Case Study
City of Yarra – Bargoonga Nganjin Library
Yarra City Council proposes the development of a Community Hub on a prominent triangular shaped site in North Fitzroy. The building will house community rooms and gathering spaces, a library and offices. Council has committed early on to demonstrated exemplary sustainability initiatives and signed up for the project’s design certification under the Green Star Public Building rating tool. Currently in detailed design phase, the project is on track to earn a 6 Star Green Star rating.
Address
186 St Georges Road North Fitzroy
186 St Georges Road North Fitzroy
Yarra City Council
Development size
2800m2 floor area, 3 storeys
Project team
Architect: Group GSA
ESD consultant: Cundall
Selection of key sustainable design commitments
Indoor environment quality
The project design emphasised the importance of access to natural daylight in occupied spaces. This will be achieved through the careful positioning of external shading and the selection of window glazing with a high visual light transmission (VLT); commonly clear glazing.
Energy efficiency
The base building services and thermal envelope will be designed to achieve a 40% energy efficiency improvement when compared to a standard practise building.
Through a combination of fixed shading, blinds and screens, the project will eliminate 95% of all direct sun penetration for at least 80% of operational hours. This building design initiative will considerably reduce air-conditioning (cooling) requirements which in a commercial building are commonly much greater than in residential buildings.
The mechanical ventilation demand to the library spaces is controlled by CO2 and other pollutant monitors.
Solar photovoltaic panels will provide on-site renewable electricity.
Water efficiency
Efficient fittings with high WELS ratings will be installed in the bathrooms. Waterless urinals will be investigated.
Stormwater management
A 22,000L rainwater tank will harvest and store rainwater from the roof and provide water for toilet flushing and irrigation.
Raingardens will filter runoff from selected roof areas and provide attractive landscaping.
Transport
Secure bicycle parking, changing and locker facilities will be provided for at least 15% of staff. Additional bicycle parking will be provided for 5% of visitors.
Urban Ecology
Landscaping on the roof deck area and on the ground floor. Indoor planting to provide amenity and a sense of connection to the outdoors.
Innovation
Aiming for a 6 Star Green Star certification by GBCA using the Public Buildings tool, upon completion of the project.
The design of the façade’s shading devices has been informed by computer modelling, taking real local climate conditions into consideration.
Air tightness testing of the façade to identify and minimise air leakage and associated energy losses.
Case Study
City of Yarra – Bargoonga Nganjin Library
Yarra City Council proposes the development of a Community Hub on a prominent triangular shaped site in North Fitzroy. The building will house community rooms and gathering spaces, a library and offices. Council has committed early on to demonstrated exemplary sustainability initiatives and signed up for the project’s design certification under the Green Star Public Building rating tool. Currently in detailed design phase, the project is on track to earn a 6 Star Green Star rating.
Photos:
Bargoonga Nganjin Library. Architect – GSA Architects. Photography – Bernie Phelan.
“Bargoonga Nganjin means ‘Gather Everybody’ in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people. It embodies our commitment to sustainability, reconciliation and community care. And with attendance up by 300% it’s clear that our growing and diverse community is embracing this remarkable building.”