The idea of sustainable interiors is not a new one. In fact, after such a strong green building year in 2011, green fitouts, refurbishments and interior work in various forms has become a normal part of this industry, slotting itself comfortably into the green building sector.
While it often presents an exciting picture when retrofitting brown buildings or creating brand new spaces, it offers a number of challenges that can sometimes be limiting.
This is especially relevant when considering interior fitouts or refurbishments that take place in a building that has a Green Star standard. While the builder and design team do have creative, aesthetic and architectural power, they also have to keep in mind the standards and guidelines by which the rest of the building functions.
It is paramount that when taking on projects of this nature that the importance of the Green Star standard to the building is understood, and the refurbishment does not jeopardise it.
If it is a Green Star building there is a Green Star expectation.
One such project that has recently taken up this challenge is the culmination of TDA interiors and designers Sirens who have completed the refurbishment of the Corporate Executive Board (CEB) at level 9, 77 King St in Sydney. The building’s Green Star status meant that the refurbishment would have to be environmentally responsible in addition to meeting the aesthetic needs and wants of the client.
“We had to follow a number of protocols due to the building’s Green Star rating and consulted with Arup, leading sustainability engineers, to ensure all fire, electrical and air conditioning elements adhered to the strict guidelines,” says the interior fitout firm, “Getting all of this right meant we were able to deliver it well within the five week timeframe”.
The refurbishment involved the construction of an extension to the level 8 space, which now additionally includes half of the building’s 9th floor.
The office space includes comes to 400 sqm, which includes a breakout area, meeting rooms and management areas. Aesthetically the space is light, clean and functional, with light yellow wooden flooring and cabinetry with a bright warm lighting scheme and pops of white furniture. Splashes of quirky furniture has also been used in order to create a sense of whimsy, with Zenith workstations and Panton and Caper chairs by Herman Miller.
Due to the New Year and the release of the federal government’s Urban Policy Forum, there has been constant talk of a future greener Australia. In creating spaces that have a green expectation, such as these green buildings that have a Green Star standard that has to be met even years after through refurbishments and fitouts, the industry facet can never become a passing trend and instead becomes entrenched in the very foundations of our ever changing cityscapes.
Due to the New Year and the release of the federal government’s Urban Policy Forum, there has been constant talk of a future greener Australia. In creating spaces that have a green expectation, such as these green buildings that have a Green Star standard that has to be met even years after through refurbishments and fitouts, the industry facet can never become a passing trend and instead becomes entrenched in the very foundations of our ever changing cityscapes.
