There are currently 21 projects registered for the Living Building Challenge across Australia. One project has achieved Full Living certification and another has achieved Petal Certification as of November 2021!
The SBRC is the first development in Australia, and the third outside the USA, to achieve the Living Building Challenge. As an organisation, the SBRC brings together students, researchers and industry to assist in the rapid decarbonisation of our built environment.
Key Stats
Location: Dharawal Country, Wollongong NSW
Client: University of Wollongong
Typology: Education & Research Facility
Site Area: 2,491m2
LBC Version: 2.1
Learn More:
University of Wollongong
International Living Future Institute Case Study
The University of Wollongong would like to acknowledge all the very many people who contributed to the achievement of the SBRC Building winning Living Certification status, and to particularly acknowledge the following individuals and their organizations who played very significant roles in accomplishing this outcome.
| Contributor | Role | Affiliation (During Project) | Current Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Cooper | SBRC Director | SBRC, University of Wollongong | SBRC, University of Wollongong |
| Lance Jeffery | SBRC Project Manager | SBRC, University of Wollongong | Hyve Projects |
| Gary Hudson | Innovation Campus Project Manager | University of Wollongong | Assured Solutions |
| Duane Robinson | SBRC Deputy Director | SBRC, University of Wollongong | SBRC, University of Wollongong |
| Craig McLauchlan | SBRC Research Facilities Manager | SBRC, University of Wollongong | SBRC, University of Wollongong |
| Leela Kempton | SBRC LBC Documentation | SBRC, University of Wollongong | SBRC, University of Wollongong |
| Lachlan Drake | SBRC LBC Documentation | SBRC, University of Wollongong | Lindsay Dynan Consulting Engineers |
| Joe Agius | Design Director | Cox Architecture | Cox Architecture |
| Michael Bradburn | Project Architect | Cox Architecture | Richard Crookes |
| Andy Marlow | Architect | Cox Architecture | Envirotecture |
| Hannah Morton | ESD Consultant | Cundall | Cundall |
| Tim Elgood | Principal | Cundall | Arup |
| Brian Coughlin | Senior Project Manager | Paragon Project Management | CBRE |
| Amelia Fabris | Site Engineer | Baulderstone |
Images courtesy SBRC
Burwood Brickworks is aiming to become the first retail Living Building Challenge development in the world. Opened to the public in December 2019, the centre is home to a variety of retailers, including Woolworths, Dan Murphy’s and Readings Cinemas, who have each changed their standard fitout practices and materials to fit into the strict requirements of the LBC. Along with an urban rooftop farm, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system, and statement murals by a local Indigenous artist, the centre is a suburban community hub that sets a world standard for healthy, inclusive living.
The project was subject to the LFIA’s LBC design competition in 2016.
Location: Wurundjeri Country, Burwood VIC
Owner: Frasers Property Australia
Typology: Commercial Retail
Site Area: 12,900m2
LBC Version: 3.1
Find out more:
Burwood Brickworks Website
LFIA’s 2016 Brickworks Design Competition
International Living Future Institute Case Study
Photography by Dianna Snape and Kata Shanasy, courtesy Frasers Property
The vision for Arup’s tenancy fit-out in Adelaide within the existing heritage-listed 182 Victoria Square building, is to develop a purpose-built, flexible, contemporary workplace that enhances staff wellbeing and productivity.
The new Adelaide office communicates Arup’s brand, and be a place that collaborators and clients feel welcome and excited to visit. Arup is keen to walk the talk and consider the Living Building Challenge international best practice in response to a globally leading sustainability strategy.
Location: Kaurna Country, Victoria Square, SA
Owner: Arup
Typology:Â Interior
Site Area: 800m2
LBC Version: 4.0
Find out more:
Shape.com.auÂ
Australian Financial ReviewÂ
Photography by Randy Larcombe courtesy ARUP
In a first for community building in Australia, the Hub is Passive House certified, while also built to achieve Living Building Challenge Petal Certification and Zero Energy Certification. Each one a rigorous sustainability certification that measures not only environmental performance, but also demand high-comfort standards that support the health, happiness and wellbeing of users.
Open in May 2022, the Hub provides the City of Moreland community with a welcoming, nature-inspired environment to learn, grow, celebrate and heal. Its centrepiece is the new contemporary library, with Glenroy Memorial Kindergarten, Maternal Child Health, a community health provider, neighbourhood learning and childcare collocated with the library. Framing the Hub as a ‘social connector’ is a key strategy to increase community awareness of the range of Council services and interaction.
Location: Wurundjeri Country, Glenroy, VIC
Owner: Moreland City Council
Typology:Â Community
Site Area: 4,432m2
LBC Version: 3.1
Find out more:
DesignInc Website
Building Engineering Website
WSP Website
Moreland City Council Website
Photography by Dianna Snape
The Biophilic Bungalow will demonstrate a new approach to single-family housing in existing neighbourhoods that contributes positively to the health and vitality of living systems.
The project will celebrate connection to history through the renovation of the existing 100-year-old California Bungalow and the inclusive design of the landscape that regenerates elements of the original coastal woodlands and heathlands, recognising the right of other species to thrive.
The project design process involves the local community and construction industry practitioners, to provide opportunities for collaborative learning and teaching. The project is targeting Core + Energy Petal Living Building Challenge certification, and the extension will be designed to meet Passivhaus standards.
Location: Boon Wurrung / Bunurong Country, Hampton, VIC
Owner: Chris and Sun Buntine
Typology:  Residential – Renovation/Double Storey Extension
Size: 240 m2 (100 m2 renovation and 140m2 extension)
Site Area: 667m2
LBC Version: 4.0
Find out more:
| Contributor | Role | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Chris and Sun Buntine | Sustainable Design | Owners |
| Talina Edwards | Architect / Passivhaus Designer | Envirotecture |
| Shaily Shah | Architect / Passivhaus Designer | Envirotecture |
| Courtney Herbert | Interior Design | Envirotecture |
| Jamie Shelton | Structural Engineering | Northrop Consulting Engineers |
| Owen Fung | Energy / Passivhaus Designer | Northrop Consulting Engineers |
| Pamela Chacon | Sustainable Design | Northrop Consulting Engineers |
| Robin Overall | Water Scientist | CJ Arms |
| Simon Taylor | Landscape Architecture | CJ Arms |
| Liam McAllister | Civil and Hydraulic Engineering | CJ Arms |
| Cris Hernandez | Ecologist | BioUrbem / RMIT |
| Reece Stubbs | Builder | Sociable Weaver |
Renders courtesy Envirotecture
The Paddock’s vision is “to create a new standard for sustainable living that fosters a sense of community and closer connection to nature.”
Stage 1 is complete as of December 2019, with 7 townhouses occupied and a community centre open for the new residents to get to know each other. A further 20 homes will be built around the site, with parklands, food gardens, and a wetland becoming the focal point for communal gatherings, bringing native species back onto the site, and creating stunning views for each home.
Location: Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Castlemaine VIC
Owner: Neil & Heather Barrett
Typology:Â Residential
Site Area: 13,900m2
LBC Version: 3.1
Find out more:
Images courtesy The Paddock
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