Leading Light

The push towards environmentally responsible commercial office design is ongoing, and growing. Foresight and an extensive industry background are perhaps the most important factors in anticipating what tenants, the government, and the practicalities of developing and constructing an eco-friendly building all require. When like-minded, experienced developers put their heads together, the results are likely to be good for all parties concerned the planet included.

This sleek, ecologically responsive commercial office tower, 235 St Georges Terrace, is set in the inner-city garden enclave of Bishops See, Perth. Developed by Western Australia property development and investment group Hawaiian and joint venture partner Brookfield Multiplex Developments Australia, the eco-friendly tower block has recently been awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating for office design the first of its kind in WA.

Both Hawaiian and Brookfield Multiplex have earned a name in sustainable building design for past projects. The success of 235 St Georges Terrace in achieving the sought-after Green Star rating, together with rapidly filled tenancies, is further testimony to the multifaceted ecological focus of these companies.

Hawaiian is a Western Australia-based property investment and development group. Its diverse portfolio includes the development and management of high-end commercial, retail and hospitality properties across Australia. The forward-looking company has already achieved the first 4-Star Green Star office design rating for an existing commercial building, with the refurbishment of 50 Pitt Street in the heart of Sydney's financial precinct.

Venture partner on this project, Brookfield Multiplex also has a well-respected name in the sustainable building industry. The company is a fully integrated property and funds management business with activities in commercial, retail and residential property development, construction, management services and infrastructure. The new 235 St Georges Terrace project is the latest Brookfield Multiplex project to achieve a landmark Green Star rating. Others include the Melbourne Convention Centre the world's first 6-Star Green Star-rated convention centre and the Justice Building at Sydney's Parramatta Justice Precinct, the first NSW government building to achieve a 5-Star Green Star rating. In addition, Brookfield was responsible for the Deloitte Centre in Auckland, New Zealand's first 5-Star Green Star-rated commercial building.

Given the joint-venture companies' pedigrees, it is not surprising that 235 St Georges Terrace has attracted green building accolades. The building's design has been approached holistically and has clearly definable differences from other commercial office tower developments. Green initiatives touch on every aspect of the building starting with orientation.

The building is oriented so the main axis runs from east to west with external shading to the west and east elevations. High performance, low-e double glazing brings further control over the sun's rays. Keeping a structure cool in summer and warm in winter by ecologically responsible means is at the heart of any Green Star initiative. The nine-level office tower also has a low-temperature, variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning system, significantly reducing fan energy, as well as water-cooled, high-efficiency, oil-free magnetic bearing chillers coupled with oversized cooling towers. There is also variable volume car park ventilation.

Other green elements include a grey water system that utilises sink and shower water discharge for toilet flushing, the first such design approved in a commercial building in WA, and the use of high-efficiency T5 lighting throughout the building.

Part of the holistic approach is encouraging tenants as well as building designers to think green. Bicycle storage, showers and lockers have all been provided.

The greater area is also part of the reason for the tower's quickly filled tenancies. Bishops See is on the doorstep of several transport links in and out of the city and its heritage-preserved garden is a great amenity.

Green Building Council Australia's chief executive Romilly Madew confirms that Perth's first 5-Star Green Star rated building sets an important precedent in WA.

"The Australian property industry has clearly embraced green building it is no longer a niche market," says Madew. "235 St Georges Terrace is clear evidence of the shared commitment of Hawaiian and Brookfield Multiplex to lead the way in sustainable building development."

For details, contact Hawaiian, Ground Floor, 235 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, phone (08) 9426 8888. Website: www.hawaiian.com.au.

Or contact Brookfield Multiplex, The Old Swan Brewery, 173 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000, phone (08) 9483 0899. Website: www.brookfieldmultiplex.com.

Story by: Trendsideas