Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
From concept design, the team pursued a structural strategy that minimised steel and maximised timber. The building’s primary structural framing is entirely timber, with steel used only for the external veranda columns and beams. The hall’s beams and columns are Victorian glue-laminated timber from third-party certified forests, visibly expressed and detailed to celebrate their structure.
Externally, durable materials such as Zincalume cladding and painted brick were selected for their longevity and low maintenance. Internally, Australian plywood sheeting creates a warm, tactile surface suited to heavy community use while reducing the need for synthetic finishes. Connections within the structural timber frame were designed for disassembly, allowing reuse of components at the end of the building’s life.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Simple passive strategies, including orientation, stack ventilation, shading, and insulation, enable the hall to be naturally lit and cooled, avoiding the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. A dense canopy of native trees to the north provides additional natural shading.
Renewable systems integrated into the building’s operation include solar panels, battery storage, and a heat pump. Hydronic underfloor heating provides gentle warmth in winter, while ceiling fans recirculate air and enhance comfort year-round. A multi-cell insulated polycarbonate walling system along the southern elevation delivers diffused daylight and thermal efficiency, further reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control.
The project also incorporates rainwater collection and stormwater detention, alongside EV charging points to support low-emission transport.
Afterlife
The design was guided by an asset life target of more than 80 years, set out in Randwick Council’s project brief. Longevity and adaptability were embedded from the outset through robust, low-maintenance materials and a flexible internal layout capable of supporting diverse community uses.
Material selections and connection detailing were approached with end-of-life reuse in mind — particularly within the timber structure, which can be dismantled and repurposed. By replacing a dilapidated 1950s steel-framed hall with a new, durable, and more sustainable facility, the project demonstrates a circular mindset grounded in durability, reuse, and stewardship of the site’s existing ecological assets.
