The design meets ambitious sustainability credentials in alignment with DECJUBA’s corporate commitment to sustainable operations, including targeting a 5-Star GBCA rating.

As both structure and finish, locally sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT), are used extensively throughout the building, forming its bones and character in equal measure. This deliberate choice significantly reduces embodied carbon, while offering a warm, tactile interior that reflects the brand’s authenticity and craftsmanship. The exposed timber structure eliminates the need for applied finishes, celebrating material honesty and reducing construction waste. The use of timber shapes the user experience. Its natural warmth softens the workplace environment, promoting wellbeing and enhancing acoustic comfort across the vertical campus.

Energy efficiency is boosted by airtightness testing to ensure it meets top-tier standards for building performance and indoor air quality. High-performance glazing provides daylighting to office floorplates, with natural ventilation, efficient building services and PV array to reduce energy usage. Rainwater harvesting reduces water use while cycle parking and end-of-trip facilities, including 32 secure bike parks, 5 showers (with an accessible change room), and 28 lockers encourage sustainable commuting. All car spaces are ready for electric vehicles, supported by smart load management, adaptable infrastructure.

25 Balmain Street, Cremorne Victoria

3,847 sqm gross floor area occupying a site of 816 sqm

Client / Principal – DECJUBA
Architect – Jackson Clements Burrows
ESD Consultant – ADP Consulting
Structural Engineering – TTW
Fire engineering – SciFire
Landscape – Paul Bangay
Planning Consultant – Planning & Property Partners
Project Managers – Semz
Traffic Engineering & waste management – Ratio

Yarra City Council issued the planning permit in December 2021. The Sustainability Management Plan was endorsed in September 2023.

Targeting 5-Star Green Star Certified Buildings rating
5-Star NABERS Base Building Energy rating
Master Builders Association of Victoria, 2024 Excellence in Construction Awards- Winner – Award for Best Sustainable Commercial Project Under $30M.
AIA Victorian Architecture 2025 – Commendation for Commercial Architecture

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 development demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable transport through integrated design and infrastructure. A total of 32 bicycle parking spaces are provided. End-of-trip facilities include 5 showers (including a DDA-compliant shower/change room) and 28 lockers, meeting and exceeding the minimum requirements for active transport.

Electric vehicle infrastructure is comprehensively addressed, with future-proofed electrical capacity for all car spaces, and a building-wide load management system to support moderate-speed charging and peak demand.

Bicycle access is prioritised through direct, safe, and well-lit access to visitor parking at ground level, with secure, signposted facilities separated from vehicle entries and supported by equitable amenities, including a DDA-compliant shower and change room.

Car parking design supports future adaptability, with EV-enabled car share spaces in prominent locations, floor-to-floor ceiling heights ranging from 3.8m to 4.65m (exceeding the 3m minimum for adaptive reuse), and non-structural nib walls allowing for future reconfiguration.
Plans also show provision for electric charge points to all car spaces, enabling future installation of EV charging.

The development demonstrates a comprehensive approach to water efficiency and stormwater management. Potable water use is significantly reduced compared to a reference building, as verified through the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA’s) Potable Water Calculator. Rainwater is collected from above-ground catchments into a 10kL tank located below the slab and connected to all toilets, with a detailed maintenance program in place to ensure system performance. Water-efficient fixtures and fittings are specified, along with a water-efficient irrigation system.

Stormwater volume and flow are managed through an 8kL detention tank and flow control measures that maintain discharges at pre-development levels for the 1.5-year ARI.

Stormwater quality is addressed through design measures that meet best practice standards, achieving targeted reductions in suspended solids (80%), total phosphorus (45%), total nitrogen (45%), and litter (70%) against typical urban annual loads.

This development prioritises occupant wellbeing and environmental performance through a combination of advanced ventilation, daylight access, and low-toxicity materials. All tenancies will receive a 50% increase in outdoor air volumes above AS1668.2:2012 requirements, supported by a high-efficiency 3-pipe VRF HVAC system and natural ventilation in the car park. Indoor air quality is further enhanced through pollutant testing and the use of self-closing dampers on exhaust fans, with CO₂ levels maintained below 700 ppm.

Natural daylight is maximised across the building, with at least 40% of primary occupied areas receiving high daylight levels, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Artificial lighting systems are zoned and individually controlled, with sensors and time switches installed in accordance with NCC Clause J6.3.

Material selection supports healthy indoor environments, with at least 95% of engineered wood, paints, adhesives, sealants, and carpets meeting GBCA limits for TVOC and formaldehyde. Hazardous materials in existing structures will be safely managed, and structural products will meet Responsible Products Value thresholds to ensure ethical sourcing and low toxicity.

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

The project targets net zero operational carbon by 2050 through a comprehensive Zero Carbon Action Plan, supported by a 17kW rooftop solar system, accredited GreenPower procurement, and high-efficiency electric systems and does not utilize gas. It maintains a 5-Star NABERS Base Building Energy rating, with validated energy metering and JV3 compliance ensuring robust performance tracking.

Energy efficiency is further enhanced through a high-performance façade, electric air-sourced heat pumps for domestic hot water, and thermal insulation compliant with NCC 2019 Section J. All electricity under the control of the building owner or operator will be sourced from renewables via onsite generation or a five-year GreenPower contract. While energy storage is not currently included, the building’s infrastructure is designed to support future upgrades and ongoing emissions reductions.

The project takes a proactive approach to reducing embodied carbon through the use of FSC-certified timber, green concrete, and recycled materials in acoustic panels, with a commitment to achieving a minimum 10% reduction in upfront carbon emissions. While the site was cleared prior to development, the new design incorporates features that support future adaptability, including generous floor-to-floor ranging from 3.8m in workspaces and 7.8m for the foyer/lobby and non-structural walls throughout the development for potential reconfiguration.