The Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre redevelopment has been nominated for a state design award for its innovative and sustainable architectural features.
The collaboration between H2o architects, the council, Lucid Consulting, Meinhardt Bonacci and Ziebell Landscape Architecture has been recognised in the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards.
Upgrading and extending the 1980s building, the aim was to provide an “agile and flexible” working space in a cohesive way, to break the previous barriers between departments.
“The cultural and physical dividers between departments of staff have been dissolved with fantastic effect, supported by technology solutions, large breakout hubs and personal storage options,” the design summary reads.
The sustainable aspects of the design were too acknowledged, commending the collaboration of partners for the integration of the old building into the new structure.
“The Civic Centre is a benchmark for sustainable and circular design due to its reduced environmental impact utilising adaptive reuse, while initiating new energy saving and generating programs,” the summary reads.
“The creative adaptive reuse of existing buildings is critical for our society to achieve its targets to avoid catastrophic climate change.
“The construction of new buildings is currently responsible for 13 per cent of global CO2 emissions, and if the current trend is not addressed will only grow to be a greater proportion.”
Constructed to be 100 per cent electric, with no fossil fuel connections; native vegetation; glazed facade; and a target of 1060kL water consumption per year, as well as a capture target of 1100kL per year in rain water tanks, this all adds up to the sustainable concepts of the project.
Announcing the finalists for the awards on Tuesday 12 December, creative industries minister Colin Brooks said each project shows how design can tackle larger concerns like climate change.
“Good design has the power to change our lives and these finalists showcase the diversity of Victoria’s design industry – from vital medical advancements to products and services that are more efficient, safe and sustainable,” he said.
“The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards recognise the work and ingenuity of the designers, architects and design-led businesses that make our state a world-renowned leader in the field.”
The winners will be presented at an award ceremony in March next year.
