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Publications
Our environmental, social and economic performance
Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2004
ISBN 0 642 55046 8
In 2003, DEH refurbished the former Communications Centre at the John Gorton Building as office space for the Australian Greenhouse Office (185 staff). The project called for the transformation of an outdated, highly specialised, underground complex into a contemporary office space to meet the needs of a modern workforce. It provided an opportunity to demonstrate that the use of innovative green building design practices could transform a bunker into a leading example of sustainable building design.
In the design phase particular attention was given to recycling of materials, preserving heritage values, energy and water use efficiency and providing a 'liveable' underground workspace for AGO staff.
The refurbished space set a new benchmark in environmentally sustainable design within heritage-listed premises. In recognition of that achievement, the ACT Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects gave the project an Ecologically Sustainable Development Award.
By the end of 2004, the new AGO complex's energy use and greenhouse gas emission impact will be assessed under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating scheme. It is expected that the site will achieve a better than five star rating. The site will also be included in DEH's existing Environmental Management System, which has been certified to the ISO14001 international standard.
Meeting spaces
Communications Centre circa 1978 – Helen Pike operating the Defence Circuit.
Communications Centre – Computer Room 2.
From 1978 to 1996 the centre, encased in concrete and steel to ensure electronic security, was the central hub for the Australian Government's international communications.
Designed in the early 1970s, the building incorporated many innovative features to compensate for the lack of external visual and acoustic stimulation. The design incorporated unusual colour schemes, piped music and fish tanks. The extensive recreation areas were designed to replicate domestic lounge rooms and living areas. Closed circuit television was installed to show what was happening outside the building.
Department of Foreign Affairs staff maintained an around-the-clock schedule sending, encrypting and deciphering messages. Communications for major international crises such as the Falklands War and the first Gulf War were managed at the centre.
Heritage considerations were important during the construction phase. Existing features that had been identified as culturally significant, such as the original lobby and the 1976 Johnny Bulun Bulun mural - Djakaldjirparr - had to be preserved.
Preservation of these heritage items presented special difficulties. The lobby had to be disassembled piece-by-piece and carefully reinstalled during the fitout stage. The mural, which was part of a larger wall that formed a vault, could not be moved. To ensure its survival during the construction phase it was placed in a pressurised wooden box, maintained at a constant temperature, and constantly monitored by vibration and temperature alarms.
Communications Centre lobby.
‘Djakaldjirparr’ mural by Johnny Bulun Bulun.
The underlying design principle was 'rethink, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle'. Consequently, emphasis was placed on minimising the space's energy and water requirements, and using recycled materials.
To exceed accepted energy use targets, particular attention was given to minimising consumption. An underfloor displacement air-conditioning system was used, which is 25% more efficient than normal systems, and solar water heating was installed.
Lighting zones were planned carefully and the use of external natural light sources was maximised. Other lighting measures include the use of light dimmers and sensor systems to automatically turn off lighting when it is not required. To minimise greenhouse gas emission impacts from energy use, all electricity is sourced from accredited greenpower producers.
These and other measures are central to meeting the energy use goal for the design brief: that the AGO energy performance for central services and tenant light meets or exceeds the Australian Government Energy Policy target for refurbished buildings of 581MJ per m2 per annum (derived from the 1994 Building Owners and Managers Association Energy Guidelines).
Mains water consumption has been reduced to approximately 1.8 litres per person per day, less than 8% of the average consumption in Australian Government office buildings. A 36Kl rainwater storage and treatment system provides potable water. Non-potable water is supplied by a water treatment system linked to the main building's existing grey water system.
A range of water saving systems are being used. These include single lever mixer taps, water efficient dishwashers and a Jemflo water flow and balancing system. A Rada Pulse System to control water flows from individual water fittings and a drip-fed irrigation system for plants were also installed.
During construction some 97% of all demolition waste, including fittings such as carpets and fluorescent tubes, was recycled. Whenever possible, the structure's original access floors and support systems were reused. Renewable timbers were used in preference to new non-renewable metal structural materials.
A 'reuse, recycle' philosophy was also applied during fitout. For example, carpet tiles manufactured using recycled materials were laid and extensive use made of refurbished furniture.
A green building philosophy is unsustainable if it delivers only environmental outcomes. It must also provide a practical and agreeable working environment. To deliver this outcome for the new underground AGO space, four design elements were critical: natural light sources; ready access to external spaces; visual stimulation and a sense of 'openness'.
Four landscaped sunken courtyards, extensive use of skylights and well designed reflective light shelving all contribute to maximising the use of natural lighting within the complex. The courtyards have multiple roles. Each provides ready access to an external space, visual stimulation and a source of natural light.
Extensive use of 'break-out' areas and open meeting areas add to the sense of openness of space. Where possible, these areas are located close to sources of natural light or visual stimulation such as the courtyards or the Djakaldjirparr mural. In late 2004, an assessment of the site will be undertaken to evaluate the building's performance in terms of occupant health, comfort and satisfaction, and to assess its overall contribution to productivity outcomes.
Designing for natural light.