green building

PROJECT: Opus Building 
6 Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier

Architect: Accent Architects, Wellington

Originally scoped as a four star Greenstar rated building, some of this project’s features, such as double glazing and garden areas supplied by rain water were deleted by the building owner to save on construction costs.  The following items were retained and incorporated in the final design and build:
- Conversion of existing factory into an office building, reusing the existing cladding and structure
- Upgraded roof insulation
- Use of louvers to control glare
- Installation of insulation into existing exterior walls
- Skylights to the atrium to increase natural light
- Automated air conditioning system
- Opening windows for natural ventilation when desired
- Low e glazing
- Wind lobbies to the main entries to control temperature
- High frequency ballasts
- Lights are switched in zones and individual enclosed spaces are switched
- Areas have been designated for secure bicycle and motorcycle parking
- Shower facilities
- Drought tolerant plantings in the gardens
- Construction waste was carefully managed and recycled where possible

    


PROJECT: Taradale Library
White Street, Taradale, Napier

Architect: Judd Dougan Team Architecture

While not intentionally designed to Greenstar criteria, this project incorporated a number of specific features that resulted in a three star rating when evaluated against the NZ Green Building Council Office 2009 evaluation tool.

The project was based around the conversion of the current library (originally rugby clubrooms) into a modern facility twice its size.  The existing floor and column structure and a concrete masonry boundary wall around the width of the building were retained. Large expanses of south facing windows and top lights were used to maximise light and minimise solar gain and glare.

Other features included:
- Perforated metal ceiling linings for improved acoustics
- Upgraded insulation to the roof
- Low e glazing
- Opening top light windows for natural ventilation
- Mechanical ventilation system as back up
- Wind lobby at the entry
- High frequency ballasts to the light fittings
- Construction waste was carefully managed, recycling where possible
- Carparking designed to minimise impact on neighbours
- Building design and colours specifically tailored to be sympathetic with the site


POLICY STATEMENT
Alexander Construction supports and encourages the Greenstar principles in the design and construction of buildings.  In particular we promote the following aspects:
- Construction waste minimisation
- Elimination, or if elimination is not possible, control of hazardous materials during construction
- Reuse of existing surplus materials where practical
- Use of materials that carry a low environmental impact such as alternatives in timber, applied coatings, plastics, insulation, concrete, steel and floor coverings
    
- Membership of the NZ Green Building Council.

PROCEDURE
Design Stage
Introduce the client to the principles of sustainable building,
Where desired by the client assist with the design process to incorporate a three star rating as a minimum standard utilising the Office 2009 tool

Construction Stage
- Offer to introduce the client to the principles of sustainable building as a standard clause in our price submissions.
- Eliminate recyclable waste being taken to the landfill through separation of cardboard, paper, plastics, steel, untreated timber, treated timber, concrete and glass.
- Advise staff and subcontractors of the waste management system through signage, tool box meetings, formal subcontract acceptance letters and individual briefings for those responsible for site cleaning