News

The University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre represents a giant leap forward in the transformation of Wollongong from an industrial city to a services-led economy. SBRC is an incubator of sustainable building design, and a leading facility for the region.

Medland Metropolis implemented the design throughout the construction phase, working with Cox Architects, Baulderstone, Paragon Management and the University. Comprising 2600sqm GFA, the building is targeting net zero energy and water, and is designed to achieve a 6 star green star design rating. The University is also optimistic that  that the building will become Australia’s first Living Building under the International Living Building Challenge™ program.

Medland Metropolis worked diligently to implement the original design during construction, tackling buildability issues for a successful outcome.

The building services incorporate a highly efficient mixed-mode mechanical system with a ground source heat exchanger and in-floor hydronic heating/cooling. On-site rain water is harvested and treated, with a 65,000 litre rainwater tank. There are thirty-two automatically controlled ventilation zones with manual over ride, and a highly efficient LED lighting and lighting control system. Daylight will be harvested every day, and the building can be intimately monitored via the building control system.

SBRC offers a full range of laboratories including a large scale integrated component testing lab, electrical power quality renewable generation and storage lab, a water sustainability lab, thermal analysis and simulation lab, roof top testing lab, building performance and monitoring lab, sustainability training hall and a collaborative partner space.