South Australia
At the core of the project was the team’s genuine commitment to shaping a better world – creating a space that promotes health, well-being, and sustainability. Our challenge was to reuse as much as possible of the existing, outdated fit-out while ensuring that the outcome was cohesive and did not appear as a jumbled collection of elements. We analysed salvageable items, avoided those nearing the end of their life, and considered options such as refinishing or recycling. The Arup workplace aims for Living Building Certification, which focuses on reducing materials, promoting reuse, biophilic design, and eliminating toxic materials.
The Derrick Kendrick Award for Sustainable Architecture (SA)
The Arup Workplace is a beacon of sustainability. This innovative fit-out revitalises existing CBD office stock, transforming a conventional space into a sustainable exemplar. The client’s commitment to ‘A Better World’ was the driving force behind this project, which aimed to create a workspace fostering employee health and wellbeing.
The Arup Workplace aspired to achieve Living Building Challenge (LBC) Certification; a rigorous standard rarely attained by office fitouts. The project team embraced the ambitious goals, but also surpassed ESD benchmarks by significantly reducing new materials, reuse and recycling of existing materials, integrating biophilic design principles, and eliminating toxic materials. The project also met a stringent 90% landfill diversion requirement, exemplifying a holistic commitment to sustainability.
The sustainable opportunities, lessons learned, and outcomes are thoughtfully showcased using cleverly designed displays that educate, inspire, and encourage proactive actions toward environmental stewardship within the office and the wider community.
The Arup Workplace showcases sustainability through innovative, beautiful, pioneering architecture. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can redefine sustainability standards.
Our office fitout, with sustainability at its core, significantly enhances the work environment for our employees. The recycled natural timber desks and soothing tones create a calming, productive workspace, while exceptional lighting and views of greenery boost morale and mental well-being. Superior air quality, exceeding Living Building Challenge standards, ensures a healthier indoor environment, promoting better concentration and reducing fatigue. This thoughtfully designed space not only supports Arup’s commitment to sustainability but also fosters innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction, demonstrating how excellent design with a sustainable emphasis can positively impact the working environment. – Nick Roach
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
