DETAILS
LOCATION: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
AREA: 45,000 SQ MET
COST: $200 M
DATE: 2002
SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
LABYRINTH DEVELOPMENT
AWARDS
IDAA PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD, 2004
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AWARD, 2003
CIVIC TRUST AWARD, 2003
PUBLIC DOMAIN AWARDS, SUSTAINABILITY AWARD WINNER, 2003
RAIA NATIONAL AND VICTORIAN CHAPTER AWARDS, 2003
Strategy
The scheme embodies a strong commitment to the environment and efficient energy use. The large glazed atrium presented a particular design challenge to eliminate overheating without using cooling. Atelier Ten proposed an innovative solution in the form of the largest thermal labyrinth in the world. This thermal battery captures night cooling to provide temperature reduction on hot summer days without mechanical cooling.
The scheme also includes a central cogeneration plant with absorption chillers for efficient power generation. The heating and cooling plant is located away from the buildings to simplify maintenance.
Federation Square Website
Lab Architecture Studio
National Gallery of Victoria