Much of the world's focus is currently on sustainability and lowering greenhouse gas emissions which is a great move forward. On a planet with finite supplies and an infinite growing population the need to be more sustainable in order to support future growth is a much welcomed move.
Our governments often have funding available and awards for new projects that meet the requirements of sustainability and help drive us forward. No greater achievement in our community was achieved than this magnificent local government building which is our communities library and learning hub.
The importance of this building isn't just local but this building is an international winner and globally recognised architectural masterpiece winning the Francis-jones Morehen Throp Award and is listed
here. The building also won the 2014 Victorian Architecture Award and the Intergrain Timber Vision Award.
The building is constructed from glass and intergrain timber which was thought up by ADCO Constructions whom won the tender process to meet the objectives of the construction brief.
The project brief required the former Melton Library to be demolished an in it's place a new building be constructed that put the global environmental agenda as first priority. The building further required the use of a community hub, multiple community meeting spaces, training rooms, double hight reading space, theatrette and modern day design.
No easy requirements for the best of Architects and designers but the challenge was on and ADCO was onto providing something special for our community and they didn't disappoint.
The Melton library is home to Meltons largest collection of books and items with the added benefit of having training facilities on site which can be booked flexibly to cater for large and small groups.
Children and family services are also provided from the library in specially built purpose rooms which also include advanced technology and wireless capabilities.
The meeting spaces are all named after traditional language groups paying respect and acknowledgement to traditional owners of the lands that Melton is in as well as other local community heros.
The heightend ceilings provide the extra sunlight required to fill the room with natural light rather than relying on artificial lights. Increased air circulation which reduces the need to rely on expensive heating and cooling.
The Library has received a 5 star accreditation from the Green Building Council of Australia for its use of sustainable building materials and energy efficient design.
The building boasts a 52% reduction in electricity use, 60% reduction in gas use, 82% reduction in water than with standard building practices and a 45% reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions when compared to other buildings of similar magnitude.
The heightend ceilings with glass reduces light spillage and requires less artificial lighting. Filtered storm water is used in bathrooms and gardens, the thickened glass reduces noise pollution and traps heat or cold temperatures inside.
The insulation used is not ozone depleting and the plants used in the gardens throughout are native Australian plants which are drought tolerant.
During construction the project employed 77 full-time jobs and once completed 15 full-time ongoing positions.
It's great to not only have our community recognised in our own state and nation but also on the global stage. Australia doesn't have many historical buildings and wonderful architecture but we do have a future and I believe our future is in the sustainability and architecture design space.