Innovative design producing practical solutions - fitzpatrick+partners

“Architecture is the fine balance between innovative design solutions and the practical importance of fitting buildings to people, the environment and budgets.

Since its foundation, fitzpatrick + partners have quickly established a reputation for inspiring architectural responses to unique problems throughout Australasia.

Their work originates from a particular stream of architecture that is independent of the self-conscious style- based approach and is more about technical problem solving. This approach is much closer to engineering than the high aesthetic ground but is not unaware or unconcerned about the aesthetic outcome. Instead it sees this as more a result of good thinking than as a goal in and of itself.

Their creative and inventive solutions relate to the immediate environment and context of the project and result in buildings that are a pleasure in which to live and work. The studio does not limit itself to a particular scale or typography of project type, preferring to work across all scales of building uses within Australia, where they believe they can add value to the design and construction process.”
James Fitzpatrick, director, fitzpatrick+partners fitzpatrick+partners

Design focused efficient lighting systems - BIFFI Luce Vitesse lighting

With a focus on energy efficiency, the BIFFI Luce Vitesse lighting system is a practical design solution with an innovative edge. Vitesse lighting systems are synonymous with a new generation of modern, design-focused, efficient lighting systems.

The Vitesse was selected for the foyer and lift lobbies of 78 Waterloo Rd, a quality, 5-Greenstar office building in the heart of the prestigious Macquarie Park precinct. Extensive use of acoustic ceilings provided an opportunity to integrate the lighting within the confines of the 50mm slots of the ceiling panels. With a slim profile of just 45mm square, the Vitesse sits comfortably in the space while still allowing for the natural expansion of the timbers.

Utilizing T5 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts, Vitesse turns on quickly without any flickering, unpleasant light or stroboscopic effect, is noise-free, any defective lamps are disconnected automatically and there is a low operating temperature. Together these provide a pleasant working environment that is energy efficient while the timeless Italian design effortlessly complements the architectural vision.

Development and Construction - Lipman Group

Mr Paul Watkins, Managing Director of the Lipman group said that the North Ryde development was an example of the company’s commitment to creating high quality investment grade products. “In Lipman’s early years - 40 years ago - the company had a property development focus, although this was overshadowed by the success of our construction business in recent years”, Mr Watkins said.

“The project at 78 Waterloo Road adds to our substantial development logbook for institutional investors, including AMP, Deutsche and the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. We believe our success in construction provides an excellent foundation on which to build a more comprehensive and diversified property development group to service both private and institutional investors.”

Focus on Five Star Accreditation

78 Waterloo Road is located in the heart of the rapid growth centre of Macquarie Park. The project is designed to achieve a 5 Star NABERS Energy (ABGR) and 5 Star Green Star rating with a strong focus on minimizing emissions, energy and water consumption and creating an office environment that maximizes occupant comfort and encourages alternative, energy efficient means of transport.

Energy efficiency is achieved through a 5 Star + 20% improvement NABERS Energy rating, metering on all major energy users using an intelligent web based system, tenant sub-metering, lighting control in 100 sq metre zones and an impressive lighting power density of 1.5W/sq metre/100 lux. In addition carpark, public areas, amenities and fire stair lighting is preset to off and activated by movement sensors.

Lighting to office floors is time controlled by the BMCS to eliminate energy waste through inadvertent out of hours use. Perimeter lighting zones are linked to daylight sensors that switch off lights when adequate natural light is available during normal office hours.

Fire stairs are provided in excess of the Building Code of Australia’s requirements and are designed to be external to the building with natural light and ventilation provided by full height glass louvre facades. The fire stairs are purposely designed to encourage pedestrian movement between floors thereby reducing the dependency on and use of the lift system to further reduce energy use.

Water efficient fixtures, waterless urinals, 4/3 flush toilet cisterns, the reuse of fire system test water, drain down facilities and stormwater reuse for irrigation minimize the building reliance on town water supply.

The project design is unique in its use of extensive balconies combined with operable external solar screens and louvres as external shading for the facade. The shading devices enable the use of single clear glazed facades that maximize natural light penetration and views while reducing heat load on the building interior. The balconies provide break out spaces for staff. High performance low E double glazing is used on the narrower, less exposed facades.

A central, naturally illuminated and ventilated atrium combines with the slender aspect ratio for the floor plate of the building pods to enhance the penetration of natural light and maximise external views.

Low VOC carpets, paints, adhesives and sealants with minimization of formaldehyde in composite wood products, high frequency ballasts, CO2 monitors to maximize the use of outside air in mechanical ventilation systems and high quality air change effectiveness complete the occupant comfort and indoor air quality of the building.

To ensure that the project realizes its design objectives, Lipman engaged the Green Building Council to conduct a project Green Star accreditation course for the construction team. The course was attended by all members of the team from project manager to construction worker as well as critical subcontractors. That dedicated group is currently developing a comprehensive commissioning strategy and programme to ensure that the building is finely tuned and functioning to optimum performance levels at completion.

Rick McEwan, Lipman Group Lipman Group