Major Assignment

Posters coming soon

Article Review

'Solar power outshines water tanks'

The Age,
26 May, 2007

Dr George Wilkenfeld an expert on sustainable building has called for an overhaul of the governments five star regulations on new energy efficient homes. According to a report produced by Dr Wilkenfeld, new five star rated homes in Victoria are using more energy and producing 6% more greenhouse gas emissions than houses which were built before the scheme was introduced three years ago.

This came to light after it was found that less than 20% of new homes built in Melbourne are installing water tanks to catch rain water, even though we are in the middle of a drought. However about 80% of new homes have solar hot water systems installed.

It could have something to do with the saving passed onto consumers, water tanks save the household around $50 a year, while solar energy savings were around $200 a year.

Major Assignment

Massimiliano Fuksas, (born 1944)


After further research on the major assignment, and flicking through a book i received as a present I've decided to change my master Architect to Massimiliano Fuksas. I have already completed an assignment using Calatrava as inspiration, so i thought I'd try somethone different.

Having no previous knowledge of Fuksas and i was intrigued to find out more about the architect who is renowned in Europe for both his experimental buildings and an extensive list of public works, including schools, housing estates, universities, libraries, cultural spaces and museums.

Fuksas is an Italian architect currently working out of Rome and Paris. He started his first practise in 1967, graduating with a degree in architecture two years later. His first series of works were chiefly located in Central Italy, until discovered by French critics, resulting in invitations to compete in international competitions. Since 1985 Fuksas' career has gone from strength to strength, with an increasing number of projects as well as contributing to many various boards and committees and architectural journals. Below are a few select images of Fuksas' works.


Cassino, New Municipality seat, 1980-1990

Maison des Arts, Bordeaux III (France) 1992-1995

New Trade Fair, Rho-Pero (Milan, Italy), 2002-2005



De Cecco Management Centre, Pescara (Italy) 2001-2007




Centre des Archives National de Pierrefitte-sur-Seine et Saint-Denis (France) 2005-2010

The main inspiration for my design of the warehouse for the major assignment.

Site Visits (Additional)

When I was in Sydney for the weekend I took some photos of some building of interest, as mentioned in a previous blog. So here is the second instalment of my tour of Sydney by foot.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, looking from the Opera House.

Looking from the Observatory.

The Sydney Opera House by Jorn Utzon

Looking at the apex and the joining of glass to concrete.

Tiled exterior surface.

The roof loads are transferred down into the ground through the concrete, water stained flashings.

The AMP Tower.

A pavilion sheltering an entry to the subway.

Details of the glass to steel connection, and the use of structural glass.

Before i went off to Sydney, I attended DesignEX at Jeff's Shed, which is a trade fair for the building and design industry. Definitely worth a look next year, plus it is free for students.

While there i got talking to a guy about louvers and external venetian blinds, and he sent me to have a look at The Bond, Sydney, see below, which uses the product extensively. Here is some info on the product. http://www.nysan.com.au/

The Bond, commercial building.

Uses louvers and external venetian blinds to control natural lighting and heat from the sun.

The Bond, residential complex

Uses sliding adjustable louver panels, that can adapt to any weather conditions.

Governor Phillip and Governor Macquarie Towers by Denton Corker and Marshall

Museum of Sydney tucked into the base of the Gov. Phillip building

The joining of the two buildings.

Main entry.
Existing buildings were considered in the design and build of the twin skyscrapers.

Article Review

'Ageing beauty needs facelift'

Herald Sun,
16 May, 2007

(1632-1652)

The Taj Mahal has fallen victim to New Delhi's air pollution. Built in the 17th century by Mogul emperor Shan Jahan for his favourite wife, the white marble building is India's monument to love.

Granules of dirt in the air due to dust and burning fossil fuels have been blamed for the yellowing of the marble.

A report by the government has recommended applying a mud pack to the building to restore the original white look.

Other measures are already in place to cut pullution. Cars and buses are not allowed to drive to the Taj Mahal, instead they park 2 km away, were visitors can catch a battery run of buses or horse drawn carriages, to reach the monument.

Article Review

'Biggest steel maker takes the lead for industry'

The Age,
16 May, 2007

Blue Scope Steel's Hastings plant has joined together with the Bracks Government and South East Water in a $21.5 million venture to use recycled water during manufacture.

The project that is planed to be completed in 2009 will save 660 million litres of fresh water a year, equivalent to the usage of 3000 homes.

At the moment heavy industry uses 15% of the water consumed in Victoria, this could be reduced to 7%, but only if the rest of the industry follows suit, resulting in a reduction in fresh water usage of 60% of what they currently use.

Recycling water frees up water for households, reduces the waste that flows out into the bay and reduces the pressure on water suppliers. Theses are all good things in this time of water restrictions, lets hope that other companies take the initiative to invest in energy and water conservation.

Article Review

'Pioneer finds sustainable building in full bloom'


The Age,
14 May, 2007

Part of this article refers to a recent national report, which had some interesting finding when it came to green, sustainable buildings in Australia.

It found that Australian 'green' buildings use;

• 60% less water
• 60% less energy
• therefore annual operating costs are reduced from $120/sq m to $60/sq m
• they cost less the 3% more to construct
• which averages out to an additional cost of $100/sq m

when compared to conventional buildings and building methods.

Article Review

'Southern Cross Station wins construction prize',

The Age,

May 5, 2007

The article explains how the controvesial redevelopment of Spencer St Station has beaten five other finalists to be declared 'Australia's most outsatnding example of construction excellence'.

The $420 million development was awarded the 2007 Australian Construction Achievment Award last night.

In 2005 it had been described as a 'world-class mess' due to the construction delays and cost blowouts, delaying the development by 16 months.

However construction took place around a fully operational station, servicing 60,000 commuters and 940 trains every weekday.

The main feature of the new station is the wave-form roof which covers 37,000 sq metres and rises to 24 metres above the platform level.

Found this photo I took a while ago, close up of the roof from above.

Site Visit #6

Renzo Piano's Aurora Place in Sydney.



Corner elevation


Front elevation showing the residential building, in front, and the commercial tower behind.


The glass facade of the building is cleaned every two months, by means of cherry picker, see above, and absailing down the face.

Detail of the glass panel connection

One of the many motors that controls the movement of the glass louvers.

The structure behind part of the facade.

The inovative and stylish downpipe to drain water off the glass ceiling.

The steel supports that suspend the glazing over the courtyard.

Site Visit #5

On the weekend I was lucky enough to go to Sydney. Didn’t have a lot of time there but I did manage to get around and have a look at a few buildings.

I made it to Renzo Piano’s Aurora Place, Denton Corker and Marshall’s Governor Phillip and Macquarie Towers, Jorn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House and of course the ‘Coathanger’ which just celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

One building of great interest was something a little more modest, the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, which is Harry Seidler’s latest public building. The $40 million facility isn’t due to be completed until mid year, but I was able to get inside for a sneak peek at the beautiful and complex form.



South facade.
North facade.
Looking along the main facade (West).

Inside looking South.

Inside looking East.

Looking into the pool for kids and those that are aquatically challenged.

A close up of the structural glazing used on both end walls (North and South).

Looking up through the glazing in the roof, allows natural lighting and expresses the structural elements supporting the roof.

Looking down to the floor below the pool deck.

There is a bit a bit more information on the building and its progress, if your interested follow the link below.

www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Residents/SwimmingPools/IanThorpeAquaticCentre.asp