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Sustainable architecture in Melbourne

We place a spotlight on four Melbourne architects who are leading innovations in sustainable design solutions.
7 min read
Published 20 May, 2019

Key Takeaways

  • A move toward sustainable initiatives in design over the years has heavily influenced modern architectural styles.
  • Sustainable architecture helps lessen buildings’ impact on our environment.
  • "Environmental sustainability must go hand in hand with social and economic sustainability" Allen Kong

Melbourne is often regarded as Australia’s cultural capital, thanks in part to the variety of architectural styles across the city. Check out four Melburnian architects who are leading innovators in sustainable design and building.

1. Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, BatesSmart

Design Director of Bates Smart, Kristen Whittle wanted to see how the Green Star ratings could be better understood and continue to become a part of building protocol. He says the Royal Children's Hospital embodies "creating environments within an architectural expression, in the way buildings are planned that generates buildings for the long term".

Positioned for optimal sun exposure, the hospital’s eastern blocks get morning light, while northern and western blocks get afternoon light. This means all parts of the building receive direct sunlight. The building is split into smaller building blocks that create thinning structures to bring natural light to the floor space, reducing the need to have electric lights on. 

A riverbed circling the building captures rainwater to water the gardens, while solar panels generate power. In conjunction with a gas-fired generator, the building can work off the grid if needed.

The design also allows for additional blocks to be built without disrupting the existing structure.

BatesSmart Royal Children's Hospital development

2. Chadstone Shopping Centre, The Buchan Group Melbourne

Developments at Chadstone Shopping Centre meant the iconic fashion capital was the first retail development to be awarded a five-star Green Star Rating.

The extension of the shopping centre focused on letting in natural light, which increased lighting quality while reducing energy consumed by artificial lighting.

Central heating and cooling, LED lighting and intelligent control systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 71%. And potable water use was reduced by 65% through a combination of rainwater collection, low-use water fittings and monitoring systems.

Public transport and cycling features were also integrated into the centre reducing the need for visitors and staff to rely on cars. 

“Rather than [just a] grand vision that relates back to architecture or buildings, it’s … the right thing for everybody to try and live minimally impacting the environment, the world and the resources that it has,” says The Buchan Group Melbourne Principal, Harvey Male.

“I certainly think it’s reached a tipping point in our industry.

“[But] if it becomes too much of a trend or fashion, then it’s missing the point. It shouldn’t be seen as that, it should just be the correct thing to do.”

The Buchan Group Chadstone Shopping Centre development

3. Potter Street Redevelopment, Allen Kong Architect

This Dandenong co-development between disability support organisation, Wallara Australia, aged care specialist, Wintringham, and housing provider, Housing Choices, featured a variety of sustainable initiatives.

Director and Principal Architect William Allen Kong believes there's more to sustainale design than just the environmental aspects. 

"Environmental sustainability must go hand in hand with social and economic sustainability. This project ... makes the most of the materials - used in a way that supports the resident and staff."

The building has no internal corridors, helping to reduce air-conditioned space by approximately 30%. This also reduces the materials needed during construction.

Solar panels are used for hot water preheating, with the option to add additional panels if required. The buildings are heavily insulated and double-glazed, reducing the need for artificial heating.

Allen Kong Architect Potter St re-development

4. The High Street development, Ewert Leaf Architects

This apartment complex in Malvern employed a variety of sustainable initiatives, both in the construction phase and after completion. 

It was built using locally sourced and recycled materials, with non-volatile organic compounds in paints and finishes.

The building's position maximises shade, while energy-efficient heating and cooling and LED lighting helped to reduce power usage, also assisted by the installation of rooftop solar panels. 

“The inspiration was to create an environmentally friendly building for the users of today and tomorrow, that is a leading example of how to minimise our carbon footprint in a cost-effective way” says Toby Ewert, Director of Ewert Leaf Architects.

"Typically, buildings consume large amounts of materials, produce excessive waste and carbon emissions, which are detrimental to our environment.”

Sustainable architecture helps lessen buildings’ impact on our environment.

“By rationalising our natural resources, we can provide a positive contribution and help improve our environmental quality for future generations.”

Ewert Leaf Architects High St development

Sustainable architecture is the future for Australian homes. With architects taking the lead in the design phase, we're also looking at a greener future for our vital public and commercial spaces. 

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