Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct, Geelong VIC

Wurriki Nyal – a fusion of aesthetics and performance

Transparency and connection are significant themes in the design scheme for the new Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct. In combination with the world-class sustainability goals of the client, City of Greater Geelong, this poses a challenge for an architect: how to resolve the conflict between expansive views and glazing as a dominant façade element, while ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures and minimised glare.

The Building

In their design for the new Civic Hub that anchors the precinct, COX Architects have created a dematerialised building envelope featuring exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural beams and a high-performance, double-glazed and thermally-broken curtainwall façade system.

The project is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and a 6-Star NABERS Energy (base building). This ambition imposes some stringent requirements for passive performance of the building envelope and the quality of thermal control measures to minimise heat transmission through façade glazing.

The Requirement

On the western elevation, shade fins with integrated Aboriginal artwork reduce thermal gain, however, there was still a need for an elegant and adaptive solution for all external glazing that would meet both client needs and rating requirements.

Verosol expert knowledge solves complex sustainability requirements. Verosol blinds and curtains enabled the architects to achieve the required aesthetic and performance outcomes for the client. Verosol’s team advised COX on the technical aspects of thermal control and building efficiency, and also provided guidance on product compliance with GBCA requirements. Given the wide range of Verosol solar control products, solutions could be found that were uniquely suitable for the specific orientation and purpose of each indoor space and its corresponding outlook.

In addition to thermal control and glare management in the choice of curtains, COX considered aesthetic considerations, sustainable manufacturing practices and the overall corporate responsibility of Kvadrat textiles. Blinds also needed to meet these requirements in addition to having zero PVC content and GBCA certification.

The Solution

A turnkey solution for a multi-faceted project Together with commercial partner, Alessi Design Group, Verosol provided a turnkey solution including measuring, manufacture, supply and on-site installation. The final remit included Verosol manual custom curtains in Kvadrat Twilight fabric; Verosol Ambience chain operated roller blinds in 123 Earth Screen fabric; and Verosol Ambience motorised twin screen/blockout roller blinds in fabrics 123 Earth Screen and 737 Veropaque blockout with Somfy remote operation.

The 123 Earth Screen fabric was particularly appropriate for the project, with its sustainability credentials including Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A, GreenTag PHD, & GreenTag EPD certifications.

The end result is a place that has an inviting and uplifting series of both public spaces and productive workzones which remain comfortable in all seasons, while showcasing sightlines across the surrounding civic precinct with its Indigenous cultural elements.