G’day! How is it going? Have you ever thought about how sustainable a shopping centre could be? We all know shopping centres are massive energy consumers and not really a sustainable commercial model. However, some people are trying to do it differently in Melbourne, Australia. What is a very good sign!
Burwood Brickworks is a sustainable shopping centre located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Designed by NH Architecture, it is an innovative development that is the result of a collaboration between Frasers Property Australia and The Living Future Institute of Australia. The building is designed to be one of the most sustainable shopping centres in the world, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and healthy living.
One of the building’s facade has more than 270 potted citrus trees that makes use of Brickworks’ ample collected rainwater. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
The building was constructed using environmentally friendly materials and techniques, such as cross-laminated timber and recycled steel. It features a range of sustainable technologies, such as a large solar panel array on the roof, rainwater harvesting, and a water treatment system that recycles water for use in toilets and irrigation. The building also has a green roof, which provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Shopping centre’s internal view. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
Solar panels located in the roof. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
Shopping centre’s community garden located in the roof. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
The shopping centre has a range of sustainable features that promote healthy living. It includes an urban farm, which provides fresh produce for the onsite restaurants, as well as a community garden and a range of educational programs that teach visitors about sustainable living. The building also has a range of active transport options, such as bike racks, showers, and changing facilities for cyclists, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.
Burwood Brickworks is more than just a shopping centre; it is a community hub that promotes sustainability and healthy living. The building has a range of spaces that can be used for community events and activities, such as a community plaza, a rooftop cinema, and a rooftop garden. The building also hosts a range of events and workshops that teach visitors about sustainable living, such as cooking classes, gardening workshops, and waste reduction seminars.
Shopping centre’s outdoor community areas. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
Shopping centre’s outdoor community areas. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
The Burwood Brickworks building is designed to be one of the most sustainable shopping centres in the world, and it has been recognized for its achievements in sustainability. In 2020, the building was awarded the highest possible rating of “Living Building Challenge” by The Living Future Institute of Australia. This rating is only awarded to buildings that meet the strictest sustainability standards, such as using only renewable energy, capturing and treating all water on-site, and using non-toxic and responsibly sourced materials.
The Burwood Brickworks building has also been recognized for its sustainable design by the Green Building Council of Australia, which awarded it a 6 Star Green Star rating. This is the highest rating that can be awarded to a building in Australia, and it recognizes the building’s achievements in sustainable design, construction, and operation.
Example of responsibly sourced materials used in the internal areas of the shopping centre. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
The sustainable features of Burwood Brickworks go beyond the building itself, with the shopping centre’s tenants also committed to sustainability. The building’s anchor tenant, Woolworths, has committed to using 100% renewable energy to power its operations at Burwood Brickworks, and the other tenants have also made commitments to sustainability, such as reducing waste and using environmentally friendly products.
The Burwood Brickworks building is not only an example of sustainable design and construction, but it also shows that sustainable buildings can be commercially viable. The building’s developers have stated that the sustainable features of the building will lead to long-term cost savings, such as lower energy bills and reduced water usage.
Underside of the roof with artwork by Mandy Nicholson, created especially for the site, that depicts the six layers of Wurundjeri Country. It represents the project’s “Place Petal”, that acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which the Brickworks project is located. Source: https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
The success of the Burwood Brickworks building has inspired other developers to pursue sustainable building projects. The Living Future Institute of Australia has launched a program called “Living Future Collaborative Australia” to support developers in creating sustainable buildings that meet the Living Building Challenge. The Burwood Brickworks building is also an example of how sustainable design can be incorporated into commercial projects, such as shopping centres, which are traditionally seen as high energy and resource-intensive buildings.
In conclusion, the Burwood Brickworks building can be considered a world-class example of sustainable design and construction, and perhaps starting a new generation of urban shopping centres in Australia as well as in the world. ♥
Important Sources:
https://living-future.org/case-studies/burwood-brickworks/
https://architectureau.com/articles/burwood-brickworks/#
https://www.burwoodbrickworks.shopping/
https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/Living-Building-Challenge/Home#Petals
