MODE's Design Scores 6 Star Green Star Rating
Announcement posted by MODE 23 May 2017
MODE was part of the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) project team, which has received a 6 Star Green Star rating for sustainable construction from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for the flagship building at the Springfield campus.
The $45 million building was designed by MODE to integrate and connect both the developing infrastructure and existing buildings.
Architecturally, the design supports an innovative and digitally connected learning environment, including simulated learning and research spaces. The completed space has enabled new course offerings in Education, Allied Health and Nursing, Engineering and Construction.
With a forward thinking design solution, the USQ Education Gateways Building (EDGY) design focuses on key aspects; the establishment of a strong urban edge, visual connection of internal/external aspects and innovation.
USQ’s Associate Director, Simon Pearl, said MODE contributed to the innovation achieved through built form, mass and scale, reflective of the existing surrounding context, with the flexibility to facilitate future developments.
“MODE played a vital role in the Design Development, Construction Documentation and Construction Services for this project and ensured the success of this flagship teaching facility,” said Mr. Pearl.
The education team at MODE was delighted to hear of the success as the building was originally awarded a 5 Star Green Star rating but pushed to gain the 6 Star Green Star rating upon completion of the build.
MODE’s Education Leader and Director, Andy Pham said the building was pivotal in establishing the industry standard and providing this new building was a key component of the university’s strategy for expansion and enrichment of student participation for generations to come.
“From day one the team at MODE understood the nature of the time and budget constraints of the project and genuinely committed to meeting design and subsequent procurement milestones within very tight timeframes, whilst still meeting our requirements in regard to quality, functionality and aesthetic dimensions. Even though there were substantial changes to the client brief late in the construction process, the education team took this in their stride, ensuring that the program remained on time and within budget,” said Mr. Pham.
MODE’s commitment to the design and construction improved operating efficiencies and reduced energy consumption, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the building and the overall environmental impact enabling USQ to become a driver of regional development.