Passive effective

There are two ways to bring energy efficiency to a design project. One, jump in with a cheque book to buy the latest high-tech solutions going. Or, two, think through ways in which orientation, shape, and simple design elements can let nature step in and lend a hand.

Connell Wagner is one of Asia Pacific's largest and most experienced multi-disciplinary consulting practices. The company provides planning, surveying, engineering and project management services to a broad range of commercial enterprises.

However, in a competitive construction environment, it can be brain power, not man power, that wins the day and the project shown here illustrates this point.

Connell Wagner worked closely with Spowers Architects' design team to introduce a raft of energy-efficient solutions for the new MFB Burnley complex, says Connell Wagner's sustainable buildings manager Peter Mathieson. Solid, pragmatic engineering practices underpinned all their decisions.

"Several integral design features provided smart, cost-effective solutions to controlling energy in the facility," Mathieson says. "The entire conventional building orientation was reversed on this project. Offices are pushed to the south of the building, which runs east to west, while a circulation corridor along the northern side provides a buffer from the hot northern sun obviating the need for extensive overhangs and air conditioning to keep the offices cool."

The air conditioning that was required is hidden from sight in ducting built into the concrete floor slabs. This avoided the need for service ceilings, and allowed for exposure of the finished concrete soffit so valuable for thermal buffering and passive energy control.

"Water recycling was yet another measure achieved through close team collaboration," he says. "Never mind the trickle lost from conventional tapware, we have recycled thousands of megalitres of fire fighting training water by directing it into the landscaping. This in turn filters it naturally before gravity takes it to an underground storage tank for reuse later."

For further information on Connell Wagner, phone (03) 8683 1333. Website: www.conwag.com.

Story by: Trendsideas