Bamboo flooring from Eco Flooring Systems was selected for installation at the Box Hill Institute of TAFE in Melbourne to assist with the facility’s Green Star accreditation.
The Box Hill TAFE has a new four-level ‘Integrated Technology Hub’, comprising of 3,600m² of advanced tertiary level teaching and cross-discipline learning spaces, high load engineering facilities and flexible use learning areas for 800 persons.
The building has been designed to respond to the demands for delivering innovative technical trades training programs as well as future campus master planning requirements.
The building brief was to create quality working and teaching environments that are sustainable, innovative, flexible, technologically advanced, workable, affordable, enjoyable, integrated and productive.
The design for the facility is targeting 5 star Green Star accreditation under GBCA’s Education Rating Tool V.1. Significant high performance sustainability outcomes have been addressed in the design including a highly insulated façade, separate HVAC comprising of gas and electric VRV systems with individual BMS, linked and digitally monitored by central BMS, gas fired radiant heating systems, automatic blinds controlled via the BMS linked to perimeter façade sensors, energy efficient T5 lighting, economical machine room less lifts, domestic solar hot water system, and a rainwater tank system.
Following consultation with Eco Flooring Systems, Spowers Architects specified BT Strand Natural T&G, a pre-finished strandwoven bamboo flooring range.
BT Strand bamboo is harvested at maturity and the bamboo flooring is made from random strips of bamboo assembled under extreme pressure to ensure extreme hardness and durability. Thirteen layers of Trefferts coating ensure it is ideal for commercial installations that face high traffic and constant wear and tear.
The natural strandwoven bamboo flooring was also used to create tiered seating and stairs in the auditorium and throughout the building.
