18
VISION 27 — THE OCTAGON
Which is really such a big and important part of The Block,
isn’t it?
It’s the big story of The Block on a number of levels and the
most basic one is that we’re constantly doing adaptive
reuse of existing buildings. There’s some really good stories
too with environmental and sustainable design, whether
that’s adaptive reuse or products introduced on this show.
We’re achieving terrific energy ratings too—through the
roof. It’s a big part of an unsung story. Four series of The
Block ago we had one of Melbourne’s first 8-Star buildings.
That was a bit of a coup for us, and at the time Matthew
Guy the then Planning Minister launched the Open for
Inspections. We’re still achieving those kind of ratings and
it’s become a standard for us and we’re lucky enough to
continue that. We mightn’t always hit it, but we’re getting
way above what’s needed. Once you’re beyond 8-stars and
heading towards 10…!
Adaptive reuse gives you a huge advantage over building
from scratch.
Adaptive reuse is a massive component of the star-rating
system. We have to try and hit the performance criteria
hard with insulation, low VOC carpets and you name it,
paints, light fittings, water usage, water recycling, water
harvesting, anything to do with the air conditioning.
We really follow through quite aggressively.
And yet you ensure designs that appear sharp rather
than dowdy Green.
I liken it to the cool guy walking down the street with the
flares and the retro parka, a crazy beanie and out-there
sunglasses. You think: “I want that look. That perks my
interest”. That’s the opportunity presented with this
building. We’ve really been able to have fun with this. The
outside of the building is a testament to that, because each
segment of the octagon appears like a fresh new building.
That results from this stretching of the building without
losing the building form. Each component has a different
appearance that corresponds to its orientation and use.
Above & Right Design individuality, rather than repetition
is rewarded with diverse personalities revealed within
the base building fabric.