For each towering commercial edifice, there exists a diminutive yet innovative counterpart that receives less recognition. These modest spaces harbour start-ups, small-scale enterprises, and brands that add to the economy in their own domains.

In the quest to curb emissions and combat global warming, every individual must play their part. This is why Architecture & Design proudly advocates for the endeavours of architectural firms that create such diminutive commercial spaces. We commend them through the Commercial Architecture (Small) category of the Sustainability Awards.

To qualify, a Class 5, 6, 7 or 8 building must be proposed for professional and/or commercial purposes and have a floor area of 500 square metres or less. While there are no restrictions on the budget, we expect nothing less than the finest in sustainable, thoughtful design that enables the client to conduct their business as they desire.

Last year, Breathe won both the Commercial Architecture Small and Large categories with its design of ANZ's offices, winning the smaller footprint. At the initial ANZ meeting, a new vision for the company was conveyed that transcends the interests of its shareholders, encapsulated by three pillars: environmental sustainability, secure housing, and financial well-being for all Australians.

The project's design was not limited to carbon-neutral operations but also featured a branch that minimises its carbon footprint and integrates into the circular economy, enabling items to be reused rather than sent to landfills as the branch transitions over time. Biophilic design was a crucial aspect of the project, with an abundance of live plants in each branch, enhancing indoor air quality while fostering the connection to nature for branch occupants.

Verosol is proud to sponsor the Commercial Architecture (Small) category for 2023. Established in 1963 with the motto "creating a better environment," the company is committed to ensuring that it contributes to maintaining global warming at 1.5°C, as per the Paris Climate Agreement. For Verosol, social responsibility is not restricted to the environmental qualifications of its products but permeates all of its day-to-day operations. Verosol and its suppliers strive to enhance quality, minimise environmental impact, and focus on social responsibility to aid in the battle against climate change.

Architects who have designed buildings of this type, prepare your entries by looking at the category criteria for the awards here.

Architecture & Design Team

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