Project: The Sustainable Apartment, King George Square

Project Description:

This apartment was to be designed and built in six weeks. It was to showcase how sustainable design could enhance quality of living while staying in harmony with the urban environment. We also wanted to show the economical benefits to the home owner and local industry.

The aim was to:

• Recycle three retired AUSCO prefabricated buildings and give them a new life as a “Sustainable Apartment".
• Ensure that all materials used were sustainable and free of harmful chemicals.
• Demonstrate effective cross ventilation.
• Encourage recycling
• Use recycled and recyclable building materials.
• Meet the best water and energy conservation ratings as economically possible.
• Develop new light weight construction methods for easy transportation, prefabrication and potential refurbishment.
• Use local trades, products and materials to promote our economic, environmental and social sustainability.

In addition to that all appliances, electrical and plumbing fittings specified were of the highest water and energy ratings on the local market and where possible were multipurpose. A smart lighting system was installed throughout to create modern lighting effects to promote energy saving benefits and reduce electromagnetic field exposure.

Each section was fitted out and prefabricated then transported to site by a semi trailer where they were retro fitted together in two (2) days for a three (3) day showcase. All products, materials and trades people were contributed to the project free of charge by local distributors, manufacturers and professional organisations. The project was recorded on local television networks and promoted by the ABC. It has now formed the catalyst for two sustainable apartments in Brisbane.