Located in the inner-Eastern Perth suburb of Welshpool, Sanwell's new headquarters presents a contemporary language whilst respecting the surrounding industrial precinct aesthetic, proposing a complex, sustainable solution to a constantly evolving and challenging brief.
The close collaboration between architect and client led to a radical re-imagining of the typical tilt-up industrial office, resulting in a dynamic split level, cantilevered office structure wrapped in permeable aluminium brise soleil.
This form explores the proposition of how a commercial office can sit harmoniously and responsively within its staunchly industrial context, while simultaneously maintaining a deep awareness of sustainable design principles.
KEY INITIATIVES
- Brise soleil shading system - perforated facade allowing views and removing 70% of direct sunlight
- 30kW photovoltaic panels - powers building and site during sunlit hours - batteries to be added inner future as technology improves (with zones allowed for)
- High level operable louvres
- Composite insulated roof panelling with appropriate overhang
- Landscaping - Deciduous trees around exterior for added solar shading in summer months. Low maintenance natives around building perimeter to protect from low angled sun
- Low-water requirement vegetation
- Electrically operated high level window systems - both awning windows and louvres used facing prevailing winds for maximised cross-ventilation
- Off-grid water treatment
- Structural Systems - the upper floors have perimeter structure only, allowing for maximum reconfiguring of the plan in the future
- Reverse brick veneer to lower levels
- Thermal mass - Concrete slabs and part structure supporting upper floors
- End of trip facilities to encourage the use of sustainable methods of transport - showers, incorporated bike racking, lockers, drying areas
- 150mm thick sandwich panel roofing
- Flexible, dynamic and technological design solutions to maximize building longevity
