Active Travel Zone @ The Alfred

DESIGN INTENT

With a limited budget and an obscure location the brief for the Active Travel Zone was always going to require some creative thinking and problem solving. The Alfred wanted a comprehensive facility that would engage with the hospital staff and wider community, promoting the benefits of alternative means of travel to work, namely bike travel.

Clearly the architecture needed to do more than respond to a set of functional requirements – it had to make a point, create a difference and announce that this facility was something unique and positive.

Contrast was the key – by use of a fluid flowing form inserted into the hard edged, non-descript existing car park, by use of contrasting natural timber battens against the dull masonry of the external car park walls and by use of the simple but strong bands of colour and bike motif over several floors to proclaim the healthy alternative to driving – the ‘’green’’ alternative

SUSTAINABILITY

Adaptive reuse of building, re purposing and utilising existing services and infrastructure

Facility located on the northern side which allowed for excellent solar access, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and for heating.

Existing florescent and tungsten light fittings replaced with sensor activated LED fittings. All new fittings are same.

Flooring used is Comcork, the only Australian made resilient flooring which is GECA certified and fully recyclable.

Sustainably grown timbers used both externally and internally. All internal elements produced off-site to minimise wastage and cabinets designed with integral handles and labelling so no additional materials required.

Twin walled poly-carb roofing used on the additional built form which allows natural light to penetrate yet provides excellent thermal and UV protection.

Openable tinted windows for cross-flow ventilation – no mechanical cooling has been installed

Water saving fixtures in bathrooms

Timer controlled wall fans for additional breezes when needed

All paints and sealants used are low VOC