Congratulations to the following finalists in the ARBS 2024 Project Excellence Award category.
ARBS 2024 PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS
A.G. Coombs and LCI: Allianz Stadium, Mechanical and HVAC Services
The project involved the collaborative efforts of LCI and A.G. Coombs, as part of the Cox and John Holland Group team, to design and construct the Allianz Stadium, a venue that revolutionises energy efficiency and operational flexibility for Venues NSW. Situated on the grounds of Sydney’s Moore Park, the new 42,500-capacity Allianz Stadium, which opened its doors on September 2, 2022, stands on the legacy of its predecessors dating back to 1899. The project was underpinned by stringent sustainability measures from the onset, such as the combined space heating and DHW system yielding an 18% annual energy saving, mixed-mode and natural ventilation strategies that collectively save 58,000kWh of energy annually, and a heat recovery four pipe heat pump system that contributes an impressive 317,000 kWh energy saving per year.
Benmax: Canberra Grammar School Music Centre and Auditorium
Benmax’s delivery of the mechanical services for Canberra Grammar School’s new music venue is a 3,100 sqm subterranean structure that integrates geothermal technology with a modular polyvalent GSHP system, achieving a 50% reduction in energy usage and eliminating fossil gas emissions. Prefabrication played a crucial role, with most primary plant equipment built off-site, significantly saving on-site hours, and enhancing safety. This project is a standout example of integrating sustainable practices into the fabric of design and construction, pushing the boundaries of traditional building methods, and contributing to the industry’s journey towards a net-zero future.
NDY, A Tetra Tech Company: Murdoch University Boola Katitjin
Boola Katitjin at Murdoch University is located adjacent to Banksia Court on the University’s Perth campus. This building forms an integral part of transitioning Discovery Way as the primary arrival gateway for the University. The linear 4 storey academic building comprises a concrete structure for the lower level stories, with an innovative engineered timber frame for the upper three stories. The primary purpose of the project is to provide the University with state-of-the-art contemporary learning spaces, to meet the needs of contemporary higher education. In addition, the project provides for extensive areas of informal, student focused, ‘peer to peer’ learning areas. To meet the University’s and the wider project team’s commitment to sustainability NDY’s design team worked hard to reduce the energy consumption of the mechanical services for the project through the deployment of an innovative mixed-mode ventilation solution. The team also developed unique design solutions for the mechanical systems to ensure the architectural vision for the timber elements of the building would be front and centre for building users
University of Wollongong: Building Insights Facility
The Building Insights Facility (BIF) at the University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre integrates comprehensive testing capabilities for HVAC systems, façade thermal performance, indoor environment quality, and housing modules within a single innovative setup. Designed to meet stringent Australian and international standards, BIF’s multifunctional testing environment addresses critical national priorities in health, productivity, and sustainability. By facilitating advanced research on building performance, the facility plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable living and working spaces across the country, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation in the HVAC & R industry.