The First Building will respond to the challenges facing our planet today through innovative design choices. Its modular design will make it adaptable to future changes, and allow components to be disassembled, reconfigured or reused as Bradfield evolves.
The large roof structure enables water harvesting, solar energy generation and shading to the structure below, as well as supporting 14,000 biodiverse native low-maintenance plants adapted to Western Sydney’s heat. Together these elements ensure the building operates efficiently and reduces heat absorption.
In the central atrium, 16 rammed earth wall panels provide a strong connection to the surrounding Cumberland Plain, while helping to maintain a constant internal temperature through high thermal mass. The walls were constructed on site from raw earth materials, and at the end of life they can be broken back down and reused.
Natural ventilation can also be used to cool the building by opening the atrium and glass panels to the breeze. During hot summer nights, air can be released through the chimney stacks to cool the building and reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
Over 30% of Bradfield will be dedicated open space, with an average 40% tree canopy cover throughout the city. Sustainable development controls include passive thermal features in buildings, cooling urban design measures through thoughtful street and building layout, use of cool materials in public realm design and mandatory green roofs.
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First Building sustainability facts
- 1300sqm Green Roof with biodiverse planting of 14,000 native plants, enhancing the building’s thermal performance by blocking solar radiation on the roof and providing insulation.
- Roof top planting helps enhance local biodiversity and reduces temperatures hitting the roof by as much as 20 degrees.
- 180kW solar PV on rooftop with 460kWh battery on-site to power the building and efficiently manage power needs.
- Mass timber design with low embodied carbon. The prefabricated timber structure was fixed together on site.
- Building designed for disassembly and can be disassembled at the end of building use. The structure
- can be taken apart or relocated to a different site, or
- components re-purposed for a different use/building type.
- Rammed earth panels made of locally sourced materials are low in embodied carbon and have good thermal mass properties.
- Wide eaves shade the building, reduce heat ingress and reduce energy consumption.
- In-ground 150kL rainwater tank collects rainwater harvested from the large roof structure. Rainwater is stored, treated and reused on-site for landscape irrigation and grey water use.
- Native landscaping of predominantly local endemic species, supporting and enhancing local biodiversity
- Use of 'green' concrete, using 40% less Portland cement than standard concrete mixes.
- Two rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers on site.
