A precinct for innovation, collaboration, science and research

Designing the ‘superfloor’

Behind the precinct’s façade is a ‘superfloor’ which provides meeting, theatre and workshop spaces and connects the three separate buildings: a five-storey cross laminated timber building (for commercial use and childcare), a 10-storey building (housing Melbourne University School of Engineering and commercial spaces), and a 13-storey student accommodation building.

Our analysis, modelling, and detailed design of the ‘superfloor’ minimised potential challenges in connecting separate buildings with distinct structural systems, such as their independent responses to seismic activity, wind and surface temperature variations.

We designed a structural solution for the unifying ‘superfloor’ that meets architectural requirements and resilience to wind, seismic events, and temperature extremes. Our design of bespoke joints between the buildings, and removal of permanent movement joints at ground level, reduced construction complexities and maintenance issues and leakage.

Striking timber building design

The five-storey timber building showcases Arup ability to deliver sustainable development in a cost effective and buildable manner. By drawing on our global, regional and local timber expertise, our design team was able to rationalise the complex geometry and design constraints to achieve an elegant design utilizing glulam timber columns and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floors.

This building goes to show that when good design principles are coupled with exemplar experience and refined modelling and design tools the outcomes can not only meet cost and programme constraints, but also exceed what would be considered the status quo with regards to embodied carbon and sustainability.

Reducing energy consumption via collaboration and sustainable building design

Melbourne Connect significantly improves upon standard practice in Australia with estimated energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the order of 40-50 per cent.

We developed strategies to reduce energy demand, through optimised massing, façade design and tenant collaboration. Energy consumption was further reduced by designing energy efficient building services including LED lighting and a precinct-wide heating and cooling network. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions were lowered through a significant provision of on-site renewable energy. These efforts achieved the project’s ambitious NABERS, Green Star and on-site renewable energy targets.

Rooftop photovoltaic system for energy generation

We investigated renewable energy generation, resulting in a 370kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) – one of the largest PV arrays in Melbourne. Combined with geothermal energy, this system should supply approximately 10% of the precinct’s total energy consumption. To meet the precinct’s air tightness requirements, we identified weaknesses in the building envelope, and worked with the project team and contractors to implement solutions which will maintain air tightness. Our design reduces overall energy consumption and improves air quality.

A structural solution for the Science Gallery Melbourne

At the corner of Grattan and Swanston streets, the Science Gallery Melbourne features over 3,500 square metres of exhibition and learning space. Minimising the number of columns and maximising ceiling height was critical for the venue’s performance.

Our structural design reduced the depth of the floor thickness by 40 per cent, by adding post tensioning cables into the structure. This reduced structural weight and improved the foundation system for the building.

We altered the geometry for the steel structure of the feature stairs (within architectural limits), reducing member sizes and materials by 40 per cent, which achieved a significant cost saving, minimised complexities in the construction phase and improved the aesthetic and experience for gallery users.

Using digital design to optimise façade design

Utilising rapid digital prototyping techniques, we optimised each façade to meet the architect’s vision and the University’s aspirations for a façade which is engaging, innovative and engineered.

The benefit of our digital prototyping approach is realised through a step change in ‘real time’ design, a rationalisation of material use, and delivery of sustainable energy efficient solutions.

The façade design combines several façade types that are applied to varying extents across the building, including shade hoods and glazed prisms. Our collaborative design delivered optimised levels of daylight and comfort, maximised views towards the city, reduced glare, shaded the glass and minimised energy consumption.