The building features a cross-laminated timber structure, a 6 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating, and impressive NABERS ratings: 5.5 for Energy, 4.5 for Water, and 5 for Waste. Powered by a 140kW rooftop solar system, it runs entirely on green electricity via the VECO power purchase agreement.

Centrally located in Geelong, Wurriki Nyal offers easy access to public transport and nearby services. Employees enjoy premium end-of-trip facilities, including 135 secure bike parks, 14 showers, lockers, bike repair station, towel service, drying room and charging points for e-bikes and scooters – making it a model for modern, sustainable civic design.

137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong

17,018 sqm gross floor area occupying a site of 6,786 sqm

Main Contractor – BESIX Watpac

Architect – COX Architecture

ESD Consultant, Acoustic Consultant, Building Services Engineer – NDY

Building Surveyor – Steve Watson & Partners

Landscaping Consultant – Aspect Studios

Planning – Contour

Project Manager – Gallagher Jeffs

Structural / Civil Engineer – 4d Workshop/ MA Civil

9,425 sqm office NLA, 516 sqm retail NLA

The Minister for Planning issued the planning permit in June 2020. The Sustainability Management Plan was endorsed in December 2020.

6 Star Green Star Design & As Built V1.2 rating

5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating

4.5 Star NABERS Water rating

5 Star NABERS Waste rating, 6 stars prior to 2024

Urban Developer Awards 2023 – Excellence in Commercial Innovation

This project has been assessed against the Elevating ESD Targets objectives and standards. It is considered to have met the objectives and/or all the standards in the following categories.

This project demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing embodied carbon through thoughtful material selection and reuse. Seven existing buildings and the rear of a heritage structure were demolished, with the heritage façade retained to preserve cultural value. The structure uses cross-laminated timber, with 95% of timber reused or responsibly sourced, and 95% of steel supplied by a certified responsible producer. At least 90% of permanent materials like pipes and cables are PVC-free or meet best practice standards, and 30% of concrete includes fly ash to reduce cement use. Additionally, 16.7% of products by cost meet Green Star sustainability and transparency criteria, although a waste credit was denied due to contractor issues despite only 6% of waste going to landfill.

The building’s 3+ metre floor heights support future residential conversion, enhancing long-term adaptability. A peer-reviewed life cycle assessment informed the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), achieving a 28% reduction in upfront carbon emissions and improvements across six environmental impact areas. CLT was chosen for its durability and recyclability, with end-of-life reuse addressed, supporting future disassembly and material recovery.

The building ensures excellent indoor air quality through a high-performance mechanical ventilation system that supplies 50% more fresh air than standard requirements. CO₂ sensors adjust airflow based on occupancy, and air intake and exhaust systems are carefully designed to maintain healthy conditions throughout the building.

Daylight modelling showed that 53% of key areas achieved target daylight levels, demonstrating good performance while also identifying opportunities to enhance natural light access in future design refinements.

To support healthier indoor environments, the building uses low-toxic materials. Over 95% of engineered wood, paints, adhesives, sealants, and carpets meet strict standards for low chemical emissions, and half of the paints used contain very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), helping to protect both human health and the environment.

The project also has exemplary design outcomes in the following categories:

The project demonstrates a strong commitment to active and sustainable transport, providing 135 secure employee bicycle parking spaces and 26 visitor spaces located near main entrances. End-of-trip facilities are thoughtfully designed, featuring 14 showers, lockers, a bike repair station, towel service, a drying room, and charging points for e-bikes and scooters, supporting a healthy and convenient commuting experience. Bicycle parking caters to a range of users and bike types, including horizontal, double-tier, and recumbent spaces, with safe, well-lit access close to lifts and stairs.

Electric vehicle infrastructure also exceeds expectations, with 41 EV chargers installed (covering 34% of car spaces), EV pool cars positioned near carpark entrances, and 18 general power outlets in the EOT area. These initiatives align with the council’s goal of achieving net zero emissions for its light fleet by 2027 and support a broader shift toward low-emission, flexible transport options.

The project achieved a 36% reduction in potable water use, exceeding the 30% target through rainwater harvesting, efficient fixtures, and smart irrigation. A 60kL tank supplies water for toilet flushing and landscaping, supported by drought-tolerant plants and passive irrigation design. Fire system testing is water-efficient, with isolation valves enabling reuse of test water. High-efficiency appliances and fittings further reduce water demand across the site. Stormwater is managed through on-site detention and treatment systems that meet best practice standards, significantly improving water quality before discharge.