Located in the inner-Eastern Perth suburb of Welshpool, Sanwell's new headquarters presents a contemporary language whilst respecting the surrounding industrial precinct aesthetic, proposing a complex, sustainable solution to a constantly evolving and challenging brief.

The close collaboration between architect and client led to a radical re-imagining of the typical tilt-up industrial office, resulting in a dynamic split level, cantilevered office structure wrapped in permeable aluminium brise soleil.

This form explores the proposition of how a commercial office can sit harmoniously and responsively within its staunchly industrial context, while simultaneously maintaining a deep awareness of sustainable design principles.

KEY INITIATIVES

  • Brise soleil shading system - perforated facade allowing views and removing 70% of direct sunlight
  • 30kW photovoltaic panels - powers building and site during sunlit hours - batteries to be added inner future as technology improves (with zones allowed for)
  • High level operable louvres
  • Composite insulated roof panelling with appropriate overhang
  • Landscaping - Deciduous trees around exterior for added solar shading in summer months. Low maintenance natives around building perimeter to protect from low angled sun
  • Low-water requirement vegetation
  • Electrically operated high level window systems - both awning windows and louvres used facing prevailing winds for maximised cross-ventilation
  • Off-grid water treatment
  • Structural Systems - the upper floors have perimeter structure only, allowing for maximum reconfiguring of the plan in the future
  • Reverse brick veneer to lower levels
  • Thermal mass - Concrete slabs and part structure supporting upper floors
  • End of trip facilities to encourage the use of sustainable methods of transport - showers, incorporated bike racking, lockers, drying areas
  • 150mm thick sandwich panel roofing
  • Flexible, dynamic and technological design solutions to maximize building longevity