The National Trade Union State Branch Headquarters at 385 St Paul’s Terrace needed a better working environment for a variety of office divisions.

This project was conceived as a non-traditional corporate fit-out of an existing 1980’s building. The retaining of the existing structure and refurbishment of the building was a key sustainability strategy. Further sustainability was pursued with the introduction of a two-storey atrium, internal planters, an external green wall, reduced energy consumption measures, recycling of building materials and water harvesting.

The aim of the overall performance of the building was a 5 star NABERS Whole Building Energy rating.

The existing 1980s office building presented significant spatial potential, but the deep plan of the building presented particular challenges with providing office space that was afforded the opportunity of natural light and aspects to the outside.

Peeling back the pre-existing partitioning and ceiling fabric allowed the original architecture to be exposed. This in turn provided sectional relief, spatial definition and hierarchy across the open floor plan.

INITIATIVES

  • Retention, not demolition of existing structure
  • Increased natural lighting to all office areas with the introduction of a balcony area and a two-storey atrium
  • Improved indoor environment quality through low VOC materials and finishes; increased outdoor air-rates; mixed mode HVAC to non-office areas; internal planting; and access to an outdoor common area (balcony)
  • Reduced energy consumption through planning focus on stairs, not lifts; low-energy plant and equipment; daylight and motion sensor controls; rooftop photovoltaic Array
  • Reduced water consumption through low flow fittings and fixtures and rainwater tanks for irrigation and toilets.