Construction is underway on what is to be Australia’s first carbon neutral building at the former Carlton United Brewery (CUB) site in the heart of Melbourne.
The cutting-edge 'Pixel' building was designed by Melbourne practice Studio 505, with engineering services by Umow Lai and structural engineering by VDM.
Speaking at the launch of construction today, Victorian planning minister Justin Madden said the Pixel building to be built by Grocon was the next stage of the precinct renewal program.
“I have no doubt its leading-edge design will be replicated in future developments in Australia and throughout the world,” Madden said.
“This once derelict site is fast becoming a vibrant precinct in Melbourne’s CBD, showcasing what can be achieved when sustainable building practices meet the latest in design technology.
The former brewery site has been the “missing piece” in the northern part of the city, Madden said.
The four-storey building to be built on the corner of Queensbury and Bouverie Streets was approved by Madden as the responsible authority in January 2009, under the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
Grocon, which has invested $6 million in the building, is aiming to achieve 6-Star Greenstar rating.
State minister for environment and climate change, Gavin Jennings, congratulated Grocon for its leadership in sustainable design and innovation.
“By improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of our homes, commercial and industrial buildings and community facilities, we can improve our liveability and reduce running costs, as well as reducing our impact on the environment,” Jennings said.
“Green building design and construction will be an industry of the future and drive the creation of new green jobs and skills."
In February this year, Madden granted a planning permit for the first stage of the redevelopment that will create 200 construction jobs to undertake the development of the RMIT Design Hub, a landmark research facility at the former CUB site.
Images © Studio 505
