Reddog Architects called on simple and cost-effective ESD principles for its Gotha Street Fitout project in Brisbane, Queensland.

The firm’s new office accommodates 12 people within informal work and meeting areas, a formal boardroom, bathroom amenities, print room, kitchen/breakout space and storage. This is a significant sustainable upgrade from the existing building.

An 'as much as necessary' approach underpinned decisions regarding the existing building to ensure alterations and additions were responsive to the surrounding context. Building fabric and mechanical systems were recycled and recommissioned to minimise waste and passive ventilation. Lighting was maximised through the installation of operable glazing to minimise ongoing operating costs.

Passive design principles were significant drivers of the project and the architects chose operable glazing on opposing exterior walls to provide cross-ventilation and daylighting through the plan, and skylights to provide additional lighting to the internalised areas of the plan.

Minimal changes were made to existing primary structural elements and glazing on the front façade, existing services and mechanical ventilation systems were refurbished and recommissioned to be used in addition to natural ventilation when necessary.

Joinery from the existing fitout and from the previous Reddog Architects premises was relocated and repurposed where possible.

The need for artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation has been minimised due to extensive operable glazing, which maximise daylighting and cross ventilation. Ceiling fans are utilised in the summer months and air-conditioning use is minimal resulting in little ongoing costs and environmental impact.

The planning and design of the workspace and furniture accommodates a range of activity and flexible configurations. Positioning fixed storage and services located around the perimeter has allowed the office to continually adapt to the needs of different projects.

KEY INTIATIVES

  • Re-use and re-commissioning of existing building fabric and mechanical services to minimise waste
  • Passive ventilation and lighting strategies enhance occupant comfort and minimise need for mechanical ventilation and lighting
  • Flexible work and meeting space accommodates a range of activity
  • Considered material selection designed to minimise carbon footprint and environmental impact

PRODUCTS

PLYWOOD 
AUSTRAL, BENDY PLY

MDF
LAMINEX, E0 MDF

CUSTOM CARPET TILES
ONTERA

FANS
BIG ASS FANS, HAIKU 84

SKYLIGHTS
SKYDOME SKYLIGHT SYSTEMS, SKYTUBE INTECH

LIGHTING
LED LIGHTS (SOLIS R4, LOGIKLINE P1, LOGIKLINE P3, LOGIKLINE P4), LUMEN8

PAINTS
DULUX, LOW VOC PAINTS (PROFESSIONAL ENVIRO2, WASH AND WEAR 101)