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Starting with a blank canvas provides an ideal opportunity to explore a new generation of sustainable design initiatives, which was precisely the brief given to the sustainable building design consultancy for Bendigo Bank.

Peter Mathieson, sustainable buildings manager for Connell Wagner, says the company relished the opportunity to contribute to a project that would raise the bar for commercial office design.

"Connell Wagner was invited to join the Bligh Voller Nield architectural team right from the start, helping to prepare for the tender. But for us, the most exciting aspect was the bank's progressive outlook.

"The bank wanted to demonstrate world best practice in sustainable office design, which, at the time, was uncharted territory the Green Star rating tools were still in development."

Mathieson says the Bendigo Bank building needed be an exemplar project one that required a whole new mindset for both the bank and its stakeholders.

"We were quite adamant on the need for a change in the whole ethos of building design and construction," he says. "There is little doubt, when it comes to environmental factors, if we keep doing what we have been doing even if we dress it up a little we will still have a problem. This project provided an opportunity to totally rethink the way we design and build for sustainability from the ground up."

Mathieson says Connell Wagner was impressed by Bligh Voller Nield's strong advocacy and by Bendigo Bank's socially responsible outlook both in its acceptance of the need for change and its decision to retain a regional headquarters, rather than move to the state capital.

"It is well known that regional assets do not have the same value placed on them as those in the larger cities. But we were fortunate for this project that neither cost nor time was sacrificed, which meant we could ensure every element met the requirement for environmental, social and economic sustainability."

Key sustainable design features include under-floor air (UFA) conditioning, an environmentally responsive facade (double glazing, sunshades, automated blinds), rainwater collection, and the installation of a recycling water treatment plant to treat black and grey water.

For details, contact Connell Wagner (Vic), 60 Albert Rd, Level 12, South Melbourne, Vic 3205, phone (03) 9697 8333. Website: www.connellwagner.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas