In 2007, Fairfax Media announced it was investing $110 million on a new state-of-the-art headquarters for The Age and other Fairfax publications in Melbourne. The site known as Media House was developed on the southern corner of the Collins Street extension and Spencer Street, opposite Southern Cross station.
The building was constructed above the railway lines, which provided a unique engineering challenge. The building has 16,800 m2 of usable space.
NDY’s sustainability group sought to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and sustainability over the life of the building by adopting best practice principles in sustainable design.
Energy savings, green house gas reduction, water conservation, materials recycling and bicycle facilities, all assist Media House to minimise its impact on the environment in a healthy and safe workplace.
Design features
Noteworthy features of NDY’s design include:
- 5 star Green Star design rating for the base building design
- Brownfield site — environmental impact minimised
- North facing glazed façade — daylight and views maximised
- Summer solar protection via a high performance façade and external shading
- Immediate proximity to public transport plus extensive provision for bicycles
- Waste stream management process for all construction wastes to achieve 80% of waste by weight being recycled
- Component of recycled concrete and steel will be used and PVC use minimised
- Environmentally sustainable timber sources used in construction
- Highly efficient air conditioning, which utilises 100% fresh air
- Gross pollutant traps on storm water discharge to improve water quality
- Hot water provided by solar panel preheating system located on the roof
- Water efficient fixtures and fittings for waterless urinals
- Rainwater to be collected from roof and used for landscape irrigation. Fire services test water will be captured and used on site
- Provision for extensive recycling practices building wide.
