The new AusAid Headquarters is located on the southern edge of the CBD on London Circuit in an office building of 11,000m2 built over six-storeys with a central core. The sloping site allowed for an above ground service area on Allara Street and two levels of parking below ground. The service area provides for a landscape open space at the London Circuit level.
The form of the AusAid building is a compact and highly efficient plan configuration with a central core, and a unified external building system. The dark grey tinted all-glass façade is shaded on the street frontage by external metal sunscreens. Due to the orientation of the London Circuit façade the sunscreens function equally well in a horizontal or vertical arrangement, achieving a striking composition and forming a focal point and entry marker. The black and white composition is sympathetic to the adjacent building and the limited use of colour and expression supports the object-like quality of the new building. The all-glass exterior allows for maximum outlook from a location affording wonderful close-up and long distance views, as well as having provided simplicity of construction, low maintenance and ongoing energy performance. The building has received a five star ABGR rating.
The entrance is marked by a two-storey cantilever and change in sunscreen dimensions and the lobby interior is given memorable identity by a highly textured ceiling that integrates the many services and provides open area to allow the chilled beam system to function effectively. The white ceiling and black void above, the dark grey stone flooring and other materials carry the black and white palette into the central lift and stair core, where a glazed “open” stair creates a visual connection through the entire building to encourage internal movement and casual meeting.
A roof terrace, marked by a projecting white trellis of cantilevered beams that “break” the geometrically rigid mass, provides a recreational area with spectacular views.
Key ESD Features:
• Use of non-recycled outdoor air system with 150% greater fresh air than conventional buildings • Use of passive chilled-beam technology for greater comfort and reduction of energy consumption by over 30% to the commonwealth standard of 4.5 star ABGR • Tapware minimises water consumption • Stormwater collection and re-use for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing • Recycling of over 80% of construction waste • Centrally located building waste facility with space for recycling provisions • Materials with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) use throughout • Façade design that maximises usable daylight while minimising heat losses and gains through appropriate high performance glazing selection and appropriate shading devices • All refrigerants have an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero • Secure cycle storage space, associated lockers and showers to promote use of bicycles • Use of 100% recycled or sustainable timber
