Auditorium Office Space & Meetings
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
Library Archive Conference Room Ablutions Vertical Circulation
UPPER FLOOR PLAN
vertical circulation and serves as a common foyer for the auditorium , conference facility , meeting rooms , library and archive . The atrium is therefore an activated and flexible social space at the heart of the building , which forms part of a ground floor plane that houses all communal facilities . The upper floors are dedicated to access controlled , open-plan office space with kitchens and ablutions on each level . The office space is entirely flexible , allowing it to be adapted as the occupants ’ space requirements may change over time .
The Green Building is designed to enhance the feeling of transparency and a sense of community . This is achieved by strategically locating all shared facilities on the ground floor , which encourages movement through the building and a sense of collective ownership of all spaces . Balconies are provided on the upper floors , and landscaped courtyards on the ground floor .
The Green Building is among the first government owned buildings to achieve a 5-star GreenStar rating . From the outset , the professional team subscribed to the philosophy that sustainable design was not merely an option , but an absolute necessity , necessitated by increased energy costs and water scarcity .
The building achieved its efficiencies primarily through passive design . This included optimised orientation , appropriately proportioned glazing , filtered natural daylight , well-considered acoustic design and a water use strategy that recycles all waste water in a fully organic recycling plant , and captures all storm water in bio-retention ponds . All water is used at least twice before entering the municipal system . This results in the Green Building using significantly less water and energy than conventional buildings , which is is in line with the Department ’ s
110 % Green Initiative The ventilation system allows for greater user control , and has filters to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria . The use of electric cars is encouraged , with the provision of dedicated parking bays close to the building entrance . The provision of bicycle parking and shower facilities promotes a healthier , non-motorised means of commuting to and from work .
The Northern façade comprises floor-to-ceiling glazing , with a layer of horizontally slatted screens to control glare and heat gain , whilst ensuring uninterrupted views of the surroundings . The Southern façade , which is more prone to winter heat loss and exposure to the harsh east and west sun , comprises tall , narrow , double-glazed panels , recessed in between brick fins . The brick fins provide the necessary protection from the east and west sun .
508 The Green Building