Sustainable Apart.
Project: 'The Sustainable Apartment'
Location: King George Square
Event: World Environment Day 2003
For the Brisbane City Council
The Brief:
The apartment was to be designed and built in six (6) 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 Ambition:
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To recycle three (3) retired AUSCO prefabricated buildings and give them a new life as a “Sustainable Apartment".
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Ensure that all materials used were sustainable and free of harmful chemicals.
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Demonstrate effective cross ventilation.
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Encourage recycling using clever methods
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Minimise waste in the home
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Use recycled and recyclable building materials.
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Meet the best water and energy conservation ratings as economically possible.
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Develop new light weight construction methods for easy of
transportation, prefabrication and potential refurbishment that had
minimal impact on the environment.
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Use local trades, products and materials to promote our economic, environmental and social sustainability.
The Solution:
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Alternative construction materials, finishes and substrates were
selected to avoid traditional materials that emit CFC's and
carcinogens. An 'E0" rated joinery board was used as an
alternative particle board as it has no harmful urea / formaldehyde
emissions.
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Compact laminate substrates were the key feature in all wet areas.
They were used as an alternative to tiles and waterproofing partitions.
They were also the key in light weight construction. This
innovative method minimised the number of trades on site and as a
result would speed up the project completion date. At the end of
its life this product could be re-finished or fully recycled into new
board.
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All appliances, electrical and plumbing fittings specified were of
the highest water and energy ratings on the local market and where
possible were multipurpose.
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A smart lighting system was installed throughout to create modern
lighting effects promote energy saving benefits and reduce
electromagnetic field exposure.
The Outcome:
Each section was fitted out and prefabricated then transported by semi
trailer to site where they were retro fitted together in two (2) days
for a three (3) day showcase.
All products, materials and trades people supplied, were contributed
free of charge to the project 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.
Project architect: Mark Thomson
Interior Designer: Debbie Venz
