CONSTRUCTION
naWIC CRYSTAL VISION AWARDS 2014 QLD/NT Launched in 1995 the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a not-for-profit organisation improving the construction industry by promoting the advancement of women within it. Its key objective is to encourage women of all ages to pursue and establish careers within the construction industry. The NAWIC QLD/NT chapter is focused on providing its members with enhanced networking opportunities in both the building and construction industry as well as learning opportunities and continued development of member services and benefits. For more information visit www.nawic.com.au
AUSTRALIA’S FIRST GREEN CONSTRUCTION SITE ‘Green’ buildings have now become common place on the Australian construction scene but a ‘green’ construction site is certainly an innovation. In partnership with the 202020 Vision, which seeks to increase urban green space by 20 per cent by 2020, Brookfield Multiplex has now created Australia’s first ‘green’ construction site office at their Wetherill Park site in New South Wales.
being conducted on the Brookfield Multiplex site team to see if their ‘green environment’ improves their health and wellbeing. This includes the team undergoing Australia’s first standardised post occupancy evaluation system for offices, the Building occupant Survey System Australia (BOSSA), as well as rigorous IEQ testing of the site office and performance measurement.
A joint development between the University of Sydney and 202020 Vision Advocate, Associate Professor Tonya Gray, the project is the first collaboration of the 202020 Vision’s Nursery. It aims to build evidence of the impact of sustainable office buildings on occupant health, comfort and productivity. Pre and post occupancy tests are currently
According to the World Green Building Council’s Business Case for Green Building report, views to nature can improve office worker well-being by reducing their stress levels. For instance, reports have shown that workers tend to exhibit less frustration, increased patience and overall satisfaction when they have views to nature through windows.
As part of the project Brookfield Multiplex hosted a working bee, with site staff volunteering their time and building expertise to build movable plant trolley walls, wall crates, planter boxes, bucket hanging baskets and milk crate herb gardens using up-cycled materials, such as wooden transport pallets and milk cartons. Upon completion of the Wetherill Park site office research, 202020 Vision will release a ‘how-to’ guide encouraging likeminded businesses to green their working environment. The site will also be assessed under an Innovation Challenge by the Green Building Council of Australia. Brookfield Multiplex is planning to roll out the project across all its construction sites.
LIBRARY AT THE DOCK The increasing popularity of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in building construction is showcased in Melbourne’s striking new Docklands Library and Community Centre, a tri-partnership project between the City of Melbourne, Lend Lease and Places Victoria. The Library at The Dock is designed as a community hub enabling people to come together to create, explore, connect, belong, learn and participate. The three-storey library and civic centre has been erected upon a heritage wharf originally built in 1879. Architectural firm Hayball carried out the design and documentation of the project, while Clare Design was commissioned for the design. CLT is becoming widely recognised in the built environment for its integral stability 6
ANCR CONSTRUCTION NEWS
and environmental credentials along with its capability to compete with conventional concrete and steel materials. As a digitally designed building material, CLT is made of bonded, cross-laminated single layers of timber, with the “crossing” element making the material structurally sound. The timber is then bonded with formaldehyde-free and non-toxic adhesives to make the wood panels with the fabrication technique allowing faster and more efficient construction. In addition to the traditional library collection, the building houses a recording studio, creative editing suites, community spaces and a performance venue to hold up to 120 people. A gallery and exhibition space will celebrate Docklands' rich heritage.
This building continues City of Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability and communitycentred public spaces. It will be both a world class library and a new civic centre for Victoria Harbour.
Library at the Dock