Memory of project. Charles Wright Architects
CWA were approached by the project client to deliver a carbon neutral (in operation) solution for an environmentally sensitive site off-grid on the edge of the FNQ beachfront rainforest. The aim was not to simply produce an engineered outcome but produce a building which made the most of the sites natural amenity and re-introduced the surrounding native wetland environment. The building is literally reflected by way of its siting over an engineered water ecosystem which was the result of lengthy liaison & collaboration with National Parks, Environmental Agencies, State and Local Government.
The design is formed in an innovative combination of in-situ and precast concrete. The concrete has been engineered & insulated incorporating a total solar panelled roof to provide for a constant cooler & more comfortable ambient temperature year-round. The design utilises massive cantilevers to mitigate impact from potential flooding & king tide inundation associated with cyclonic activity. The project has been designed to be solid and to withstand intense cyclones.
ESD initiatives include: total 250,000 ltr water harvesting, recycling & reticulation,renewable solar energy generation with solar backup non-reliant on fossil fuel backup generation, On-site advanced Tertiary Sewerage treatment plant, grey water recycling & irrigation, Shaded & Insulated Thermal mass engineering, ‘green’ cooling & energy conservation controlled via building automation system (CBUS).
Text.- Charles Wright Architects.
CREDITS.-
Main Architect.- Charles Wright Architects.
Project Team.- Charles Wright, Richard Blight, Justine Wright, Darcy Shapcott.
Technical team.- Project Manager.- Charles Wright. Structural Engineering: G&A Consultants Pty Ltd. Civil Engineering: McPherson MacLean Wargon Chapman. Hydraulics: Gilboy Hydraulic Solutions. Electrical & Mechanical Engineering: MGF Consultants. Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend. Contractor: PD Builders.
Landscape Architect.- Andrew Prowse.
Location.- Queensland, Australia.
Year.- 2013.