Raising the benchmark

Building a business park from scratch providesan ideal opportunity to push the design boundaries. It's also an opportunity to incorporate the latest technology, materials and environmental design concepts.

For Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn (DJAS) architects, being involved with the Brindabella Business Park from the beginning allowed the company to develop a master plan for the entire park. Director Alistair Swayn says the company was able to develop a series of buildings, all on a similar scale, using the same design language.

The new buildings share the trademark Brindabella aesthetic of open-plan, studio-style office accommodation with high ceilings, exposed structures and services.

Swayn says the design acknowledges the proximity of the airport.

"The offices reflect the high level of technology used in aircraft design," he says. While all the buildings have metal deck roofs, structural steelwork and external cladding of composite aluminium panels, each building is differentiated through the use of colour and design elements."

Swayn says 14 & 16 Brindabella Circuit was designed to maximise the use of natural light. The teal-coloured building consists of two four-level mezzanine office wings, each more than 5000m².

"The predominantly Alucobond panelled structure has a transparent feel, enhanced by the use of exposed beams, air ducts and lift shafts, as well as a vast exposed linking structure between the two wings."

Swayn says energy efficiency was a design priority for all the buildings. Offices at 14-16 Brindabella Circuit feature double-glazed windows and crinkle-cut sunshades to protect the northern and western walls from summer heat and winter heat loss. Induction air conditioning systems and the use of a central services core are other features that result in large cost savings.

At 18 & 20 Brindabella Circuit, skylights above the atrium maximise the use of natural light. Mechanical sun-shading systems help reduce the reliance on air conditioning, while hydronic radiant heating and cooling in the concrete floor slabs at the perimeter, offsets the external effects of high and low ambient temperatures.

For more information, contact Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn, 49 Jardine St, Kingston, ACT 2604, phone (02) 6295 2000. Email: aswayn@djas.com.au. Website: www.daryljackson.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas