New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 132

The two buildings enclose a courtyard which can
be used for outdoor learning and social interaction.
Bradburn says the south building’s roof form is a
response to its context.
“It sits at the heart of the campus and straddles
the main pedestrian spine,” he says. “The extensive
overhang creates a covered public space that acts
as a social place for the wider campus, and can
also be used to demonstrate some of the work that
happens inside.”
Key to meeting the design challenge was an
orientation that ensured effective use of sunlight
and natural ventilation. The building forms capture
southwesterly afternoon and northeasterly sea
breezes, while large overhanging eaves result in
minimal solar gain, even without the use of blinds.
One of the original aims was for the building to
be 100% naturally ventilated. However, research

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showed some active systems would be needed to
manage peaks in conditioning. Results are impressive, with a target of natural ventilation for 70% of
the time, heating for 20% and cooling for 10%.
A high-efficiency ground source heat exchanger
coupled with an in-slab hydronic system supports
the passive system.
To meet the Living Building Challenge, a building
needs to be net zero energy and water. This is
partially met by designing the building and its
systems for minimum energy use. It’s anticipated
that the centre will be one of the lowest energy
buildings of its type in Australia, with a projected
consumption of just 60kWh/m2.
An array of photovoltaic panels on the high-bay
building, together with a photovoltaic thermal testing site in the roof of the other building, generates
40% more electricity than the building needs.

Below:A living wall in the centre
of the building extends through
the atrium. On the other side
of the glass panels are flexilab
spaces.
Right:The large open area
immediately inside the main
entrance can be used as
exhibition space.