Beca designed the building engineering services and provided environmentally sustainable design (ESD) engineering and GreenStar advice for this landmark building, working closely with Studio Pacific Architects using a 'whole building' design approach to target the ambitious briefing goals of using 60% less energy and 70% less water than comparable buildings, while achieving a 'wowness' factor.
The design concept uses extensively glazed facades to access views and natural light, and uses active 'climate responsive' facades as a key architectural and environmental component helping to create a comfortable office environment, while targeting environmental performance requirements.
Beca carried out extensive 3D computer simulation analysis to help inform and refine the performance of the active single-skin and double-skin facade systems and controls. Each facade automatically adapts to suit the weather conditions, and allows the building to be operated passively using natural lighting and natural ventilation, or using 'low carbon' energy-efficient artificial systems when ambient conditions dictate.
Green features include rainwater recycling, solar water heating, intelligent and addressable daylight compensation lighting controls, ventilation energy recovery systems, active chilled beam HVAC system and environmentally preferable materials specifications, all aiming to improve the overall environmental performance of the building.
Beca's ESD experience and advice helped each stakeholder achieve their sustainability goals, with the project illustrating each client's position at the forefront of sustainable commercial development in New Zealand.
The building was the first completed building to be awarded a 5-star rating under the Green Star rating system for commercial buildings, signifying "New Zealand Excellence."
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