An architect’s first built project and a 6 star Green Star commercial project in Melbourne are among the winners at the 2008 BPN Environ Sustainability Awards.
Winners of the Awards were announced at a gala presentation at the Australian Museum, November 13 and attended by over 120 people.
The BPN Environ Sustainability Awards recognise building professionals who are leading the way to a more sustainable future, with this year’s awards featuring one category with joint winners.
The Awards were judged by a panel with a wealth of experience and knowledge about sustainable design. They include Dick Clarke, principal at Envirotecture, Caitlin McGee, research principal at the Institute of Sustainable Futures, and Deo Prasad, director of the Sustainable Development Program at the University of New South Wales.
Winners include:
Single Dwelling (New): Hill House by Warwick Mihaly Architects
The house in Victoria has a 6 star energy rating and is Mihaly’s first built project. Initiatives include 54 photovoltaics to enable zero electricity demand on the grid. Judges said: “This project reduces the environmental impact across a broad range of categories and has an excellent integration of environmental and technical sustainability and aesthetics.”
Single Dwelling (Alterations & Extensions): Breathe Architecture for Doll House
Since completion, energy consumption at the two-storey apartment with artist’s studio and gallery has been reduced to one third of the original. Judges said: “There was an innovative use of materials, particularly in regard to the minimalist aesthetic that avoids unnecessary finishes and linings.”
Low to Medium Density Residential: Eeles Trelease Architects for Cardita Apartments
The four-storey development in Little Bay, Sydney, is part of Landcom’s development on the former Prince Henry Hospital site and comprises 64 apartments. Judges said: “With the bar set high by Landcom at the start of the project, it is pleasing to see all the project goals achieved in such an effective and tight package.”
High Density Residential: Mirvac for Cambridge Apartments
The 24-storey development in Chatswood, Sydney, includes a natural gas cogeneration system which will supply electricity and hot water for residents. Judges said: “This project represents an almost ‘royal flush’ of solutions.”
Small Commercial: Resource88 for Resource88
The project was a refurbishment of an 1850s sandstone cottage and included three 2,000 litre rainwater tanks and photovoltaics on the roof. Judges said: “The building is proof that sustainability goes hand-in-hand with attractive, people-friendly design.”Large Commercial: Lend Lease for The Gauge & TERROIR for 88 George Street
Lend Lease’s The Gauge achieves a 6 star Green Star rating and includes a natural gas-fired cogeneration unit. Judges said: “This is now the building by which others will be gauged and achieves highly across all indicators.”
TERROIR’s 88 George Street project has a 5 star Green Star rating and was a heritage refurbishment of a property in the Rocks, Sydney. Judges said: “This highly innovative project achieves great things within very difficult constraints — all older buildings should follow suit.”
Office Fitout: Stockland for Stockland Head Office
The 10,000 sqm project includes low energy T5 fluorescents used in fittings, 85 per cent of waste diverted from landfill and 80 per cent of construction waste reused or recycled. Judges said: “This is a great building with excellent social outcomes.”
Public Building: NOWarchitecture for Westbourne Grammar School Science Centre
The building integrates passive sustainable systems to reduce energy use. Initiatives include solar panels on the roof and a 31,000 litre water storage tank. Judges said: ”This building has a lot of innovation in a complex building.”
Landscape Design: CLOUSTON Associates for Darwin Airport Commercial Precinct
The low cost landscape requires no irrigation to around 85 per cent of the site. Judges said: “This is an outstanding project with an innovative approach. It’s great to see a design that does not rely on irrigation in the dry season and the biodiversity is an outstanding improvement.”
Innovation of the Year: Boral Masonry for Boral Masonry One
The lightweight block system is made with 57 per cent recycled waste material from power stations. Judges said: “The importance of embodied energy and the use of recycled content needs recognition — a great idea well executed. This product really creates significant material resource efficiencies and also contributes to good thermal performance.”
The 2008 BPN Environ Sustainability Awards included three new categories: Single Dwelling (Alterations & Extensions); Landscaping; and Innovation of the Year.
