Hames Sharley received the 2009 Basset Award for Sustainable Development at the Property Council State Chapter Awards last Friday (20th February 2009) for its work on the University of Western Australia’s Biomedical Research Facility in Shenton Park, adding up to the eighth award for the project.

Home to some of the nation’s leading scientists and researchers the design of the facility utilises sustainable features that reduce energy, water consumption and wastage while simultaneously improving indoor environmental quality.

Principal of Hames Sharley James Edwards said that the building was testament to The University’s early leadership in sustainability and the project set a high benchmark. “The University declared from the outset that the facility should be energy efficient and designed in line with ESD principles,” Mr Edwards said.

“The University’s passion and dedication to this project, gave the design team the opportunity to explore methods and design features that were ultimately incorporated into an extremely complex research and laboratory project. Since it’s opening, the facility has been continuously occupied by researchers who are keen to use the technology and facilities on offer.”

Sustainable features included the integration of thermal mass and perimeter buffer zones to provide 24 hour environmental control to the facility, external and features walls made from over 1,100 sqm of stabilised earth, introduction of natural lighting throughout to reduce the need for artificial lighting and a mixed mode ventilation system in the offices and amenities reduces energy use.

The building has been progressively tuned since handover and completion of commissioning, and a high degree of control over environmental conditions has been proved possible. Energy and water consumption have been significantly reduced as a result.

Hames Sharley was a finalist in 3 of the 7 categories listed in the Property Council State Chapter Awards. The firm was also recognized in the sustainable category for Pindan’s Alcoa Peel Regional Office and in the High Density Residential Developments category for, Allegro at the Peninsula Burswood nominated by Mirvac.