Ausgrid Learning Centre, Silverwater NSW
Ausgrid’s $75 million state-of-the-art Learning Centre is a home base for their Sydney apprentices and about 125 other staff. Purpose built for training, research and development, the certified 6 Star Green Star Rated – Education Design v.1 facility is also open to the public through its Energy Efficiency Centre.
With the design brief for the Centre focused around energy efficiency, a key area was natural ventilation. Louvres were chosen for use throughout the Centre, in enclosed areas such as training rooms as well as external walls and walkways. The louvres are motorised and controlled automatically via the Centre’s building management system, enabling maximum use of natural ventilation and reducing energy use.
For example, the louvres used throughout the Centre’s auditorium remain open when the air temperature is measured at a comfortable level, but if the temperature rises or falls below the suitable range, air conditioning or heating is activated and the louvres automatically close. This system maximises the use of natural ventilation, using powered heating/cooling only when absolutely necessary. In the workshop areas, louvres provide excellent ventilation supported by exhaust fans without the need for air conditioning.
Safetyline Jalousie louvres were the obvious choice for the Centre. Security was of paramount concern where louvres were used close to the ground, and Safetyline Jalousie provides peace of mind with its impenetrable security system.
The architects were also attracted to Safetyline Jalousie’s weatherproof seals, which provide a full seal on every louvre, keeping harsh elements out. Safetyline Jalousie’s extra-large widths suited the brief aesthetically, with horizontal lines more defined on the exterior of the building and overall a slick, modern design achieved.
Project Specifications
Quantity Supplied 153
Height 600mm – 1954mm
Width 900mm – 1200mm
Colour/Finish Clear anodised
Louvres 6mm Green Sunergy toughened glass
Operation Combination of standard levers and motorised
Architect DEM
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