work?

ROSS: HASSELL has always had a strong environmental ethos. Respect for place, correct site placement and orientation, natural ventilation, an abundance of daylight are fundamentals of good design and our multi-disciplinary practice of architects, landscape architects, planners and designers holds these principles dearly.

What has emerged is a wide acceptance of this approach across the market, the development of strongly analytical methods and tools for the evaluation and testing of design and construction outcomes, the dissemination of new approaches and the sharing of innovations across firms and markets. Our clients have been especially enthusiastic and have been a major driver in the elevation of sustainable design practices across all their projects.

I think that, as an architect, if you do not approach design with an intrinsic regard for the land, for the conservation of resources, to protect species, to capture cooling breezes, to store water, to celebrate light, you are not fulfilling your obligations to the community at large and to the profession. It is not optional. It is not a nice thing to have. It is fundamental.

AWARD: Would you say these ‘green’ initiatives are coming more from Architects or Building Owners?

ROSS: Good architects have always pursued sustainable design as it is the foundation of their philosophy, but increasingly these ideals are converging with the aspirations of property owners who are including high performance environmental criteria in their briefs to architects.

In recent years the environmental imperative has also been coming from prospective tenants; business owners and managers, financiers, CEOs and even the shareholders of companies who are looking to move into new buildings which touch the earth lightly and use resources wisely.

The green push is happening across a wide front. Thankfully it is not just left to architects and building owners.

It is a result of a profound shift in community values.

AWARD: When it comes to specifying building products for the projects you design, where do you typically source them from? And do you have builders and developers requesting changes to your specifications often?

ROSS: Our starting point for specifications is always to source locally. Builders sometimes come back to us with cheaper alternatives to what we’ve specified, or with products they believe are more appropriate. We will assess these alternative proposals on their merits but our strong preference is always to support local and Australian industry unless no comparable product is available.

Sometimes substitute products become an issue when a design is less resolved; say when a project goes to the market based on a sketch design, as is the case with D&C procurement models. In these situations there is a lot more room for the builder to move and it is harder for the architect to retain control over the final installation.

The challenge for the design team in these instances is to be proactive and prepare documentation at this early stage which provides greater detail than would normally be provided under a traditional procurement model. It doesn’t necessarily involve more work, but it does mean you have to think in advance and be proactive. The trick is to be savvy and to tailor your design and services to ensure the integrity of your design is safeguarded.

For an extended version of the interview, visit www.awardmagazine.com.au/featuredsupplement

AWARDWORTHY: GOODS SHED NORTH

Boom Town Baby goods shed north

“Marvellous Melbourne”; that’s what they called the city during the heady boom years of the 1800s. And Melbourne’s Docklands is going to get a taste of the times again with redevelopment of the heritagelisted Goods Shed North between Bourke and Collins Streets to provide commercial office space, and a new village-style precinct of restaurants and cafes along the aptly-named Village Street, that forms the shed’s western border. a highly sustainable, 5-star Green Star rated, mixed-use commercial office and retail building.

But how do you go about doing that?

It’s an exciting concept, taking a 120 year old, heritage-listed building and repurposing it as a flagship, sustainable development; but how do you balance stringent heritage requirements on one hand, and tough sustainability criteria on the other?

Something Old, Something New Well at the start it wasn’t an issue, in fact

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The Railway Goods Shed No.2, as it was rather straightforwardly called, was originally built in 1889 to help accommodate the massive increase in traffic to the Spencer Street railway yards at the peak of the boom, when Melbourne – for a time – was second only to London as the largest city in the British Empire. This new $63 million dollar redevelopment; undertaken by Equiset, architecturally designed by Elenberg Fraser, and completed in December – has taken the northern half of the Shed, which was originally almost 400m, or two city blocks, in length; and turned it into

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it wasn’t even on the cards. The original brief, back in 2006, called for a simple refurbishment of the heritage building into a mixed-use (office and retail) building without any real sustainability focus. However, as Evalin Ling, the project’s ESD consultant from Norman Disney & Young explains, “The brief changed dramatically from day one, and was eventually developed to meet the Green Star requirements demanded by the potential tenants.” Which is perhaps understandable, given that chief among those potential tenants was VicUrban, the Victorian Government's sustainable urban development agency; who now share the Shed with the Building Commission and Plumbing Industry Commission.

From a design perspective, one of the most exciting challenges was to work with the shed’s soaring ceilings and lofty spaces to create an exciting, unique and enjoyable new style of workplace. And architects Elenberg Fraser have done just that, working with the existing shed to create a uniquely flexible interior, with open-plan floor plates and a mezzanine level to provide functionality and efficiency.

Key to the design was working with and complementing the heritage of

Main: The Lantern Building on the southern end of the shed, as it will appear from the Collins Street Bridge.

carpark was scrapped in 2007. This did have a positive however, as it improved the number Green Star points the project was eligible for.

“The final design,” Equiset’s Development Manager, Robin Fernandes, explains, “consists of a new 4-level lantern building connecting the southern end of the existing shed to the Collins Street bridge and redevelopment of the existing shed with a new ground level and a mezzanine level with voids, that in total accommodates approximately 9,700m2 of commercial office space and 1,700m2 of retail space.”

h

Re-Structuring Now facilitating this sort of conversion to a heritage-listed building is never a simple task, and the Goods Shed required a number of fundamental structural works to repurpose it for commercial office and retail use whilst maintaining its heritage overlay. These changes included a new mezzanine structure; a new 'Entry Galleria' at the northern end of the shed; the 4-level 'Glazed Lantern' structure at the southern end; and enough flexibility in the design to enable an eventual conversion of the commercial office space to retail in 10-15 years time.

To deal with these requirements, Winward Structures were brought in to provide the project’s structural and civil engineering. “Fundamentally,

Renderings by Digital Fx

the original shed; which, as Elenberg Fraser project architect Chris McMillan, explains, meant “Preserving the large spans and modernity of the existing Shed; identifying the heritage elements as artefacts; exposing the history of the building; maintaining the shed’s originality through elements like the original industrial signage; cleaning up and preserving the shed’s age; and exposing the steelwork were all essential to its redevelopment. And as such, all insertions and steel structure added had to follow the same constructive logic.”

Excellent indoor environment quality was also a top priority Ling says, “with high-frequency ballasts used in all the fluorescent luminaries to reduce the flicker affects of conventional lighting systems that can cause eye strain; all asbestos from the old building was removed; all contractors had to ensure that the sealants, adhesives and paints they used onsite were low VOC; and all composite wood products used had to be low formaldehyde to minimise interior pollutants for occupants.”

The original design included a basement car parking level, however poor soil conditions at the site meant that it was not economically viable, and the

transforming a derelict, heritagelisted shed into a modern office and retail development requires careful consideration of how much additional load you can apply to the existing structure, while minimising your strengthening requirements and the need for new vertical support elements." explains Sean Ryan, Winward’s structural engineer on the project.

At 120 years old, the age of the existing structure; combined with lack of maintenance and poor soil conditions; posed major constraints to the structural design of the redevelopment. However through pile testing and 'Ultrasonic Thickness Testing' of the main 'gutter beams' by Bureau Veritas, Winward were able to evaluate the capacity of the existing structure and develop rectification details, that minimised the use of materials and remained visibly unobtrusive – a vital part of keeping the project both heritage and architecturally acceptable.

The pile testing was carried out by Golder and Coffey, and the results formed the basis for the project’s structural schemes, which utilised the existing columns to help maximise the leasable floor area. It was found that a lightweight structure would be the most efficient option; however, "There were floor vibration issues associated with the large spans of up to 9100mm, and the lack of dampening weight,” Ryan explains, Photos by Angelo Marcina

The main staircase entry to VicUrban's receptions original doors from the shed have been used on a feature wall. The atrium of the lantern building provides natural lighting to the internal work spaces.

| 31

AWARDWORTHY: GOODS SHED NORTH Photos by Angelo Marcina

Left: The approximately 200m view down the length of the shed, as seen from the main lobby of the Collins Street lantern building. Clerestory windows in the shed permit soft natural lighting throughout.

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A Sustainable Shed When VicUrban came on board as the Goods Shed’s key tenant, sustainable design immediately leapt to the forefront of the project’s objectives. The project aimed for, and achieved, a 5-star Green Star Design rating. It didn’t come easily

however; as Ling explains; “Because the Goods Shed is a heritage overlay project, there were several considerable limitations to achieving this, namely the building envelope and shape of the 120 year old building.”

On the structural side of things, Winward assessed several areas where ESD points were achievable and subsequently specified items such as recycled steel content, cement replacement in concrete and postconsumer, re-used or FSC-certified timber that were determined to have negligible effect to the structural capacity of the relevant elements.

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the project’s ESD measures, the services contractors are providing quarterly building tuning for the first twelve months of building operation, to ensure that their services are performing well through the seasonal changes.

In keeping with the design goals of having as healthy an interior environment as possible, air flow levels have been made considerably higher than Australian Standards require; which results in a decrease of stale air build ups. To facilitate this, carbon dioxide sensors and a control system modulate the amount of outside air that gets distributed into the shed.

On the lighting front, all lighting fixtures in the Shed are energy efficient; and all lighting switch zones are kept to less than 100m2 in order to minimise the energy wasted on lighting unused areas. In addition to this, all enclosed offices and meeting rooms have separate lighting zones and switches; and sub-metering has been provided to all tenants, to allow them to monitor their energy usage.

Further efficiencies have been built

32 www.awardmagazine.com.au/featuredprojects

into the shed’s external lighting, which does not extend outside the building’s boundaries or illuminate anything but its intended object.

“A tri-generation system that uses a gas-fired generator to provide electricity, heat and cooling to the building with the use of absorption chillers and heat exchangers, to reduce the demand on grid electricity and reduce peak load demands.” Ling says, adding that, “All HVAC equipment has no CFC or HCFC refrigerant chemicals. And all of the insulation used in the building is CFC and HCFC-free too.”

The building’s potable water demands are kept to a minimum through waterefficient fixtures and fittings as well as Greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting systems. To help manage water-use throughout the building, meters have been installed to allow for constant monitoring and leak detection.

To help encourage a happier, healthier work environment, the project has also incorporate considerable facilities for cyclists, including bike racks, showers and lockers. There are also provisions for visitor’s bikes at the building entrances.

A Good Shed It’s an interesting dichotomy that a building built to help accommodate one era’s boom time, should find itself repurposed in such different economic circumstances. But with its soaring ceilings and lofty spaces, Goods Shed North makes for an exciting and creative new style of workplace, and offers a bold new take on how we can repurpose heritage architecture and existing buildings for the 21st century.

h

“though in the end, through modelling the floor system under pedestrian foot traffic, and by utilising the existing footings, we were able to reduce the number of new piles required and specify the most efficient structural beam sizes possible; which not only minimised costs, but also helped to limit the effect of the vibrations caused by the installation of precast piles on the existing masonry walls."

The building’s age posed additional challenges, including materials used in the original structure, such as cast iron columns, meaning that modern construction techniques, such as welding, could not be used easily. So the structural details had to be creatively designed in order to meet current Australian Standards and not detract from the building’s 'heritage' nature.

One of the biggest concerns for the project team, “related to incorporating all of the services required to achieve the 5-star Green Star design rating within the existing structure.” says Equiset’s Design Manager, Anthony Bortoli. This was largely a result of the introduction of the mezzanine level to the existing shed; which cut into the available ceiling space, reduced the space available to house services, and threatened adequate head heights. The fix for this was lowering the existing ground floor level and, as Fernandes explains, “Tightly controlling the co-ordination of services and structure to accommodate all necessary services.”

Right: A ‘collaboration space’ with stepped seating and staircase in the background. Space on the ground floor is flexible and can be used for conferences and presentations. Recycled products have been used for materials throughout.

Project Planning Development approvals Project structuring Joint venture agreements Planning appeals

Contract Documentation & Administration Design and Construction Contracts Contract delivery systems Claim preparation and defence Advice and Contract Management Extentions of time and acceleration Disruption, delay and variation claims

Dispute Management Negotiation Mediation Adjudication Ligitation

DOYLES CONSTRUCTION LAWYERS Sydney Level 2, 148 Elizabeth St. Sydney NSW 2000

Brisbane Level 8, 239 George St. Sydney QLD 4000

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Phone: (02) 9283 5388 Fax: (02) 9283 8586

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www.doylesconstructionlawyers.com.au Email: doyles@doyleconstruction lawyers.com

sustainability column

The Green Light on Lighting Australia’s Commercial sector is currently responsible for an estimated 50 million tonnes or 10% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions; with commercial buildings alone accounting for the generation of approximately 13 million tonnes, or over a quarter of those emissions.

Lighting usually accounts for 20 to 40% of the electricity bill for most commercial facilities. So if you’re considering options for a refurbishment or fitout, it is well worth doing your homework in the early stages to explore economical lighting options that can reduce both your energy consumption and, in turn, your energy bills as well. There are host of terrific new energy-efficient lighting products on the market now, that can support you in your quest for the right solution.

It’s worth the effort, as sustainable lighting options not only reduce your business’ impact on the environment, they can reduce the impact on your hip pocket as well.

But engaging sustainable lighting options isn’t merely limited to those going through a refurbishment or new office fitout.

These days it’s actually quite easy to consider making changes in existing tenancies as well.

Light Fittings The vast majority of commercial buildings in Australia still contain inefficient twin T8 fluorescent light fittings, which are costing businesses millions of dollars in energy bills and causing unnecessary CO2 outputs. Making the switch from T8 tubes to T5 tubes will reduce both your energy consumption and your energy costs. T5 fluorescent lighting, which consumes approximately 30% less energy than T8 fittings, is currently considered to be world’s best practice in commercial lighting.

As with most sustainable initiatives, there is a higher initial outlay but long-term savings ahead. T5 fittings cost approximately 25% more than T8s, so if a T8 light fitting costs $100, the T5 equivalent will cost you around $125.

With the average 1000m2 floor plate requiring 145 fittings, you can do the maths to see what the additional cost will be and then look forward to energy consumption savings and cost savings moving forward.

Moving on from T5, there is another product now on the market called Envirolite e1, which is still a traditional tube light, but one that uses less than 35 Watts of energy in the time that a T5 uses 64 watts (confirmed by independent testing in Optus Tenancy in South Melbourne).

Engineering tests have also confirmed that these Envirolite e1 lights generate 55% less heat than a T5 fitting. Which reduces the heat load on a building’s air-conditioning system and, in turn, provides additional savings in both energy costs and HVAC expenses.

Circuit Lighting Another initiative is to install circuit lighting so that you only need to turn on lighting in the areas being used. This is a particularly practical solution when you have employees arriving earlier, or leaving later, than the rest; and allows people to light up their individual area without having to light up the entire office space. Circuit lighting can also apply to meeting rooms that are not in use. It’s also possible to take this further and install more sophisticated ‘zoned’ lighting, that uses infrared sensors to engage lights when they detect movement.

Natural Lighting When it comes to office design, maximising the use of natural light can allow you to draw considerably less on conventional 34 www.awardmagazine.com.au

Photo courtesy of Rothelowman

Dimmable, energy-efficient lighting fixtures tied into an automated lighting control system. Sensors measure the natural light levels in the building, and adjust the output of the lighting fixtures accordingly, greatly reducing the energy usage of the fixtures."

energy consuming lighting options. Which, in turn, can have a positive impact on your air-conditioning and mechanical services, offering even further savings. It’s very important to consider natural lighting alternatives during the design phase of a refurbishment or new fitout.

The shift towards sustainable commercial environments is pressing on full speed in Australia, and, as such; the list of successful green star rated projects in the country is continuing to rise. As the lighting component plays a very significant role in green star ratings, it’s important for any new office fitout or refurbishment to consider how their lighting and energy consumption options will become part of that shift to sustainability.

If you’re unsure where to start your journey towards energy conservation there are consultants out there who can help with services such as energy audits, water audits, environmental assessments, carbon footprint analysis, lighting design, renewable energy system design and installation, grants and funding consultancy.

For more information about this article, please visit www.awardmagazine.com.au/featurededitorial

Andrew Holder TDA Interiors

Australasian Head Office 66 Montpelier Road Bowen Hills Queensland 4006 Phone: 07 3872 9900 Fax: 07 3872 9955 E-mail: info@furnituresystems.com.au Web: www.furnituresystems.com.au

TECHNOLOGY column

Technology the Power behind Darling Downs Power Station Project 2,300 tonnes of fabricated steel; the concurrent construction of two major buildings for a new power station; and just 9 months to do it in. It’s a lot to manage, but that’s what Brisbane-based fabricators Steel Fabrications Australia (SFA) took on when they won the contract to provide the structural steel to Origin Energy’s new Power Station in the Darling Downs region of Queensland.

Further to the initial contract, SFA also provided all of the Pipe Racks required by the Power Station for both the transporting of Liquefied Natural Gas and the delivery of steam to the condensation and reclaiming structures.

With such a large task ahead, SFA turned to 3D modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to produce accurate and detailed workshop drawings customised to their needs, and allow the export of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) data and purchasing reports, to assist in the coordination of erectable fabricated steel to the site without delays.

SFA selected Tekla Structures for their BIM software. The software’s 3D modelling clearly highlighted clashes of steel connections, and aided the coordination of other areas of the project. All of which was able to be easily communicated to consultants via the use of screenshots or Public Web. The software also allowed the three main areas of the Power Station (the Gas Turbine Building, the Steam Turbine Building & the Pipe Racks) to be modelled in a single 3D model, which allowed the coordination of all 3 areas to be seamless. The software’s multi-user design allowed the program’s tight timeline to be achieved by allowing multiple modellers to work on different areas of the building simultaneously, allowing the drawings to be edited by multiple draftsmen at the same time. This ensured the project was issued either on, or ahead of time in most cases.

The software also eased the phasing of the project into deliverable components, assisting the production staff in the material ordering required for the fabrication of each phase.

The ease of phasing tasks within the software allowed this to be completed prior to releasing each area for fabrication, which meant the production manager could assess the real time requirements of the project rather than having to make snap judgments months before the modelling even began.

Models in the BIM software were exported in a number of different ways, including; to assist with the coordination of requirements for trades such as the mechanical ducting and pipework; and for providing the client with a 3D DWG format (a drawing file from AutoCad) which was passed onto the trades to ensure that both the connections between the structural steel and the equipment were correct, and that any clashes with the pipework were avoided.

Another piece of software that became invaluable to the project was FabTrol MRP, a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software which allowed SFA to import data from their BIM software, which not only contained a full Document Register and Bill of Materials with phasing, but also linked the assembly/part drawings and CNC data for each of the items to be fabricated. Having all of this information contained in a single database allowed SFA to optimise the process by allowing them to order only the material required for the completed assemblies; track incoming material; track quality 36 www.awardmagazine.com.au

Photo courtesy of DDCJV

The complex steel structure of the Darling Downs Power Station under construction. Phasing the assemblies through BIM software allowed the steel to be ordered, fabricated and delivered in an erectable sequence; which was particularly important, as the fabricator did not handle the rigging.

assurance for each assembly (including delivery to site); and made a wide range of reports available in real time.

Exporting the CNC files from the BIM software and importing them into the MRP software allowed this data to be either used by SFA on their own processing machines, or issued to external plate processing companies. The use of the CNC data saved a large amount of time in programming the machines from drawings, and allowed the data to be simply imported into the machine ready for processing.

Through the combined use of BIM and MRP software, SFA were able to find the following savings for their business; • Importing data from BIM to MRP (estimated at 85-90% time saving for each release of drawings) to obtain doc control and BOM. • Production Tracking approx. 50% saving with retrieving of data from the MRP software and saving approx. 80% of time when requested.

• Purchase order and tracking saving of approx. 60% with less waste of material via MRP optimisation.

• Customisation of BIM to suit the high quality of drawings required by the workshop has enabled the fabrication to follow through the shop with ease.

• Phasing the assemblies through BIM has allowed steel to be ordered and fabricated to ensure delivered steel is in a erectable sequence. Important to this project as Steel Fabrication Australia were not the rigging contractor.

• Clarity of drawings produced from BIM on complex assemblies ensured the accuracy of fabrication.

For more information about this article, please visit www.awardmagazine.com.au/featurededitorial David Hart Steel Fabrications Australia

Market Analysis

By Brooke Barr, BCI Australia

In line with national construction forecasts for 2009, end-year analyses confirm a considerable decrease in construction commencements across the majority of sectors when compared to 2008.

Despite the gloomy conditions, several sectors saw a growth in activity; partly due to increased governmental funding and large-scale projects.

State Analysis

2009 saw November construction commencements more than halve themselves – down to A$4.51 from A$9.84 billion in 2008 – according to BCI Australia data. Though a massive drop for a single month, the trend is in line with on-going predictions that the construction market will shrink by up to 10.8% in 2009/2010, following a 7.6% contraction of the market in 2008/2009.

The breakdown of construction commencements, by dollar value, in each State & Territory for November was: Construction Commencements comparison, by State

• A$1.54 billion in New South Wales • A$711.45 million in Victoria • A$700.38 million in Queensland • A$629.32 million in Western Australia • A$465.25 million in South Australia • A$392.74 million in ACT • A$37.59 million in Northern Territory • A$36.08 million in Tasmania

1st - 30th November 2009

The major projects that influenced construction commencements for the month were: • Rail Clearways – Quakers Hill to Vineyard, NSW, A$432m • Hallet 4 Wind Farm – Belalie East, SA, A$341m • Rhapsody Apartments – St Kilda Rd, VIC, A$200m • Star City Upgrade – Pyrmont, NSW, A$175m • Gold Coast Highway Upgrade – Labrador, QLD, A$149m

Sector Analysis

A comparison of 2008 and 2009’s 3rd Quarter construction commencements clearly show the impact that the government’s stimulus spending has had on the industry, with the infrastructure commencements leading the way – thanks, in large part, to the much anticipated $603 million Eastern Busway in Brisbane.

Education is the other standout sector for the quarter, with the P21 ‘Building the Education Revolution’ scheme seeing a plethora of schools receiving their final funding and commencing construction.

Construction Commencements comparison, by State

The residential sector plummeted from $4,221 million worth of commencements in 2008 down to just $2,043 million in 2009 – the largest drop in any sector. This suggests that developers are continuing to spend conservatively in the wake of the global financial crisis, but also points to the difficulties they are facing in trying to secure building contractors at the moment – many of whom have a deluge of government projects currently on their books.

1st - 30th November 2009 2008

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Utilities

By contrast, utility projects saw a massive increase in the 3rd Quarter of 2009; the largest of any sector by far; with numerous sewerage and water treatment plants, such as the $15 million Barcaldine Pump Station Upgrade, getting underway. | 37

FEATURE PRODUCT SHOWCASE WINDOW FILM

Film Pacific Product Description Eco friendly, cost effective with a high-class appearance window film is the answer for your next project. Window film is applied to the interior or exterior surface of glass windows and doors. Our film has a powerful adhesive on one side that permits secure bonding to the glass. As well as a clear, scratch resistant coating on the outer side preventing the exposed surface from being damaged.

Product Applications Window film can be used for variety of purposes. Film Pacific imports and sells the largest range of window films for, commercial, domestic, safety, security, anti-vandal, anti-graffiti and automotive applications. Additionally we lead the way with a selection of decorative and graphics film.

Product Benefits Some of the benefits for your next project include, reducing energy bills, increasing the energy rating and keeping your costs down. Film Pacific’s solar control films prevent up to 83% of solar heat passing through a glazing system ensuring your project harnesses the ultimate in energy conservation. A buildings internal temperature becomes more stable with less heat escaping in winter or entering the building in summer.

Product Type Night Owl 22 is a new generation of architectural film. Nano particles replace traditional reflective layers creating a film with ultra-low interior reflectivity, high heat rejection, guaranteed durability and excellent glare reduction so your clients get the best possible outcome when night vision is required.

With all the concerns about global warming, it is also nice to know that Night Owl 22 is a green product.

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Easy ways to request additional information on this product

1) Online: awardmagazine.com.au/productdirectory 2) Fax: completed address card at the front of the magazine.

2 38| www.awardmagazine.com.au www.awardmagazine.com.au

FEATURE PRODUCT SHOWCASE TEXTURAL GLASS - THE IMPRESS RANGE

Cydonia Product Description Cydonia the Glass Studio is the leader when it comes to architectural art glass and with this new range of textural glass, incorporating tight lines and precise repetition of pattern, we are world first.

With simple sleek designs, our Impress range of textural glass is able to fit into just about any glass application, keeping a modern look that won’t date.

The Impress range of textures was five years in the making and has had an extra two years since in production.

Proudly Australian owned and made, Cydonia’s textural glass has been exported all over the world.

Product Applications and Features U Cydonia’s Impress range of textural glass incorporates cutting edge technology in glass that has never before been able to be produced.

U The Impress range of textural glass features tight and accurate design that is easily able to be customised to suit your needs.

U Can be used for just about any application where you would use normal, flat glass, however without the need for constant cleaning.

U Without the need for constant cleaning, Cydonia’s Impress range of textural glass is low maintenance and more eco-friendly.

U Gives you privacy while still allows light to be transmitted through.

U Able to be used in commercial and residential spaces.

U For strength and safety, the glass is toughened to Australian Standards and is able to be made using 6mm, 10mm and 12mm thicknesses of glass in a variety of colours.

U Able to be double glazed.

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Easy ways to request additional information on this product

1) Online: awardmagazine.com.au/productdirectory 2) Fax: completed address card at the front of the magazine.

AWARD| 39 |7

ASSOCIATION MATTERS

Let There Be Light In the past, the sun had a central role in illuminating building interiors by day. But with the flick of an electric switch, artificial lighting loomed large in our buildings.

However, there is growing evidence that increased reliance on artificial lighting can have a detrimental impact on occupant health, wellbeing and productivity. Artificial light can influence the natural pattern of our circadian rhythms, leading us to feelings of depression, poor sleep quality, lethargy, and even illness.

With most office workers spending 90% of their days indoors, it’s hardly surprising that the indoor environment quality of buildings – including access to natural light – can impact productivity and performance.

The Heschong Mahone Group has published a number of studies which examine how daylight affects human performance. For instance, a 1999 study of more than 21,000 students found a dramatic correlation between daylit school environments and

student performance, including a 20% faster progression in maths and 26% faster progression in reading.

A 2003 study into office worker performance revealed that workers in call centres processed calls up to 12% faster when they had access to the best possible view versus those with no view. A pleasing view was found to improve mental function and memory recall of office workers by up to 25%, and they were the least likely to report negative health symptoms.

A further Heschong Mahone study into the affects of daylight in the retail environment found that the value of the energy savings from natural light was far overshadowed by the value of the predicted increase in sales. “By the most conservative estimate, the profit from increased sales associated with daylight is worth at least 19 times more than the energy savings, and more likely, may be worth 45-100 times more than the energy savings,” the report found.

Access to daylight is not just a

productivity booster. One 2005 study into the effect of sunlight on patients undergoing spinal surgery found that lighter and brighter rooms in hospitals contributed to stress reduction and that patients experienced less pain and used less analgesic medicine. Another study at the Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre in Canada found that depressed patients in sunny rooms recovered 15 per cent faster than those in darker rooms.

Clearly, applying simple green building practices, such as providing access to natural light, can have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing, mental function and productivity.

The Green Building Council’s Green Star environmental rating tools encourage and recognise designs that provide good levels of daylight for building users.

Romilly Madew Chief Executive, Green Building Council of Australia

Time to Focus on the Future The Australian Constructors Association’s recently published Construction Outlook report (October 2009), has forecast tough conditions for the engineering and commercial construction sectors over the next two years.

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and its aftermath have impacted every sector of the market. And although we now appear to be on the road to recovery, and many would describe the current stage of the economic cycle as the “quiet time” in reality, it’s the time where our industry as a whole should start looking to the future.

For example, the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia, has formed an alliance with Engineers Australia, the Association of Consulting Engineers, the Australian Academy of Technology, Science and Engineering and the Australian Council of Engineering Deans to address the problem of Australia’s national engineering capacity and its costs, in terms of lost opportunity, national productivity and international competitiveness.

This Taskforce will be working on a suite of projects to explore and analyse 40 www.awardmagazine.com.au

supply, demand and skills formation issues by industry/sector, co-ordinate best practice solutions, and develop new policy proposals in education, the labour market, and migration.

The Federal Government has also established a National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce that has been charged with developing a comprehensive plan to assess skill needs and to deliver the large number of skilled workers required in the resources sector over the next several years.

In recent weeks the Federal Government also announced increased support for apprentice commencements over the coming summer. This is a very positive and timely initiative that will ensure that the mistakes of past downturns aren’t repeated.

A healthy Australian economy is reliant on a strong skills base and in the past the construction industry has too often let its investment in training decline during downturns.

That invariably results in skills shortages that cost the economy dearly as we struggle to achieve equilibrium in the labour market during the years of recovery.

Whilst it is generally acknowledged that the productivity and performance of the Australian construction industry is extremely high by international standards, the industry does have an image problem – one with unstable employment prospects, an aggressive and sometimes hostile work environment, an aggressive commercial environment and questionable health and safety performance.

It is important therefore that we all ensure the legacy of the GFC is a positive one for those who will be expected to meet the nation’s construction challenges over the next 20 years.

Our collective goal, as; employers, clients, employees, unions, designers, subcontractors and suppliers; should be to develop a stable, professional, high-performance industry that is attractive to young people seeking long-term careers, and to clients and other investors looking for a stable industrial environment and professional execution skills.

Jim Barrett Executive Director Australian Constructors Association

ASSOCIATION MATTERS

ACEA Launches "Sydney Towards Tomorrow" Report Sydney is an international city with a vibrant culture, strong business and economic opportunities and a diverse community.

However, Sydney’s infrastructure needs (particularly transport infrastructure) have not kept pace with the rate of population growth within the Sydney basin, or with the needs and expectations of the community or industry. This trend is not only set to continue, but if we are to prepare adequately for the future, the ACEA Infrastructure Roundtable contends that Sydney should be planning now for the infrastructure required for a larger population target.

Sydney Towards Tomorrow has been developed to provide thought leadership, promote community debate and prompt more integrated and thorough planning, so that Sydney might live up to the vision of being the world’s most liveable city with a population of 10+ million by 2050. It has provided a forum for innovative thinkers from across a wide range of engineering and consulting firms to develop a plan for Sydney (the Newcastle/Sydney/Wollongong conurbation) as the ‘City of Cities’. The

plan integrates sustainability into infrastructure planning to provide a robust strategy to respond to the challenges, which is flexible and adaptable to the uncertainty of the future while maintaining Sydney as a vibrant community.

Sydney Towards Tomorrow identifies key priorities that will help to address Sydney’s future infrastructure requirements. It advises and recommends the policy, planning and regulatory reforms required to help protect Sydney’s future growth and prosperity. Its strategic focus is on urban planning integration and transport infrastructure rather than providing a list of infrastructure priorities for Sydney.

The report details five key recommendations; 1. One Plan for Sydney - Focus on quality medium density urban forms within the existing urban footprint and high density around existing transport corridors and nodes. This means an increased focus on urban consolidation and less focus on fringe development. Live, work, play communities delivered by a structure planning process that brings

together all elements of infrastructure in a single spatial strategy; 2. Infrastructure that delivers carbon neutrality to Sydney via both shortterm sustainability based procurement and longer-term sustainable planning; 3. Abolish the transport tax base and introduce a user pays system; 4. Consolidate local urban councils from 42 to 11 (in the Sydney Basin) and one regional council for each of Newcastle, Illawarra and the Central Coast; and 5. Reform governance structures so that there is one body responsible for the policy, planning, safety and funding of transport infrastructure management, development, maintenance and operation across all modes.

A copy of the report can be accessed from the ACEA homepage.

Megan Motto Chief Executive Association of Consulting Engineers Australia

Persistence Ensures Privacy for Landlords and Tenants While the Property Council supports the central parts of the Valuation of Land Amendment Bill 2009, we have consistently highlighted its flaws. We initially expressed our concerns in our submission to the discussion paper, The Future Direction of Rating Authority Valuations in Victoria. The Property Council also conveyed these concerns directly to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Gavin Jennings MLC. The Bill gives the Valuer General the ability to establish and maintain a central data base (valuation record), and information on this record could be disclosed and sold to the public. If enacted, this will erode the privacy of owners and tenants as they would have to supply a range confidential “source” data that pertains to Capital Improved Valuations (CIV) and Net Annual Value (NAV) on the record. At present, this source information is provided to municipal authorities but is kept confidential.

Additionally, no other States or Territories disclose source information that is part of CIV and NAV. The Victorian Valuer General confirmed that neither will Victoria. However, the Bill is not clear on this point and this has been our central concern. Based on this, the Property Council has constantly advocated for an amendment to exclude CIV and NAV source data from the valuation record.

Through persistent advocacy to the Victorian government, and after engaging the other political parties, the Property Council sought an assurance from Minister Jennings to address this uncertainty with the Bill.

Minister Gavin Jennings affirmed that it is important for the property industry to have a high degree of certainty and safeguards in place. The Property Council’s amendment will not change valuers' powers, set out in the Valuation of Land Act 1960 to obtain source information from tenants and landlords,

and makes no change to the range of source data that valuers require.

This means that property descriptions and valuations will be available on the valuation record. Significantly, “source” data” (such as retails sales, annual turnovers, tenancy, and leasing information) will not be included on the statewide valuation record.

The Minister will introduce a change to the legislation making it clear that any confidential “source” information relating to CIV and NAV will not be included on the valuation record. The Property Council appreciates Minister Jennings’s recognition of our long held position and in correcting this anomaly. This will protect the privacy of landlords and tenants.

Jennifer Cunich Executive Director Property Council of Australia (Victoria) | 41

ASSOCIATION MATTERS

Precast Activities to Focus on Education in 2010 Officially declared in February 2008, the National Code of Practice for Precast, Tilt-up and Concrete Elements in Building Construction is now being progressively adopted in all State jurisdictions.

To help the industry understand the requirements of the new Code, National Precast is running two new half-day workshops in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney through May and June of 2010.

The first workshop is called ‘Precast + Safety: Designing for Safety Using the National Code’, and has been developed for engineers, builders and precast manufacturers.

Attendees will learn how to plan for the erection design of a building using precast; identify the responsibilities of those involved in the planning process from design through to erection; analyse risks in erection design, planning and construction; recognise safe handling practices from manufacture to installation; and identify the documentation and

42 Award www.awardmagazine.com.au

legislation used in erection design and construction.

Topics include duty holder responsibilities, proposed penalties, design, risk management, handling, storage and transport and the effect of construction on existing structures.

The second workshop is called ‘Precast + Safety: Erecting with Safety Using the National Code’, and is aimed at builders, erectors and precast manufacturers.

Attendees will learn how to identify the responsibilities of those involved in the planning process from design through to erection, as well as how to implement safe erection processes and recognise the safety factors of erecting precast.

Topics include duty holder responsibilities, proposed penalties and the stages of the erection process (including planning, safe work method statements, bracing and propping, superimposed loads and levelling shims).

In addition to these workshops, National Precast will also continue to

run its successful one-day seminars ‘Introduction to Precast for Structural Engineers’ for less experienced engineers and those who wish to build their skills about precast concrete.

On top of the busy education programme, National Precast will also continue on with its other activities, including continuing to sell the new (edition 2) Precast Concrete Handbook; developing new Standard Walling & Flooring Detailing Manuals and a new Recommended Practice for the Design, Manufacture & Installation of Sandwich Panels; producing its quarterly National Precaster publication; participating on several Australian Standards Committees; and exhibiting at the major national construction industry exhibitions, Form & Function and Designbuild.

Sarah Bachmann National Precast Concrete Association Australia

SWAN SERVICES

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