SUSD0003 Term Project: Proposal

Term project SUSD0003

Editha Supangkat z3413866
Term 2, 2016

For the purpose of this assignment I wish to create a comprehensive guide in the complete life cycle of a mix-use office. The cycle will include procurement/design, construction, operations, maintenance, and the eventual demolition or refurbishment. I believe bringing attention to all of these aspects is important as every single step has the potential or at least the capacity to affect energy consumption, both embodied and operational.

Areas of focus per stage will be as follows:

Procurement/Design

As I am studying Master of Architecture this section will be the one that I dissect the most. The design process will mostly focus on implementing contemporary methods to reduce energy consumption and quite possibly make the building self-reliant. The appropriateness of the measures will be analysed in comparison with the size and specific program of the offices. Other options such as material choice and flexible layout to make the building last longer might also be discussed.

Construction

This part focuses on lowering the embodied energy that is built into the project. While the materials might already be decided in the previous stage the source has yet to be determined. This part of the guide will include choosing both the lower embodied energy materials and also the ones that take the least energy to be delivered to the site. For a social sustainability aspect choosing materials from responsible sources is also crucial. In addition, the construction methods itself may be scrutinised, such as comparing in situ concrete to pre-fab concrete. There is also a possibility of creating a guideline for construction that will be easily dismantled when necessary in the future.

Operations/Maintenance

Creating regulations and incentives for both landlord and tenants to lower energy usage while keeping or raising productivity levels. Includes an analysis of the NABERS system to give said office space a higher rating to attract potential tenants. Of course, the guideline of how to use the sustainable design features as was discussed in the design section will be included here.

Demolition

Only done when there is no other choice. As per the design measures it is quite possible that the available building can simply be refurbished or renovated to suit a new program.

But if it must be destroyed and replaced then this section will focus on how to minimise wasted materials. It is quite possible that only a part of the old building need to be pulled down if parts of it can be incorporated into the new. Or, the possibility of recycling the materials depending on its current conditions and viability of recycling will be explored.

Precedent

As the template or basis of my guide I shall use the UNSW Tyree building as precedent. It is mostly an educational facility yet similar to an office based on the usage period, private spaces for academics and students, and includes other spaces that might be in a mix use building such as exhibition spaces, conference rooms, laboratories, and cafes. Furthermore, the Tyree building as 6 Star Green design certification due to implemented measures such as:

·        Tri-generation systems

·        Photovoltaic system

·        Thermal labyrinths

·        Bore water cooling/heating

·        Lighting controls

·        Night purge

·        Double glazing

·        Treated bore water

·        Metering

These sustainable features affect both energy usage and the behaviour of the inhabitants inside the complex, which quite possibly lower energy usage even more while increasing productivity.