Parklea’s Timbertop Estate in Melbourne’s southeast will be home to an innovative commercial and retail hub that puts sustainability at the forefront via the use of a mass timber construction, employing a combination of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT,) and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT), two underutilised and sustainable resources that are making waves in the property industry.
Biophilic design and reducing embodied carbon emissions are the primary drivers behind i2C Architects employing the use of mass timber construction for the first time.
CLT and GLT are sustainably developed timbers that are manufactured from purpose built forests mainly in Europe, but also developing in Australia. The timber is assembled in a cross stitch formation, allowing for extreme strength and zero wastage during manufacturing.
i2C Architects Senior Associate Shaun Daly said the Australian construction industry has been slow to adopt the timbers, but an uptick in sustainability focuses and their benefits for both the business and the end user has welcomed greener building initiatives.
“The external design of the building is bolstered by an extensive use of glass that opens to neighbouring areas of Officer making it one with the community. Inside, exposed CLT panelling on the walls and ceiling build on the contemporary external design language to create a harmonious flow.
“The internal timber creates warmth and softness, while the entire premises faces east with the bulk of the glazing to the North and South allowing constant light without the harshness of the morning or afternoon sun. When biophilic design elements like this are applied, the health of the end user improves while simultaneously allowing the business to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Shaun.
“The modern office environment has evolved and now needs to offer social zones, accessible outdoor spaces, and versatile floor plans as a way of luring back office workers.
“Research has shown that Australians are exhausted by the working from home lifestyle – they are desperate to return to the office but are sick of the daily commute. The decision to build in residential was an obvious solution to what is the next evolution of the modern work environment.
“Parklea wanted to engage the idea of the CBD offices in the suburbs – we’ve rethought the whole design of the building to better benefit everyone,” he said.
The vision implemented by i2C Architects has cemented Parklea’s reputation as a trailblazer in sustainability and workplace culture.
Designer of Parklea’s CLT and GLT elements – Timber Design Studio Director Dayne Davis said the sustainable timber is now cementing its stance in the construction world.
“Not only is the timber used in this project sustainably sourced, but it continues to sequester carbon throughout the operational lifetime of this building.
“Once complete, Parklea will have a fully sustainable and biophilic design, which will be reducing the overall operational carbon required to run the office annually.
“A high-performance building like this demonstrates what is capable when sustainability is seen as an opportunity to introduce solutions to age-old conventions,” said Dayne.
i2C Architects is delighted to have created a design that will assist Parklea to secure a legacy of innovation.