GIW

The urban infill project Open Court in Balaclava promises to reinvent the traditional workspace by designing a workplace that celebrates community and cultivates creativity. The architecture mirrors this vision: by repurposing the industrial brick warehouse, it elevates traditional workplace norms into a vibrant mixed-use building, embracing its future as a dynamic hub for both work and play. Spanning six levels of office space including onsite F&B tenancy and two basement levels, the building has been benchmarked to achieving a 5 Green Star Design and As-Built Rating. It will feature a 25kW solar PV system installed on the rooftop that will save 43,890 kg of carbon dioxide annually, with the potential for future installation of a battery system. The fenestration strategy incorporates large, double-glazed, low-E windows. Energy-efficient appliances will not only reduce operational costs but will help to reduce greenhouse gases by 11.3% and peak electricity demand by at least 10%. A 25,000-litre rainwater tank will supply all WCs. The building is an exemplar in providing a range of amenities that promote healthy lifestyles and a high-quality workspace. This includes a 1,718m2 gym over two levels and a half-size basketball court on the roof. These contribute a holistic approach to offering wellness and social cohesion. The rooftop will also feature planter boxes and garden trellises, providing a green space to enjoy that also fosters a connection with nature. To enhance the walkability of the neighbourhood, the building will provide 56 car parking spaces, 6 electric charging stations, 84 bicycle spaces, and end-of-trip facilities, reducing transport emissions simultaneously. Open Court is ultimately a symbol of innovation, capturing the entrepreneurial spirit and converting an industrial relic into a thriving centre for community, creativity, and urban vitality. Developer: 94 Feet Pty Ltd Architecture: WMK Architecture Builders: Hamilton Marino 

Set in Melbourne's bustling dining district on Lygon Street, Brunswick East by Milieu Property showcases how thoughtful design can seamlessly blend modern communal living, quality architecture and deliver carbon-neutrality. Formerly two, single-storey commercial buildings, this urban infill development on 121 Lygon Street now maximises the space with 43 medium-density homes with F&B, office, and social tenancy spaces over six storeys. To achieve carbon neutrality, the apartments are gas-free, relying instead on a centralised heat pump system for hot water and induction cooktops. An 11.4kW Solar PV system installed on the rooftop will generate over a fifth of the common area lighting and power. Aiming for an average 7.5 Star NatHERS energy rating, water- and light-efficient appliances, along with individual cold and hot water and electricity metres, are installed for all apartments and communal areas. A 25,000-litre rainwater tank services all commercial and ground-floor apartment WCs. The building's thermal fabric reduces thermal energy consumption while maintaining comfort, aided by double-glazed, Low-E windows and light-coloured concrete to minimise solar heat absorption and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Its tactile materiality, featuring brickwork, timber, and concrete, pays homage to Industrial Brunswick while introducing playful modern patterns that enhance the urban landscape's character. The fenestration strategy not only encourages ample daylight and cross-ventilation in each apartment to reduce cooling loads, but also creates a seamless transition between the interior and exterior landscapes, eliminating any sense of boundary. The predominantly native vegetation landscaping complements this as well. This cohesion is intended to foster the essence of community, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Lygon Street. Brunswick East reflects this ethos by incorporating shared facilities throughout – a shining design feature is the communal rooftop, offering its residents a convivial oasis adorned with lush landscaping, barbecue areas, shared clotheslines, and seating options. Other amenities include 67 secure bicycle spaces, end-of-trip facilities, and easy access to public transport, minimising reliance on cars and promoting active lifestyles. This project stands as a beacon of liveability: the harmonious blend of modernity, carbon-neutrality, and communal living, setting a benchmark for future urban developments. GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW") is proud to be a part of this project. Visualisation: CUUB — creative content studio

GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW") is proud to be assisting Carr and Knight Frank Australia in delivering the new pavilion at retail spaces at 303 Collins Street, Melbourne. Our involvement has culminated in a streamlining of façade treatment for energy efficiency, thermal comfort consideration, daylight and views from project inception. Located at the intersection of Melbourne's Collins Street and Elizabeth Street, this two-storey pavilion is set to host a new mixed-use premium retail centre right in the heart of the bustling city streets. Render: Four D Studio

Is achieving the Australian Dream still possible? As our urban environments evolve, so too does the concept of home. As families prioritise fiscally sensitive, homes must adapt with thoughtful design. The project “Inkerman & Nelson” embodies this evolution. Located in inner-city Balaclava, 26 contemporary family dwellings on one site required a focus on incorporating social equity better than the freestanding homes of the area, while blending effortlessly with the natural surroundings. Rather than design traditional backyards, the design team prioritised shared private green spaces that extend the sense of home and integrate them throughout the architecture. These are irrigated with rainwater from a 20,000L tank, which saves up to 230kL of potable water annually and meets 40% of the area’s demand. Lushly vegetated yards with native plants create spaces for neighbours to connect, providing easy access to the vibrant streets of the suburb and responding to the urban heat island effect. To maximise passive design, almost all living spaces face north to maximise sunlight year-round, and windows and doors are strategically positioned to ensure every townhouse is naturally cross-ventilated. Fans in living areas and bedrooms aid the efficiency of these strategies and maintain internal thermal comfort. Low VOC, low formaldehyde products and FSC timber are used throughout, promoting better air quality and ethical material use. High-efficiency thermal envelopes including double-glazed, low-E window systems and enhanced star ratings. High-performance energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems reduce energy demand at peak times by at least a quarter. Each townhouse was afforded a 3kW Solar PV package at rooftop. This urban consolidation project prioritises spacious modern family living whilst maintaining the housing density, ensuring multiple families can access the rich array of amenities that the suburb provides. To encourage healthier lifestyles and promote a walkable neighbourhood, there are 42 bike stations with a repair station, reducing car dependence. So, the concept of the Australian Dream is very much alive, just more in a more sustainable and cohesive approach within the heart of Balaclava. ICON Developments MA+Co #esd #sustainabledesign #giwenvironmental

GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW") is proud to be providing ESD services for the urban renewal project at 59-61 Playne Street, Frankston. The mixed-use development will provide 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments with ground-level retail spaces, creating crucial high-density housing within walking distance of Frankston's metropolitan activity centre amenities. Frankston urgently needs more urban development, and this project is a step towards meeting this demand. Not only will it address the gap in Melbourne’s ‘missing middle’ housing market, but it will also reduce commuting emissions and foster a healthier, sustainable activity centre. Photo: Ewert Leaf #esd #giwenvironmental #sustainablebuilding #missingmiddle

Brunswick Yard exemplifies the fusion of industrial aesthetics and nature, a blend of grit and beauty if you will. This urban infill project, designed by Carr, transformed a former double-storey commercial site into a socially cohesive and environmentally sustainable multi-residential community, delivering densification with spacious design. At GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW"), our goal here was to cultivate a vibrant, modern residence that embraces Brunswick's dynamic essence. Carr celebrates robust materiality, paying homage to its industrial heritage with concrete structures that also offer thermal mass performance for temperature stability. Steel mesh balconies nurture vertical greenery, softening the sharp architectural lines. Despite the heaviness of the aesthetic, there is ample natural lighting, with 70% of living spaces receiving at least 3 hours of direct sunlight during winter. The project’s ESD credentials shine with a 7.5-star NatHERs energy rating, a 9-kW solar PV system, a 24,000L water tank saving up to 280,000 litres of potable water annually, gardens on the rooftop and balconies, and a vast 440m2 central courtyard foster community and biodiversity. We integrated low-water native vegetation, and abundant plantings to create a micro-climate within the courtyard capable of providing cooler play spaces, cross ventilation, and tackling the heat island effect. There are also 122 bicycle parking spots, a repair station, an electric car charging point to promote eco-friendly transportation and capacity for further future rollout. Brunswick Yard stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of ecological and socially conscious principles, densification and enriching the local community's cultural fabric. We are proud to have delivered the sustainability for this innovative project. #ESD #propertydevelopment #architecture #urbanplanning #sustainability

As we mark Earth Day today, it prompts us to ask: What's the point of dedicating just one day to recognise the planet when it should be an everyday commitment? The answer lies in this simple truth: as we've become more detached from our natural environment, we need a reminder of our inextricable connection to it, regardless of how far removed we believe ourselves to be. Every action we take impacts nature, just as nature impacts us in return. In our pursuit of sustainable development, whilst improving living standards, we need to consider our impact on the planet at every stage. Integrating these goals holds immense potential: not only in mitigating the dire environmental issues we face today but also in raising living standards to levels we're only beginning to imagine—one that respects the earth and helps our communities flourish. In the building industry, efforts to reconnect with our environment are intensifying. Through updating policies aimed at delivering net-zero targets, conscious implementation of sustainable building practices throughout construction, and with support from ESD specialists like us at GIW, we're striving to protect, nurture, and promote a balanced relationship between nature and the built landscape. As we assess our challenges, today we also celebrate our achievements and recognise the power of collective action in addressing the issues we face. At GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW"), we commemorate this progress and remain firmly committed to contributing to greater success in accomplishing ambitious sustainability objectives. #EarthDay #ESD #Sustainability

Late last week, Reuters published grim news: current climate commitments “would barely cut global emissions by 2030”. With energy-related emissions hitting a record high, the UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell announced that the next two years are “essential in saving our planet”. The urgency of our situation cannot be overstated - global temperatures have already exceeded the 1.5-degree limit for 12 consecutive months (Copernicus ECMWF Climate Change Service, 2024). This announcement represents the final call for the governments to act on mitigating the worst of climate change. We know the building sector holds immense potential, capable of slashing Australia’s emissions by a fifth and achieving carbon neutrality (DCCEEW, 2024). Yet, concurrent with carbon abatement throughout the construction process, we are also now faced with the mammoth task of addressing the physical risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events that endanger the integrity of our infrastructure and built environment. Being proactive in resolving these issues within the industry promptly is key as we move towards carbon neutrality. The Federal Government has vast influence in fast-tracking decarbonisation efforts. While climate emergency declarations alone won't solve the crisis, announcing one would signal its gravity at a governmental level and can spur vital investment and policy shifts across industries, especially in construction. Enforcing ambitious building codes for standardised net-zero emissions would ensure widespread adoption of best practices, and incentives such as rebates and subsidies can accelerate this. The industry hinges on this critical momentum to meet sustainability goals before climate impacts become irreversible. Confronting the crisis requires bold action. Australia’s building industry has the potential to seize this serious warning and spearhead the worldwide push towards carbon-neutrality construction. It stands ready to address the climate emergency. At GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW"), our commitment to mitigating climate impact drives our mission: crafting resilient, liveable, and sustainable built environments for future generations. We remain hopeful of a rapid transformation of our industry. Climate change is a team sport and we’re ready to play!

Slate House, designed by Andrew Maynard of Austin Maynard Architects and developed by Panos Miltiadou of Lucent is an award-winning multi-unit residential development in Brighton. GIW Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd ("GIW") proudly provided ESD consulting services delivering well-conceived spaces for liveability and longevity. The architecture is sympathetic to its environment and responds well to its context. Here is a rundown of the project's sustainability credentials:   Slate House was the first fossil-fuel-free multi-residential apartment building in Brighton. The project delivered a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme thermal efficiency rating of >8.0 stars through the use of passive solar design principles, a high-efficiency thermal envelope including thermally broken double-glazed, low-e windows, rooftop solar PV of 14kW, and a central heat pump hot water service. Rainwater is harvested with a 20kL tank and reused for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation. Energy efficient appliances were installed for further optimisation of running costs.   The slate roof will in time be covered by light covering of lichen. This offers a natural rustic aesthetic, blending with the surrounding environment. Lichen is a symbiotic organism consisting of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichen growth promotes biodiversity and contribute to local ecosystems. It helps regulate indoor temperatures and moisture.   These are forever homes and durability is at the fore. Detailing is refined, curvature and tactile. Such discrete forms ought to be celebrated as models for future Melbourne where we can build quality for community.   #propertydevelopment #architecture #urbanplanning #esd #YIMBY #sustainability

A couple of weeks ago, Monash University’s annual Challenges of the Age Event Series: Climate Change took us on a deep dive into “What’s next for climate change after COP28?”. The interactive session discussed the route forward through actionable strategies, new research, and collaborative innovation. With a panel including the heads of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), School of Arts and Social Sciences, researchers, and Engineering students, the breadth of industry perspectives delivered insightful conversations on how to tackle this global problem. At GIW, our dedication to reducing and mitigating climate change effects through positive ESD outcomes is driven by our aim to enable future generations to enjoy and interact sustainably with the built environment. Through innovative architecture, we can ensure this future.