A key highlight is the solar PV system with a 38.5kW capacity, significantly exceeding the site’s benchmark of 16.3kW (25W per square metre), contributing to a 50% reduction in energy consumption and progress toward a carbon-neutral, net-zero energy building. Despite some solar export limitations, the system still supplies approximately 70% of the building’s energy needs.

Water consumption has been reduced by 66%. A forward-thinking waste strategy includes on-site composting, recycling streams for mixed materials and soft plastics, and coffee ground composting via ReGround, all reinforced by a thoughtful purchasing hierarchy to reduce food waste. Landscaping across courtyards, terraces, and balconies features native, low-irrigation plants that enhance amenity and ecological value.

11-15 Albert Street, Richmond

816m2 NFA

Builders – Neverstop Group

Architect – NMBW Architecture Studio

Landscape Architect – Openwork

Landscape – OzScapes

Environmental Consultants – Finding Infinity

Planning Permit PLN20/0850 for building and works to the existing double storey building and a reduction in the car parking requirements associated with an office (existing use rights).

Master Builders Association of Victoria, 2024 Excellence in Construction Awards – Special Commendation – Best Sustainable Project Under $30M

Australian Institute of Architects, National Awards 2024 – National Award for Commercial Architecture

Australian Institute of Architects, Victorian Awards 2024 – The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award 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 office development demonstrates a strong commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. It features an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) unit for fresh tempered air which has incorporated heating and cooling capacity. Heat recovery VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) units are used for meeting rooms, all with controls independent of the main HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) unit. Underfloor heat pump hydronic heating is provided in the main ground floor coworking space.

The building is designed to optimise climatic conditions, incorporating north and south-facing clerestory windows that enhance natural light and ventilation. High levels of insulation have been implemented, including R6 in the ceiling, R4 in the walls where possible, and R2 in the floor, contributing to thermal efficiency. Double-glazed windows have been installed where replacements were made, further improving insulation. The development is fully electric and houses numerous energy-efficient systems, equipment, and appliances. A key highlight is the solar PV system with a capacity of 38.5kW, significantly exceeding the benchmark of 25W per square metre of the site’s coverage (16.3kW). This system is sized to meet all the energy demands of the building’s services – including lighting, air-conditioning, and industrial processes. It currently generates 70% of the building’s energy needs, due to export constraints.

The impact of embodied carbon emissions in materials has been significantly reduced through various thoughtful design and construction strategies. Approximately 75% of the existing building on site was reused, including extensive retention of the building shell such as walls and roof. The building has also been designed with future adaptability in mind, incorporating flexible workspaces that can be modified to suit changing uses over time. Circular concrete holes were sawn into the ground floor slab to accommodate vegetation planting, with the cut-outs creatively repurposed as landscape feature stepping stones. Original Oregon beams were reused and transformed into furniture for the building, while sections of the original ply flooring were repurposed into wall linings. Additionally, low-carbon materials such as DurraPanel compressed straw panels were used to line the walls of the meeting rooms, further contributing to the building’s sustainability profile.

This office development supports active and sustainable transport by providing comprehensive bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities. It includes nine secure bike spaces for staff, including one e-bike space, and six bike spaces for visitors. This provision exceeds the standard requirement of one secure undercover staff bicycle parking space per 100 sqm of net leasable office area and one visitor space per 500 sqm. All bicycle parking facilities are conveniently located at ground level for easy access. To further support cyclists and active commuters, the development includes unisex showers, lockers, and WCs on both the ground and first floors. In addition, the development accommodates electric vehicle use through the provision of EV charging infrastructure, ensuring readiness for future transport needs.

Potable water use on site has been reduced by at least 48% compared to the BESS baseline through a combination of efficient water management strategies. Two 3,000-litre rainwater tanks (totalling 6,000 litres) have been installed to harvest and store rainwater from the roof, which is then used for toilet flushing and irrigation. A water-efficient irrigation system further supports reduced water consumption. Throughout the development, efficient fittings with high WELS ratings have been installed, including 6 Star WELS rated taps, 4 Star WELS rated toilets and dishwasher, and 3 Star WELS rated showers with a flow rate of less than 9 litres per minute. Fire-test water is also captured and reused on site. Additionally, the quality of stormwater discharged from the site has been improved by meeting Best Practice Urban Stormwater standards, achieving a STORM score of 105%.

The buildings have been designed to deliver appropriate thermal comfort while minimising reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. This is achieved through the use of operable clerestory and external windows, which provide excellent natural ventilation to offices, meeting rooms, and common areas. High levels of daylight are present throughout the building, supported by an internal courtyard that enhances access to both daylight and ventilation. In addition to these passive design strategies, low-toxic materials have been used throughout the development to support occupant health and wellbeing.

Food waste within the development is minimised through an innovative purchasing hierarchy adopted by the building’s kitchen supplies and catering services. Purchases are prioritised in the following order: no packaging, reusable packaging, onsite compostable packaging, and recyclable packaging. To support effective waste management, the development includes comprehensive waste and recycling infrastructure. This includes on-site composting, landfill, mixed recycling, and soft plastics collection. Additionally, coffee grounds are collected and composted off-site through a partnership with ReGround, further enhancing the building’s commitment to sustainable waste practices.

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

Landscaping has been thoughtfully integrated throughout the development, including the ground floor central courtyard, terraces, and balconies. Indoor planting enhances amenity and fosters a strong sense of connection to the outdoors. A distinctive design feature involves cutting circular holes into the ground floor slab to create an attractive central courtyard planting area. These interventions contribute to the overall ecological value of the site. In total, 5% of the site’s coverage area comprises vegetated landscaping, which includes native and robust plant species selected for their low irrigation needs and ability to enhance both amenity and biodiversity.

The entire site area of the development has been designed to reduce the impact of the urban heat island effect through the use of cooling elements and climate-responsive strategies. Roof and shading structures feature finishes with a solar reflectance index (SRI) ranging from 43% to 57%, helping to reflect solar radiation and reduce heat absorption. The project also incorporates extensive shading and cool courtyards on both the exterior and interior of the building, which host planter boxes and vegetated landscaping. These features not only mitigate heat but also support the building’s resilience to future climate impacts.