The building is structured around an environmental slot to reduce floor depth and increase natural light to offices, and breakout atria on the western face and metal screening on the east face to reduce heat gain. The project site is located in the commercial heart of Burwood Town Centre, bounded by Elsie, George and Victoria Streets. It is five minutes walk from Burwood Rail Station, Burwood Park and main street shops along Burwood Road. The surrounding area comprises a diverse mix of offices, shops, and residential and public basement car parking in 2 to 7 storey buildings. The site is currently being used as a Council car park with 180 parking spaces and is sealed with asphalt. The site is unique, being the largest undeveloped, vacant site in Burwood with a site area of 5,633sqm.
The project consists of a ‘state-of-the-art’ office working environment of approximately 16,600sqm NLA over 7 levels, and 200 public car parking spaces over two basement levels. Pedestrian entry to the offices is from Elsie Street via a generous atrium lobby and via portals at each end to the basement car park. The building is setback at its northern end to create a public forecourt.
The building has been designed to achieve a healthy, secure and comfortable working environment for occupants. Workplace design initiatives include:
open air, ‘break out’ spaces for staff in the form of perimeter atria and balconies with timber decks at each level
excellent glare free, natural light through a central light well band and continuous, screened perimeter glazing
generous roof terraces at upper levels
accessibility facilities such as disabled toilets on each level, disabled parking and ramped access to the entry lobby
location within 100 metres walking distance of Burwood Rail Station and bus transport routes to encourage public transport usage and reduce motor car usage and Co2 emissions
bicycle and motor bike parking
café at ground level adjacent to public forecourt for use by tenants
The building incorporates sustainable design principles to reduce building operating costs. Energy saving initiatives include:
reducation in air conditioning loads by use of sun shading and screens to north, east and west elevation
‘night flushing’ to expel hot air at night through computer controlled louvres in light wells
use of light wells as stacks to create natural air flow and reduce air conditioning loads
water collection and recycling of grey water for irrigation of planting and toilet flushing
reduction in lighting running costs by use of central light wells for glare free daylight
‘green screen’ of deep root, deciduous trees on west boundary to reduce summer heat load and solar access in winter
reduction in operating costs of building (HVAC, Mech and Elect), which are 60% of life cycle running cost
Type:Work / Hybrid
Location: 1-17 Elsie Street, Burwood, Sydney, Australia
Status: Unrealised
Year: 2003
Client: Holdmark Developments
Number storeys: 5-7
Site area: 5,633 sqm
Floor area: 16,600 sqm
Collaborators: McGregor and Partners, Landscape Architects
Digital imagery: Stanisic Architects