Eclipse Tower, the latest commercial development project by joint venture partners Leighton Properties and Grosvenor Fund Management Australia, has been designed by Fitzpatrick+Partners to provide 25,700 square metres of new office space to Parramatta.

At a height of 88 metres (19 storeys), the $170M tower, which is being constructed by John Holland, is understood to be the tallest commercial building in the Parramatta CBD.

Image: Fitzpatrick + Partners

Anthony Lombardo, Head of Office Development at Grosvenor Fund Management Australia believes that for many companies there is a genuine strategic need to be located in close proximity to Western Sydney in order to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities in the dynamic region.

“We have a strong commitment to the commercial evolution of the Parramatta CBD, and thanks to the building’s proximity to key transport links, entertainment and recreation hubs, it will also provide an enhanced work and life balance for workers,” said Mr Lombardo.

Fitzpatrick and Partners, who won Parramatta’s first design competition under the Parramatta City Council’s new City Centre Plan, designed the tower. Director Nick Sissons said the firm wanted to create something remarkable to not only win the design competition but also set a new standard in architecture for the city.

Image: Eclipse Tower

Project Description

The design solution for the site has resulted in a simple geometric form generated from?a half ellipse. The shape simultaneously allows a widening towards the Northern end of the floor plate to capture key views and light and contraction towards the Southern end where the core tucks neatly and efficiently into the curvature of the ellipse.

There are essentially two facades:

  • The East, West and South facades are one continuous curved skin, which is discreetly treated with solar controlled frit patterns, which subtly change and merge in response to the activities within.
  • The North facade responds to the northerly sun angles with external horizontal louvers to provide passive shading.

The main building entry is recessed to form a generous plaza on the Northern side, prompting activation of the ground floor retail spaces, including a café and possibly a?child care centre. A curved wall leading towards the expressed lift core within defines the commercial lobby space.

The Southern core space is highly efficient, mainly through the use of a single all-floor lift bank. Lifts open directly onto the open floor plate, providing a high degree of visibility through the office spaces out to the view. The core is designed to conceal all of the essential building services, such as goods lift lobbies, toilets and riser cupboards.

Image: Eclipse tower

Sustainability and Materials

  • Low temperature VAV systems to serve the core zones
  • 6 Destination Control Lifts providing an energy saving vertical transportation system
  • High performance glass façade with a combination of frit patterning and external sun shades to control heat load entering the building without limiting natural light
  • Minimisation of PVC materials
  • All timber used in the building will be sourced from either re-used timbers or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber
  • Using construction materials from renewable sources or with a high recycled content
  • Target of 80% of construction waste to be recycled
  • Provision of 5 Star WELS rated hydraulic fittings and fixtures
  • Rainwater tank capable of harvesting 75,000L of water for flushing of toilets and urinals

Due for completion in August 2012, the building is registered for a Green Star Office Design v2 rating and is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating.

Image: Eclipse Tower