Incorporating the original design of the Southern Cross Station, 699 Bourke Street has managed to create a distinctive commercial opportunity at the junction of Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands. The project has is 20,000 square metres of contemporary 12-storey workspace, including room for 275 bicycle racks, and room for 33 car parking bays for electric vehicle charging.
“We relish the challenges inherent across a wide range of work, engaging our expertise and agility to deliver lasting, meaningful design that brings value and joy to clients and users,” said the architectural firm behind the structure, Grimshaw.
The modern building also conveniently offers integrated way-finding and signage around the building, so that its inhabitants can see real-time information about weather and transport to facilitate their journey to and from the workplace.
“Our design seeks to help unify the two precincts, delivering a building that not only responds to its urban context but also delivers premium office space in a newly created address,” voiced Grimshaw Partner, Neil Stonell.
In terms of sustainability, 699 Bourke Street features an 80,000-litre rainwater catchment system as well as a 90 kW rooftop solar system which generates approximately 110,000 kWh of electricity a year, significantly reducing the building’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 145 tonnes of C02 per annum. Similarly, during construction, thanks to well thought-out planning, a highly efficient structure was able to be used on the building, using no more material than was absolutely required.
The site was built over rail, requiring a new ground plane to be constructed in the development process. As a key planning initiative for the project, the public pedestrian laneway next to the building provides the connection between Bourke Street Bridge and Collins Street. Along with the development, the public laneway also offers an activated space that can be adapted for use.
As a contemporary and urban workplace, it was imperative to have daylight and views, presenting Grimshaw’s biggest challenge building directly above a railway. Preventing the building’s reflection shining into the eyes of rail workers was crucial, so thanks to a high-performance glaze façade and external shading to the north, 699 Bourke Street was able to maintain its views and mitigate risk to the workers below. 90% of the office floor is also situated within 12m of the high-performance glazed façade.
The building has achieved a 6-star Green Star Office design rating.